In its most straightforward interpretation, the statement reflects a common scenario in growing businesses where two founding partners initially contribute equally across all aspects of their work but eventually diverge as responsibilities expand and the business hires more people. As the company grows larger, these initial contributors typically move away from direct involvement in day-to-day tasks like development or production.
The quote delves deeper into the dynamics of entrepreneurial growth and the shifting roles within a team as it expands. Initially, partners often wear multiple hats, contributing to all areas of business operations. However, as success brings new hires and increased responsibilities, founders naturally gravitate towards different areas that best suit their skills and interests. This shift can sometimes lead to a disconnect from the core work that initially drove them—such as development in Andrew Oliver's case—which might bring about both challenges and opportunities for personal growth and business evolution.
The quote is attributed to Andrew Oliver, who is known for his extensive experience in game development and entrepreneurship. His reflections on the journey of founding and growing a company offer valuable insights into the complex transition from small startup to large-scale enterprise.
