Starting something new is like driving on an unfamiliar road. You have a map, sure, but along the way, there are detours and roadblocks, and sometimes, you just have to pull over and figure things out. That’s exactly what hit me as I talked with Tarun Aleti, co-founder and Chief Product Technology Officer of PartRunner. His path wasn’t some neatly paved highway—it was a constant series of pivots and decisions, like most real-life journeys in business.
What really stuck with me from our conversation was how Tarun’s story reflects something I’ve seen over and over: the best entrepreneurs are the ones who don’t cling to their original plan. They adapt. They make tough calls. And they keep going, even when the road ahead looks nothing like the one they set out on.
The Pivot Isn’t a Failure, It’s a Step Forward
We’ve all been there, right? You start something with one vision, but after a while, it’s clear that it’s just not working the way you thought. Most people double down, trying to force it. Tarun didn’t. Instead, he and his team adjusted and shifted their focus from home supply delivery to big and bulky logistics—an industry that’s tough, unglamorous, but desperately in need of innovation.
When Tarun first started, his idea was simple: “Why can’t we move home supplies on the same day instead of scheduling deliveries weeks in advance?” It sounded great in theory, but after two years of trial and error, they realized there was a bigger opportunity in the logistics space. They pivoted to PartRunner—a platform that helps move large, non-standard equipment for businesses.
As Tarun put it, “Sometimes you’re just not supposed to end up where you started. You learn along the way and make the changes you need to make.”
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Adaptation is the real game: You’ve got to stay flexible. If you’re too attached to your original plan, you’ll miss the bigger opportunities.
- Market feedback matters: Listen to the people you’re trying to serve. They’ll tell you what works and what doesn’t.
- Pivots aren’t failures: Changing direction isn’t a sign you’re off track. It’s proof that you’re figuring things out.
Hiring for Complementary Strengths
Here’s a mistake I’ve seen people make time and again: hiring a bunch of people who are good at the same things you are. Tarun made that mistake too. Early on, he worked with a team that was too similar to him. Same strengths, same weaknesses. Unsurprisingly, things didn’t work out. As he put it, “We all had the same strengths and weaknesses, and it didn’t make sense.”
It wasn’t until he met his current co-founders that things started to click. This time, their skills were complementary. “You know right away when the puzzle pieces start fitting together,” Tarun explained. Instead of stepping on each other’s toes, they played off each other’s strengths, and that’s what allowed PartRunner to gain traction.
It’s not just about hiring people who are good at what they do. It’s about trusting them to handle their part of the business while you focus on yours. If you’re trying to do everything, you’re going to burn out. Tarun and his team found that balance and it’s been a huge part of their success.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Don’t clone yourself: Hiring people who are too much like you is a recipe for disaster. You need people who can do what you can’t.
- Trust is everything: Once you find the right people, let them do their jobs. Micromanaging doesn’t scale.
- Roles will evolve: As your company grows, people’s roles will change. Be open to redefining what people do as you go.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with Tarun reminded me of just how important it is to learn quickly and be open to change. He admitted that if he could go back in time, he’d have pushed himself and his team to learn faster. “Sometimes you get into a zone where you’re just doing things without really learning. It’s easy to get stuck there.” And it’s true—whether it’s business or life, the longer you stay on autopilot, the harder it is to get out.
One thing that stood out to me was how Tarun approached feedback. He wasn’t afraid to admit that listening to criticism—especially when it’s harsh—is necessary. “Sometimes the hardest feedback to hear is the most important,” he said, and he’s right. It’s easy to brush off what we don’t want to hear, but often, that’s where the most growth happens.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Learn faster, adapt quicker: Don’t get comfortable. Push yourself to keep learning, especially when things seem to be going well.
- Feedback is fuel: Don’t just listen to the good stuff. The harsh feedback is where real improvement happens.
- Resilience is key: Startups take time. You’ve got to be ready for the long haul and willing to make tough decisions along the way.
- Big picture thinking: Don’t get caught up in the small stuff. Always keep your eye on the bigger goal.
- The right team matters: Building a successful company isn’t just about having a great product. It’s about having the right people in place to make it happen.
Final Thoughts
Building a business is never as smooth as you imagine it will be. There are roadblocks, pivots, and moments when you’re not sure if it’s all going to work out. But if there’s one thing I took from my conversation with Tarun, it’s this: success comes from being adaptable, hiring the right people, and always being willing to learn.
You’re not going to get it right the first time—or even the second. But as long as you’re willing to adjust, keep learning, and trust the people around you, you’ve got a shot.
CONNECT WITH TARUN ALETI:
Website: https://www.partrunner.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarun-aleti/