Tom Redman

In the realm of startups and technology, there exists a role that is both crucial and, at times, paradoxical: the product manager. Picture the scene: a group of engineers, designers, and marketers huddled around a conference table, attempting to decipher the enigmatic nature of their collective endeavor. It is at this moment that the product manager emerges, a figure who bridges the gap between the chaotic world of creation and the methodical realm of execution.

The essence of product management lies in its inherent duality. It encompasses the art of empathizing with users, understanding their needs and desires, while simultaneously wielding the tools of business acumen and technical competence. It is a role that requires the vision of an artist, the mind of a scientist, and the heart of an entrepreneur.

If one were to delve deeper into the life of a product manager, they would find themselves awash in a sea of tasks that range from user research and wireframing to prioritization and roadmapping. Amidst these varied responsibilities, the product manager operates as a compass for the team, providing direction and clarity in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme.

One might be tempted to draw an analogy between product management and the process of writing. In both disciplines, the practitioner begins with a blank canvas, an abyss of possibility that demands an idea to be born. The writer and product manager both traverse the winding paths of ideation and iteration, slowly refining their visions as they discover the contours of their creations.

However, product management is not without its pitfalls. It is a role that demands constant vigilance, for the landscape of creation is ever-changing. The best product managers are those who can adapt to the shifting tides of technology and consumer behavior, embracing the unknown with courage and resilience. They understand that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the journey toward success.

There are those who may argue that product management is merely a cog in the machine of a startup, a position that lacks the creative flair of a designer or the analytical prowess of an engineer. The product manager is more akin to an explorer, charting the uncharted territory of human desire and technological potential.

As with any explorer, the product manager's journey is fraught with challenges and rewards. They must walk a tightrope, balancing the needs of users, the constraints of technology, and the demands of business. It is a delicate dance, a complex interplay of factors that, when harmonized, can yield a product of unparalleled beauty and utility.

In conclusion, the world of product management is a rich and complex landscape, where the borders between creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship blur. It is a role that requires curiosity, resilience, and empathy, as well as a willingness to embrace the unknown. We can see product management not as a mere occupation but as a journey, an adventure into the heart of what it means to create something of value in this ever-changing world.

Lessons Invoicing

1k MRR / Active Development

Simple, fast, and professional invoicing for freelancers. Lessons Invoicing has been used by coaches, instructors, and teachers across the world to collect over $10 million.

I share the high and lows, and the process and progress of building a SaaS company in a YouTube series called Lessons in Building a SaaS Company.

You can download it on the App Store.

Site Command

Project Management SaaS / Acquired November 2021

Construction project management software designed for small residential builders. Site Command has been simplifying the building and renovation process since 2019 and was acquired in late 2021.

It's been used to manage hundreds of projects worth over $50 million.

How is it different? Site Command is designed to be accessible, simple, modern — and it was priced to be approachable for small builders. Simple, but significantly different from the incumbents.

Learn more about Site Command here.