Geoff Strawbridge is the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about community—he builds it. As the founder of BootstrapVT, Geoff helps companies grow through a unique blend of strategic insight, creative thinking, and unwavering commitment to the people and places around him. At the core of his work is a deep dedication to Vermont’s business ecosystem, one that extends far beyond spreadsheets and into the heart of what makes this community thrive.
During his interview, Geoff casually dropped the term keiretsu—a Japanese word for a network of interconnected businesses. It was a lesson in itself: Vermont’s economy, in his view, isn’t just a patchwork of startups and small businesses, but a deliberately woven fabric of mutual support and shared growth. “Community is a vital layer in our business ecosystem,” he says. “It provides support, camaraderie, and powerful business connections.” For Geoff, Hula isn’t just a workspace—it’s a key node in that network.
That commitment to collective success shows up in the way Geoff builds. He builds businesses, yes—but also teams, momentum, and trust. Whether he’s mentoring a founder, hosting a collaborative meeting, or designing a growth strategy, Geoff is focused on creating the conditions for others to succeed. His leadership is less about the spotlight and more about the scaffolding: the behind-the-scenes support that helps Vermont’s entrepreneurial community rise together.
A pivotal moment in Geoff’s career came when he stepped away from the familiar territory of data and spreadsheets and began experimenting with design tools like Photoshop and Figma. “I lost track of time,” he recalls. “That feeling—of being fully immersed, fully alive in your work—is a sign you’re on the right path.” He encourages others to look for that state of flow in their own careers and to embrace the process, even when it’s hard to see where it’s all leading.
He also points to a crucial piece of reading that shaped his approach to leadership: Good to Great by Jim Collins. In particular, Chapter 3 stands out. “Get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and then figure out where to drive it,” Geoff paraphrases. It’s not just a business cliché to him—it’s a framework. He sees this principle at work not only in startups but in teams, communities, and ecosystems. Building anything worthwhile, Geoff believes, starts with choosing the right people—and trusting that purpose and direction will follow.
Geoff credits his growth mindset and a piece of hard-earned wisdom—radical ownership—as foundations for his success. “It means taking complete and unwavering responsibility for your actions, without making excuses or blaming others,” he explains. It’s a mindset that demands courage but builds resilience.
When setbacks come, Geoff doesn’t dwell. His approach is simple and effective: “Keep moving. Climb high, climb far.” It’s this persistent, forward-thinking attitude that has helped him—and those he mentors—navigate the uncertainties of business with clarity and confidence.
In a state where small businesses are the backbone of the economy, Geoff Strawbridge stands out as a builder—not just of companies, but of culture, community, and shared purpose. Vermont is better for it.
