Akshat Thirani reflects on his decade-long journey building Amper, a company aimed at modernizing factory operations for small and mid-sized manufacturers, which dominate the global supply chain. Frustrated by outdated methods like whiteboards and Excel, he sought to democratize access to modern technology. His experiences as a fourth-generation manufacturer fueled his conviction that consumer-friendly software could transform industrial operations. Thirani emphasizes the need for intuitive, affordable solutions tailored to SMBs, contrasting their tight margins with the high profitability of software firms. Thirani breaks down Amper's evolution into four phases. The initial "wandering years" involved extensive factory visits, where he and his co-founders engaged directly with operators to identify needs. This led to early scaling, marked by a doubling of monthly growth and the cultivation of strong customer relationships. However, in 2023, Amper faced significant challenges that necessitated a comprehensive reinvention of its product and operations. Despite these hurdles, the company emerged with a clearer focus and a more robust offering, ultimately serving over 250 customers, including major players like Boeing and Toyota. Recently, Amper was acquired by ECI Solutions, a leading provider of manufacturing software for SMBs. This acquisition aims to expand Amper's reach and impact, allowing it to better fulfill its mission of integrating modern software solutions into manufacturing. Thirani expresses gratitude for the support from his co-founder, family, employees, and customers throughout this journey, highlighting the collaborative effort required to reach this milestone.