The Greatest Journey from Tragedy to Triumph in Business with Justin Lapier

In this episode of "Neil on Business," host Neil Darling interviews Justin Lapier, founder and CEO of Synctivate. Justin shares his journey from military service and overcoming personal tragedy to building a tech company that empowers small businesses. The conversation covers his challenges with a past legal issue, his vision for accessible software solutions, and the importance of resilience, company culture, and giving people second chances. Justin’s story highlights perseverance, leadership, and the drive to create meaningful impact for both his team and the broader small business community.

About Justin Lapier

Justin isn't just a leader; he's a pioneer in the software industry. His vision for innovation and knack for creating user-friendly, scalable solutions have helped hundreds of businesses streamline their operations. He's been in the game long enough to know what works and what doesn't, making him an invaluable asset to any project.

Justin’s Background and Early Life (00:01:14) Justin shares his upbringing in Fredericksburg, family background, and high school years.

Military Service and Early Adulthood (00:03:48) Justin discusses graduating high school, joining the Navy, and his role as an aviation electrician.

Transition from Navy to Civilian Life (00:04:39) Justin talks about leaving the Navy, going back to school in Germany, and working various jobs.

First Steps into Tech and Applebee’s Years (00:05:07) Justin describes working at Applebee’s, other odd jobs, and pursuing a computer networking degree.

Breaking into Tech: Intuit Opportunity (00:05:59) Justin explains applying for tech jobs, getting offers from Intuit and his brother’s company.

Landing the Intuit Job and Setback (00:07:12) Justin details the Intuit interview, job offer, and last-minute background check issue.

Legal Trouble and Its Impact (00:09:09) Justin reveals his past manslaughter charge from a car accident during his Navy years.

Present Day: Sync Devait and Buildable (00:10:21) Justin introduces his current companies, Synctivate and Buildable, and their missions.

Building a Billion-Dollar Business (00:11:28) Justin shares his vision for Buildable, aiming to help small businesses and scale massively.

What is Buildable? (00:12:47) Justin explains Buildable as a customizable, no-code business system platform for small businesses.

Product Launch and Local Focus (00:13:48) Justin discusses Buildable’s launch, AI integration, and plans to support local businesses.

Real Estate Ventures (00:15:05) Justin talks about starting a real estate company with his brother and buying commercial property.

Revisiting the Legal Past (00:15:19) The conversation returns to Justin’s car accident in 2004 and its aftermath.

The Accident and Its Aftermath (00:16:06) Justin recounts the details of the accident, loss of friends, and emotional/psychological impact.

Legal Proceedings and Recovery (00:21:48) Justin describes the legal process, jail time, and the struggle to recover emotionally.

Transition to Applebee’s and Job Search Struggles (00:23:13) Justin talks about post-jail life, depression, and difficulty finding tech jobs due to his record.

Turning Point: Taking a Chance at Intuit (00:28:25) Justin’s father encourages him to show up at Intuit despite setbacks, leading to a career breakthrough.

Corporate Career and Growth at Intuit (00:31:16)