scaling without sacrifice - by Igor Finkelshtein

Scaling Without Sacrificing Standards

Growing a business is hard. Growing multiple businesses across different industries—without cutting corners—is even harder. But if there’s one principle I’ve held onto throughout my career, it’s this: Growth means nothing if you lose what made you successful in the first place. The statistics tell a sobering story: 65.3% of businesses fail by their tenth…

What I Look for in a Winning Team: Data-Driven Lessons from Building Across Industries

What I Look for in a Winning Team: Data-Driven Lessons from Building Across Industries

I’ve built companies in transportation, technology, and real estate—and while the industries are different, one thing has remained constant: the importance of building the right team. No matter how great the idea, no business can scale without people you can trust, rely on, and grow with. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize the traits…

Image with bus, laptop

From Fleet to Feature Set: Applying Real-World Pain Points to Product Design

In business, some of the best software isn’t built in a boardroom—it’s built on the ground. My journey into tech didn’t start with venture capital or a pitch deck. It started with bus routes, driver dispatches, no-show reports, and compliance audits. Before co-founding ISI Technology, my partner and I spent years operating transportation businesses where…

Building a Business With Purpose: Community First

Building a Business With Purpose: Community First

In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s easy to chase numbers and forget people. I’ve built my career in industries where that kind of thinking doesn’t last. Whether in transportation, real estate, or technology, I’ve learned that businesses rooted in community—not just profit—create the most lasting impact. Why “Community First” Isn’t Just a Slogan When I…

Illustration of transportation, technology and real estate industries

Lessons Learned Across Transportation, Tech, and Real Estate

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’ve learned that firsthand by building and leading businesses in three very different industries: transportation, technology, and real estate. Each field comes with its own rules, challenges, and opportunities—but navigating these landscapes has taught me a few universal lessons that guide every decision I make. 1. People First—No Matter the Industry Whether…