We recently connected with Brian Lalli and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Life is a series of calculated risks – a philosophy I carry with me, quite literally, with a tattoo on my right forearm. But one risk, in particular, stands out as a turning point in my journey.

After graduating college, I dove headfirst into a finance career. Three years in, I realized it wasn’t for me. So, I pivoted to pursue an MBA, which also didn’t pan out. Suddenly, I found myself bartending in Manhattan and selling tickets at Madison Square Garden, working grueling hours that left me feeling burnt out.

Then, a lifeline appeared in the form of an old college football teammate who had started a “better for you” coffee company with his brothers. Joining their scrappy, fast-growing startup was exhilarating. We went from zero to $90 million in annual sales, securing partnerships with Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Aaron Rodgers, and distribution agreements with Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Despite our success, a breakfast conversation with my dad back home in Pennsylvania changed everything. My father, a seasoned computer programmer, asked why I’d never considered following in his footsteps. That simple question planted a seed.

Soon after, I began seeing ads for coding bootcamps. The booming post-Covid tech industry and the potential financial upside piqued my interest. Realizing I lacked hard skills in my current path, I took the plunge, resigned from my stable job, and enrolled in a coding bootcamp at the University of Texas at Austin.

I emerged certified in web development and landed a job at Whole Foods Market, managing global inventory for over 500 stores on Amazon. Simultaneously, I started building websites and apps for friends, which quickly turned into a lucrative side hustle.

As my side projects consumed more of my time, I faced a crucial decision: should I go all-in? After discussing it with my supportive fiancée and weighing the risks, I took the leap. I resigned from Whole Foods, launched Moon Rooster LLC, and never looked back.

It wasn’t easy – we had a newborn, and my fiancée was laid off during her maternity leave. Many thought I was crazy. But I knew I’d regret not trying. Now, eight months later, my business is thriving. We’ve developed over 20 websites and mobile apps for clients worldwide and are on track to exceed all first year goals and expectations.

While luck played a role, I believe in creating your own luck through calculated risks. Today, I’m happier than ever, doing work I love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Moon Rooster LLC, we build technology for clients to save them time and make them money. We specialize in custom software and website development, offering innovative solutions across various industries. Our expertise includes web design, mobile apps, graphic design, digital marketing, and e-commerce. By prioritizing user experience and using the latest technologies, we deliver tailored, efficient solutions that exceed client expectations.

Based in Scranton, PA – yes, just like The Office – Moon Rooster LLC serves both local and global clients with a commitment to robust post-launch support and SEO strategies to enhance online visibility. What sets us apart is our relentless dedication to quality, creativity, and client satisfaction. We believe in not just meeting, but surpassing, the needs of our clients, helping them streamline operations, automate processes, and achieve their business goals.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is our ability to forge lasting relationships with our clients. We don’t just deliver a product; we partner with businesses to understand their unique challenges and provide solutions that drive long term success. Our clients’ victories are our victories, and their growth fuels our passion.

Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that Moon Rooster LLC is more than just a development agency. We are a dedicated team of creative professionals who are genuinely invested in the success of your projects. Whether you’re a small business looking to establish an online presence or a large corporation seeking to innovate, we’re here to turn your vision into reality.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I leaped from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, I had to shift from a process-driven mindset to an outcome-driven one.

In the corporate realm, success was about following established processes and routines. My value was tied to my ability to adhere to these systems and complete tasks efficiently. However, as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with Moon Rooster LLC, I realized that this approach needed to change. Success in entrepreneurship wasn’t just about the process; it was about adding value and delivering results.

This shift became clear when I completed a complex web application for a client. Initially, I charged by the hour, meticulously tracking every minute I spent on the project. The client, pleased with the final product, paid the invoice without hesitation. However, I soon realized that this hourly rate didn’t reflect the true value and impact of the work I delivered. It was a wake-up call: clients cared more about the outcomes than the hours logged.

Recognizing this, I reassessed my pricing model and made a significant shift from hourly rates to fixed project rates. This change allowed me to focus on delivering high-quality results without being constrained by the clock. Clients appreciated knowing the total cost upfront and valued the tangible outcomes of my work more than the time it took to achieve them.

This mindset shift from process to outcome-driven thinking significantly boosted our revenue and attracted clients who valued our results. It wasn’t just about completing tasks anymore; it was about driving success and delivering exceptional value. Clients respected this approach, and new opportunities arose as I positioned Moon Rooster LLC as a premium service provider.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’m proud to say Moon Rooster LLC is entirely bootstrapped, and my goal is to keep it that way for as long as possible.

As you might have guessed by now, I’m not one to shy away from risks. When I decided to launch Moon Rooster LLC, I went all in. I liquidated stock options from my previous jobs, viewing it as reinvesting into something I had full control over and far more upside potential. It was a bold move, but hey, if you’re not betting on yourself, who will?

Since then, I’ve carefully managed every dollar, reinvesting as much as possible back into the business. I’ve upgraded our technology stack to keep us ahead of the curve, expanded our marketing efforts to reach more clients, and donated to causes we strongly support. Each decision is a personal commitment to our growth and success. I’m dedicated to building a sustainable, scalable business that thrives on innovation and commitment to excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moonrooster.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonrooster.llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonRoosterLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moon-rooster-llc
• Twitter: https://x.com/moonroosterllc

Image Credits

All images are owned by Moon Rooster LLC.