oday's guest had the notion that he'd one day do something entrepreneurial.

But as he neared 40, he was still in a W-2.

One that was hard to leave, given how generous the salaries are in tech, his industry.

But it was precisely that looming birthday that forced the issue for Tom Matter.

Tom's words:

"Looking at 40 approaching fast really was like, okay, you've got to do something. You can't just have this idea in the back of your head that one day you'll do it anymore. You actually have to make the move and go forward and see what happens."

To his credit, he did exactly that.

And he brought in his brother Dawson to help him run things, a partnership that has been crucial to navigating a chaotic transition.

The Matter brothers' business cleans vent hoods for restaurants.

There was a lot to like about it:

• high margin
• thin competition
• a service mandated by law
• how much there was to professionalize.

There were also weaknesses:

• how much there was to professionalize (that one is both pro & con)
• and the logistics of operating a nocturnal business

As of recording, Tom & Dawson are through the worst of the transition, but you'll hear what a feat that was, requiring not just the devoted attention of Tom and Dawson, but Dawson's wife as well.

Here are Tom Matter and Dawson Matter, owners of Pro Duct Cleaning.