What does it take to build a business from scratch? Hard work, long nights, a little luck, and maybe even cutting down a few hundred trees (literally).
In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, shares his experience from racing bicycles to launching a creative agency in Chattanooga, TN.
If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner or entrepreneur looking for insights on business, marketing, and creative problem-solving, this episode is for you.
From Racing Bikes to Building Brands
Sam’s story doesn’t start in an office, it starts on a bike.
Long before Spectruss, Sam was a competitive cyclist, pushing himself to the limit. But after dropping out of college to focus on racing, reality hit hard when he got his ass handed to him in his first pro race.
So, what do you do when your plan doesn’t work out? You adapt.
His background in computer science (the one subject in college he actually liked) led him to building websites for small businesses. His first gig? A local coffee shop website, paid partly in coffee and a few hundred bucks.
That’s when he realized businesses didn’t just need websites, they needed branding, marketing, and a plan to grow.
The Start of Spectruss
Before Spectruss, there was Silvey Development, a scrappy operation where Sam juggled coding, photography, and design to help businesses build their online presence.
But if you’ve ever started a business, you know money is tight in the early days. So, when an opportunity arose to clear a tornado-hit property (225 trees, to be exact), he took it.
With zero tree-cutting experience and a couple of chainsaws, he and his crew completed the job for $75,000, enough to fund Spectruss’ first office, new equipment, and a proper start.
From living in the back of his office on a futon to growing a creative agency, Sam built Spectruss with hard work, adaptability, and a vision to help businesses succeed.
Why Spectruss?
The name Spectruss is more than just a brand.
- “Spectr-“ comes from spectrum, representing the wide range of creative and digital solutions they offer.
- “-Truss” refers to a strong structural beam, symbolizing the solid foundation businesses need for growth.
At its core, Spectruss helps companies stand out through branding, marketing, and digital strategy.
Learn more about Spectruss here.
Lessons for Business Owners
Entrepreneurs, take notes. Here’s what Sam’s experience teaches about starting and growing a business:
Adaptability matters – Your first idea might not work, and that’s okay. Shift, learn, and find the right opportunity.
Success takes time – It took years of effort for Spectruss to become what it is today.
Solve real problems – Whether it’s a website, brand strategy, or marketing campaign, helping businesses grow is what makes the difference.
Work with the right people – Business is tough. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values.
Where Spectruss is Today
From coffee shop websites to full-scale brand strategy, Spectruss has grown into a well-established digital marketing agency in Chattanooga.
They now help businesses with:
- Brand Strategy & Creative Design
- Website Development & SEO
- Social Media & Digital Advertising
- Marketing Campaigns & Business Growth Strategy
And they’re not slowing down. Spectruss continues to help brands grow and create real impact through digital marketing.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just love real stories about starting a business from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.
Catch the full episode on:
Need a Marketing Partner? Let’s Talk.
If you’re a small business in Chattanooga or beyond looking for:
Branding that makes an impact
Websites that actually convert
Digital marketing strategies that work
Spectruss can help.
