She ditched retirement to launch a startup at 60. Despite no tech experience, founder-CEO works 70-hour weeks with a clear exit strategy

At 60, Karen Hastie from Ontario, Canada, could have embraced a quiet retirement after selling her decades-long fitness business for a seven-figure sum during the pandemic. Instead, she launched a new venture—the Chamber Perks App, a digital platform supporting local Chambers of Commerce enhance member engagement and value. Speaking to Business Insider, Karen reflected, “Retirement was never really in my vocabulary. I knew I still had more to give.”

No Tech Background, No Problem

Karen had no prior experience in technology, yet she leaned on decades of entrepreneurial expertise to assemble a team capable of executing her vision. Her CTO, experienced in Silicon Valley startups, manages technical development from Calgary, while her daughter oversees marketing through her social media expertise. “I know what I bring to the table,” Karen stated, “and I don’t have to do it all myself.”

Adjusting to a Younger Workforce

Navigating a tech startup dominated by younger employees required patience and flexibility. Karen adjusted her work habits, respected work-life balance expectations, and avoided micromanaging. Her typical week stretches to 60-70 hours, but passion drives her productivity. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” she informed Women Thrive Magazine.
Karen’s goal was never financial necessity. Free from monetary stress after her previous business, she chose this venture to support tiny businesses and create meaningful impact. Over 2½ years, the bootstrapped company reinvested all earnings to fuel growth. Now, Karen is expanding services with Chamber Member Pro, a CRM solution for Chambers of Commerce.

Planning Ahead With an Exit Strategy

Unlike many entrepreneurs, Karen is already believeing strategically about her future. “This isn’t another 30-year run for me,” she stated. Her plan includes scaling the business for acquisition or shifting into a hands-off role in the next few years, ensuring sustainability without personal burnout. Karen emphasizes leveraging experience, embracing what you don’t know, and ignoring societal noise. “Age is just a number,” she stated. “Focus on your strengths, be humble about what you don’t know, and let purpose guide your next chapter.” Karen Hastie’s story illustrates that retirement can be redefined—where purpose, passion, and experience create the foundation for late-stage entrepreneurship, even in the quick-paced world of tech.

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