1. What prompted me to choose this book?
I chose this book because I must rebuild with less capital and tighter timelines once I leave custody. Ries writes about starting lean, testing ideas fast, and avoiding waste—exactly the mindset I’ll need.
2. What did I learn from reading this book?
Ries keeps it basic: build a small version, see if anyone cares, fix what’s wrong, repeat. He warns against bragging about big sales numbers when the profit is barely a penny. That part stung—I used to chase “big deals” and ignore how long the job took or how little was left after costs. The book reminds me to test ideas fast, watch the money that stays in my pocket, and change course quickly if the numbers don’t work.
3. How will reading this book contribute to my success upon release?
When I walk out, I won’t chase giant projects just to prove a point. I’ll pick one tired house, track every dollar per square foot, log how many days it takes to sell, and let those numbers decide my next move. That keeps the risk low, keeps a few good workers paid, and enables lenders see steady progress instead of big promises. If the data looks solid, I’ll take on the next deal; if it doesn’t, I’ll pivot before I dig a deeper hole. The Lean Startup concept aligns perfectly with my situation: taking small steps, using honest metrics, and exercising patience as I rebuild both my business and my credibility.
