Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path. For Garrett Dailey, co-founder of Lucid Consulting, it’s been a rollercoaster ride—one that’s taken him from living in a tent in the Nevada desert to helping startups raise over $15 million. Recently, Garrett shared his inspiring journey and actionable insights on the From Startup to Wunderbrand podcast. Here are the key takeaways that every founder needs to hear.

The Unconventional Path: From the Desert to the Boardroom

Garrett’s story is anything but ordinary. After dropping out of college, he embarked on a journey marked by grit and resilience. He recalls one of the most challenging yet transformative periods of his life: living in a tent in Nevada while working at Tesla. With only $200 to his name, he camped on Bureau of Land Management land, enduring freezing nights and relentless winds, all while pursuing his dream of financial stability and purpose. “Living in a tent for a month was honestly the best month of my life,” Garrett shared. “Waking up to crisp desert mornings with no one around taught me resilience and clarity. It was the ultimate reset.” This chapter of Garrett’s life underscores a powerful lesson: the road to success often begins in discomfort. When faced with challenges, lean into them. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Low Explicit Value? Create Your Own Opportunities

Garrett introduced a concept that deeply resonated with listeners: explicit value vs. implicit value.

Explicit value refers to the clear, measurable worth seen on a resume—like degrees, titles, and promotions. For someone with a “non-traditional” background (think 28 jobs and no college degree), explicit value might appear low. But that doesn’t tell the full story.

“People with low explicit value are forced into entrepreneurship to prove their worth,” Garrett explained. “If you’re not getting opportunities handed to you, you have to create them.”

For Garrett, this meant diving into startups, learning on the fly, and building a reputation for delivering results. This insight is a reminder to founders: the traditional path isn’t the only path. If the system doesn’t recognize your worth, show them what they’re missing.

The Power of Storytelling in Pitching‍

If there’s one skill every founder must master, it’s storytelling.

As Garrett explained, “Stories are how we transmit cause-and-effect information as humans.”

Investors don’t just want to hear facts; they want to feel inspired. A well-crafted story helps them see the potential of your vision.Garrett shared his approach to storytelling in pitches, which follows a simple yet powerful framework:

1. The Change:

Highlight a significant shift in the world that makes your solution urgent and relevant.

2. The Opportunity:

Showcase how your idea leverages this change to create value.

3. The Risk:

Explain the consequences of ignoring this opportunity.For example, during his own startup pitch, Garrett focused on the growing need for creator-owned content platforms. He framed it as a societal shift: “The world has changed. Creators want ownership, but platforms often become chaotic without proper design. Our solution offers both ownership and structure.”

Good Design Builds Trust

A standout moment in the podcast was Garrett’s emphasis on the importance of design. “Good design doesn’t just look good—it builds legitimacy,” he said. For startups pitching to investors, a polished deck is more than aesthetics; it’s about signaling seriousness and credibility. Garrett shared how his work at Lucid Consulting focuses on creating visually compelling pitch decks that tell a clear story. “When an investor sees a well-designed deck, it subconsciously tells them: this founder knows what they’re doing,” he explained. Founders, take note: investing in good design isn’t optional. It’s the first step in making your pitch unforgettable.

Persistence and Iteration: The Key to Pitching Success

Garrett’s entrepreneurial journey also revealed a truth that many founders overlook: great pitches aren’t born—they’re refined.

“You’re not going to succeed on your first pitch,” Garrett said. “Treat every pitch as a learning experience. Each question you get is an opportunity to refine your story.”

He likened pitching to stand-up comedy. Comedians test jokes in small clubs before perfecting them for a Netflix special. Similarly, founders should aim to pitch 25–50 times before presenting to high-stakes investors. This iterative process not only improves the pitch but also builds the confidence needed to win over a room.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lucid Consulting?

As Lucid Consulting continues to grow, Garrett has ambitious goals for the company. One of his dreams is to offer pitch deck services in exchange for equity, aligning the company’s success with that of its clients.“If we can move towards an equity-based model, we’re not just consultants—we’re partners in their success,” Garrett shared. This vision underscores Lucid’s commitment to supporting founders in meaningful, impactful ways.

Watch the Full Episode

Garrett’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and storytelling. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, there’s something to learn from his journey.

Watch the full From Startup to Wunderbrand episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD6GJD9iQJ0

In the video, Garrett shares even more insights, including actionable advice for improving your pitch, avoiding common mistakes, and building a business you’re truly passionate about.