Build Boldly with Pat Rodgers

From Software Engineer to 3D Printing Entrepreneur: Jim Hribar on Scaling Rebar Labs

RISE Commercial District Season 1 Episode 20

What does it take to grow a side hustle into a full-scale business? In this episode of Build Boldly, Pat Rodgers sits down with Jim Hribar, founder of Rebar Labs, to explore the entrepreneurial journey from software engineering to building a thriving 3D printing business. Jim shares how he turned a side hustle selling model train mounts on Etsy into a company now running 15 machines and fulfilling orders for more than 300 national and international clients.

You’ll hear insights on:

  • Leveraging platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy for growth
  • Optimizing warehouse space and machine capacity to scale
  • Expanding into fulfillment and new product lines
  • Using AI tools to streamline operations and marketing
  • The future of 3D printing for replacement parts and niche products

If you’re an entrepreneur interested in e-commerce, 3D printing, or scaling a niche business into something much bigger, this episode is packed with actionable lessons.

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