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  • How to Build a Brand Without Taking Yourself Too Seriously | Sean McCullum

    How to Build a Brand Without Taking Yourself Too Seriously | Sean McCullum
    2026/09/03

    Sean McCullum, Chief Marketing Officer at Takomo Golf, joins Levi and Colby to unpack the marketing behind a fast-growing golf brand challenging one of the industry’s most traditional models.

    The conversation explores how Takomo used a direct-to-consumer approach and creator partnerships to reach golfers differently, along with psychographics versus demographics, disruptive positioning, balancing brand-building with short-term activation, and why talking directly to customers still matters.

    A special thank you to our sponsor - AtlanticCanadaBusiness.news

    Connect with Atlantic Canada Business News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlanticcanadabusiness-news
    Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mccullum-8a945688
    Connect with Levi:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence
    Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    Levi and Colby welcome Sean and set up the conversation.

    02:39 – From Journalism to Marketing and Startups
    Sean explains his journalism background, move into startup marketing, and eventual launch of Rat Dog Media.

    07:42 – How Takomo Challenged the Traditional Golf Industry
    Sean breaks down Takomo's direct-to-consumer model and the conditions that created an opportunity for disruption.

    10:32 – The Shift From Pro Golf to Online Creators
    How golf audiences began spending more time with YouTube creators and why Takomo invested heavily in those relationships.

    17:30 – Giving Creators Freedom Instead of Control
    Why Takomo deliberately avoids over-managing its creator partnerships and protects the authenticity that makes creators valuable.

    21:43 – Growing Through New Products, People and Markets
    Sean explains the business fundamentals Takomo is returning to as the company moves beyond its early growth stage.

    26:37 – Building a Brand That Reflects the People Behind It
    Why Takomo's relaxed, self-aware brand voice was intentionally built around the personalities and beliefs inside the company.

    30:58 – The “Contrarian and Correct” Branding Framework
    Sean explains how brands can find positioning that competitors aren't saying but customers already believe.

    32:35 – Psychographics vs. Demographics
    What psychographics are, why Sean prefers them, and how they can prevent businesses from narrowing their market too quickly.

    36:00 – Jobs to Be Done and Understanding Why Customers Buy
    Sean explains customer interviews, the McDonald's milkshake example, and how businesses can uncover the real job their product is being hired to do.

    43:49 – Why Demographics Can Be a Distraction
    Sean and Levi discuss the limitations of demographic data and the value of actually speaking with customers.

    45:45 – Brand Building vs. Short-Term Marketing
    Why marketing leaders need to distinguish between building future demand and activating existing demand.

    48:27 – Learning the Fundamentals of Marketing Strategy
    Sean shares the books, research, and frameworks that shaped his approach to positioning and brand growth.

    56:00 – Moving to Finland and Joining a Hyper-Growth Company
    Sean reflects on leaving his consultancy, moving overseas, and adapting to a much faster-growing organization.

    01:00:37 – Creating a Culture Where Mistakes Are Allowed
    How Takomo uses humour, experimentation, and its “I Got Bonked” tradition to make failure something teams can learn from.

    01:03:45 – Bad Ideas, Creativity and Psychological Safety
    Why deliberately pitching terrible ideas can make it easier for teams to eventually find a great one.

    01:07:45 – Lessons Levi and Colby Have Taken From Past Guests
    Sean turns the questions around and asks which podcast conversations have actually changed the way they run their business.

    01:17:47 – The CEOs Nobody Talks About
    Sean recommends The CEO Next Door and discusses why highly visible celebrity CEOs aren't necessarily useful models for leadership.

    01:22:08 – Why Golf Gets People Hooked
    Sean makes his case for golf and the group wraps up the conversation.
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    1 時間 25 分
  • The Mistakes, Mindsets & Systems Behind Business Growth | Matt Symes

    The Mistakes, Mindsets & Systems Behind Business Growth | Matt Symes
    2026/08/27
    Matt Symes joins Levi and Colby to talk about his evolution from academia and consulting into building a portfolio of businesses and the failures, partnerships, and leadership lessons that shaped the path. They dig into long-term value creation, choosing the right partners, building trust, and why business fundamentals and habit change still matter.The conversation also explores what AI means for entrepreneurs, education, work, and the future of business. Matt shares why an AI strategy should start with a real business constraint, how roles will shift as humans and AI work together, and why understanding how your business actually operates is becoming even more important.Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-symes-8328a765 Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrenceConnect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction• Levi and Colby introduce Matt Symes and the broader conversation around leadership, business and personal evolution.02:44 – Matt Symes' Background and Evolution• Matt talks about his family history, academia, entrepreneurship and how his own approach has changed over time.05:20 – From Consulting to Building a Business Portfolio• How Simplicity evolved from selling consulting time toward equity investments, Levership and larger transformations.14:55 – Failed Bets and Learning Where You Add Value• Biotech, blue cheese, startups and other failed investments that helped Matt understand where his team could create the most value.20:46 – From Consulting to Long-Term Value Creation• Why traditional consulting relationships frustrated Matt and pushed him toward longer-term partnerships and aligned incentives.29:18 – Choosing the Right Business Partners• What Matt looks for in founders, how he evaluates past failures and why accountability matters when choosing a partner.34:37 – Business Fundamentals, Habits and Scalable Systems• Why knowing what to do is rarely the problem — and how fundamentals, workflows and consistent execution create scalable businesses.40:13 – Building Trust as a Leader• Matt explains the “speed of trust,” the roles of empathy, logic and authenticity, and what he learned about his own leadership weaknesses.54:32 – Academia, Research and the Future of Education• How academic research skills became more useful in an AI-enabled world, followed by a discussion about degrees, mastery and learning.1:12:42 – AI, Job Fear and the Future of Work• Why new technology makes lost jobs easier to see than the new forms of value it may create.1:19:10 – Human Experiences With AI-Enabled Businesses• Why customers may increasingly expect both meaningful human experiences and seamless technology behind them.1:25:38 – Building a Practical AI Roadmap• Matt explains why businesses should start with their goals, identify their biggest constraint and use AI to improve the workflow behind it.1:33:33 – AI Adoption, Custom Software and Falling Behind• Why simply waiting for existing software to add AI may not be enough and how Matt introduces skeptical business owners to AI.1:39:23 – Using AI to Amplify Existing Expertise• Matt and Colby use golf as an example of combining deep existing knowledge with AI to improve performance.1:42:24 – Closing Thoughts• Matt reflects on the conversation, business fundamentals and helping more small businesses adapt.
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    1 時間 45 分
  • What Coaching Actually Is And Why Leaders Need It | Pete Stoddart

    What Coaching Actually Is And Why Leaders Need It | Pete Stoddart
    2026/08/20

    Pete Stoddart joins Levi and Colby to talk about what coaching actually looks like when it is done well and how it can change the way entrepreneurs lead, listen, delegate and make difficult decisions. Drawing from 25 years in hospitality and his own transition into executive coaching, Pete shares how coaching helped him navigate succession, build courage and eventually step into a new chapter with Vision Coaching.

    The conversation also explores the difference between coaching and mentoring, the importance of curiosity and vulnerability in leadership, how AI may shape the future of coaching, and what it takes to build a business that can grow beyond the founder.

    Connect with Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petestoddart

    Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence

    Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    Levi and Colby welcome Pete Stoddart from Vision Coaching.

    01:22 – Meet Pete Stoddart
    Pete shares the values, relationships and experiences that have shaped his life and career.

    05:42 – From Hospitality to Executive Coaching
    How 25 years in hospitality eventually led Pete toward coaching and a partnership with Vision Coaching.

    10:11 – Finding His First Coach
    Pete shares how coaching helped him navigate succession, uncertainty and leaving the business he had built.

    16:33 – Is Coaching Worth the Investment?
    Levi and Pete discuss professional development, formal coaching education and investing in yourself.

    20:32 – What Coaching Education Changed
    Pete reflects on Royal Roads, vulnerability, self-awareness and becoming a better listener, parent and leader.

    25:27 – Listening, Curiosity & Better Conversations
    Why asking one more question can deepen relationships, uncover real problems and improve change leadership.

    30:40 – AI and the Future of Coaching
    Pete shares where he believes AI can strengthen coaching — and where human connection still matters.

    37:42 – Coaching vs. Mentoring
    Pete breaks down the difference between transferring your knowledge and helping someone uncover their own path forward.

    43:00 – Coaching as a Leadership Skill
    Why coaching is underused by leaders, and why the person being coached has to be ready for the work.

    46:36 – Building a Business Beyond Yourself
    Pete discusses delegation, EOS, building a strong team and moving beyond being the most important technician in the business.

    55:08 – Where to Find Pete & Vision Coaching
    Pete shares how to connect with Vision Coaching and learn more about its coaching skills programs.
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    57 分
  • Financial Expert: What Healthy Businesses Do Differently | Greg Crabtree

    Financial Expert: What Healthy Businesses Do Differently | Greg Crabtree
    2026/08/13

    Greg Crabtree has spent decades studying the financial performance of privately held businesses and helping entrepreneurs understand the handful of numbers that really matter. In this episode, Greg joins Levi and Colby to unpack profitability, labour efficiency, return on invested capital, cash, and why revenue alone can give business owners the wrong picture.

    They also dig into what Greg is seeing across hundreds of businesses right now, from AI and changing labour markets to why operational excellence may matter more in the next few years than it has in decades.

    Greg also turns the conversation back on Levi and Colby, offering some practical perspective on Iron House Pro’s positioning and their new bookkeeping service.

    Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-crabtree-simple-numbers/

    Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/

    Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/

    Books Mentioned

    • Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits — Greg Crabtree
    • Simple Numbers 2.0 — Greg Crabtree

    Time stamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    • Levi and Colby welcome Greg.

    02:05 – Meet Greg Crabtree
    • Greg shares his background and approach to business.

    07:33 – Billing by the Hour
    • Why Greg moved to fixed-price services.

    12:09 – What Makes a Good Business?
    • The numbers Greg believes actually matter.

    19:37 – Numbers That Change Behaviour
    • Using financial data to drive better decisions.

    33:00 – Return on Invested Capital
    • The overlooked metric Greg believes owners should know.

    43:44 – Making the Numbers Simple
    • Helping business owners understand complex financials.

    46:41 – Four Numbers to Know
    • Greg shares four key business metrics.

    52:22 – What the Data Shows
    • Patterns Greg sees across hundreds of businesses.

    56:23 – Building a Business That Lasts
    • Greg discusses succession, purpose and retirement.

    1:07:08 – Iron House Pro’s Approach
    • Levi and Colby share how IHP has evolved.

    1:09:25 – Three Rules for Business
    • Greg breaks his business strategy down to three things.

    1:16:09 – What’s Coming for Business
    • AI, labour and demographic change.

    1:19:00 – Bring Back Scrappy
    • Why businesses need more discipline around investment.

    1:26:31 – Separating From the Pack
    • Why operational excellence matters more than ever.

    1:29:19 – Why Profit Still Matters
    • Greg explains why every organization needs profit.

    1:35:24 – Advice for Bookkeeping
    • Greg shares advice for IHP’s new bookkeeping service.

    1:38:44 – Final Thoughts
    • Greg leaves listeners with a few things to chew on.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessFinance #Profitability #Leadership #SmallBusiness #GregCrabtree



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    1 時間 40 分
  • Building A Business Without Losing Yourself | Joshua Counsil

    Building A Business Without Losing Yourself | Joshua Counsil
    2026/07/23

    In this episode of Built to Last, Joshua Counsil, co-founder of Good Robot Brewing, joins Levi and Colby for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, business partnerships, and building a company without losing yourself along the way.

    Joshua shares his path from engineering to opening a brewery with his university friends, growing Good Robot through major change, and discovering a new creative outlet through keynote speaking. The conversation also explores founder identity, working with different partners, defining clear roles, listening to customers, building an authentic brand, and learning when to say no as a business grows.

    Resources:

    Good Robot Brewing Company: https://goodrobotbrewing.ca/
    Iron House Pro: https://www.ironhousepro.com/

    Connect on linkedin:

    Joshua - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacounsil/

    Colby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/

    Levi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/

    00:00 – Introduction: Business, Identity and the Person Behind It
    • Levi introduces the conversation and its focus on building both sustainable companies and sustainable lives.

    01:22 – From Engineering to Good Robot Brewing
    • Joshua shares his unconventional path from wanting to design Disney rides to opening a Halifax brewery.

    04:15 – Keynote Speaking and Finding a Personal Outlet
    • Why speaking became a creative pursuit separate from Joshua’s responsibilities at Good Robot.

    11:31 – Building an Identity Beyond the Business
    • The danger of tying your entire identity to one company, career or achievement.

    20:51 – Why Entrepreneurs Need Feedback, Validation and Hope
    • Joshua explains why shorter feedback loops can help founders endure the uncertainty of building a business.

    28:33 – Reframing Memories and Acting Through Discomfort
    • Mood-congruent memories, authenticity and moving according to your values even when uncomfortable feelings remain.

    33:31 – The Disney Interview That Changed Joshua’s Path
    • Joshua tells the story of the unusual answers that likely cost him a job at Disney.

    38:10 – Managing a Three-Founder Partnership
    • How self-awareness and different strengths shape the relationship between Good Robot’s three founders.

    44:01 – Clear Roles and Creating Order From Chaos
    • Why directors, defined responsibilities and an organizational structure helped the company mature.

    48:49 – Why Founders Need Outside Challenge
    • Good Robot’s original brand identity and the advisors who challenged the founders’ assumptions.

    55:28 – Building a Diverse Advisory Board
    • Joshua explains why a useful board needs both industry knowledge and genuinely different perspectives.

    59:44 – How Customer Feedback Saved Diablo Beer
    • A simple change in messaging helped turn a struggling product into Good Robot’s leading seller.

    1:02:41 – One Brand or Two? Good Robot and Beverage Manufacturing
    • Joshua reconsiders whether Good Robot’s consumer brand and co-packing operation should remain separate.

    1:12:14 – Escaping Founder Bubbles and Listening to Customers
    • Why entrepreneurs can misread the market when they rely on their own circles instead of real customer behaviour.

    1:20:41 – Start Small, Learn Fast and Avoid Premature Scale
    • The advantages of farmers markets, direct feedback and gradual expansion for new consumer brands.

    1:25:42 – Saying No and Accepting You’re Not for Everyone
    • Why turning down large opportunities can demonstrate maturity, focus and strategic discipline.

    1:29:29 – Authentic Speaking and Stronger Personal Brands
    • Joshua discusses negative feedback, polarizing audiences and showing up as yourself on stage.

    1:35:17 – Bringing More Personality Into B2B Marketing
    • LinkedIn, comedy and the opportunity to make professional content more creative and human.

    1:41:03 – Where to Find Joshua and Closing
    • Joshua shares where listeners can meet him and the upcoming events where he plans to speak.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #BusinessLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessGrowth #BrandStrategy #CanadianBusiness
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    1 時間 44 分
  • Why Scaling Too Fast Can Hurt Your Business - Jimmy Lorway (Construction Entrepreneur)

    Why Scaling Too Fast Can Hurt Your Business - Jimmy Lorway (Construction Entrepreneur)
    2026/07/09
    In this episode of Built to Last, Jimmy Lorway, owner of Anvil Construction, shares the lessons that came from scaling quickly, hiring too fast, and learning what it really takes to build a sustainable business.Jimmy joins Levi and Colby for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, cash flow, EOS implementation, military leadership, company culture, and designing a business that creates freedom instead of dependence. Whether you're just starting out or leading a growing team, this episode is full of practical insights from someone who's lived the challenges firsthand.Resources:Anvil Construction: https://anvilconstruction.ca/Iron House Pro: https://www.ironhousepro.com/ Connect on linkedin:Jimmy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmylorway/Colby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/Levi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/Books Mentioned:Traction by Gino WickmanCome Up for Air by Nick Sonnenberg00:00 – Introduction • Levi and Colby welcome Jimmy Lorway to the podcast.01:44 – Meet Jimmy Lorway • Jimmy introduces himself and Anvil Construction.02:53 – What Anvil Construction Does • Jimmy explains Anvil’s focus on building envelope and cladding work.04:16 – How Anvil Started • Jimmy shares the early origin story and how the business first took shape.06:45 – Fast Growth and Early Lessons • How Anvil grew quickly, and why some of that growth created challenges.09:30 – Systems Living in Jimmy’s Head • Jimmy talks about early systems, Excel, and the need to document processes.10:52 – Implementing EOS • Why self-implementing EOS was difficult and how bringing in an implementer changed things.13:26 – Building the Team • Jimmy shares how the team is growing and where leadership development is happening.15:47 – The Peter Principle • A discussion on promoting strong technicians into management roles.17:33 – Wrong Growth • Jimmy explains what “wrong growth” looked like and the cost of hiring out of desperation.18:01 – Cash Flow and Survival • Why cash flow was critical during Anvil’s early growth.19:31 – Accidental Entrepreneurship • Jimmy reflects on how he became a business owner without a master plan.21:08 – Freedom of Time and Location • Jimmy shares the long-term lifestyle goals behind building the business.23:38 – Lessons From the Military • How Jimmy’s military experience shaped his confidence, leadership, and systems thinking.26:55 – Clarity, Orders, and Decentralized Command • Jimmy explains how military structure applies to business leadership.28:04 – Training and Repetition • What business can learn from the military’s approach to practice and feedback.31:35 – Sharing Responsibility • Jimmy talks about moving training and development beyond himself.35:52 – How Jimmy Has Changed as a Leader • Jimmy reflects on confidence, trust, and sharing the vision more clearly.36:45 – Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset • A conversation about looking forward, building systems, and helping the team grow.38:53 – Getting Out of the Day-to-Day • Jimmy shares what it feels like to step back from daily operations.42:03 – Moving Too Fast With Change • Jimmy talks about slowing down implementation so the team can actually understand it.45:44 – Communication Styles and DISC • Jimmy shares how personality profiles helped explain communication differences.48:38 – Giving Feedback With Trust • Why difficult feedback lands better when the relationship is strong.51:17 – Peer Groups and EO Accelerator • Jimmy shares how peer learning changed his perspective on business challenges.55:03 – Breakthrough Academy and Business Programs • Jimmy explains where he gets peer support and practical business systems.1:00:11 – Breathwork, Trail Running, and Regulation • Jimmy and Colby discuss tools for managing stress and energy.1:01:40 – Family, Growth, and Support • Jimmy reflects on personal development, homeschooling, and family alignment.1:07:49 – Bringing Family Into the Business World • Jimmy and Colby talk about EO events, spouses, and support systems.1:11:30 – The Next Chapter for Anvil • Jimmy shares the long-term vision for Anvil’s growth.1:12:07 – The Goal of 100 Installers • Jimmy explains the 2035 vision of 100 installers serving Atlantic Canada.1:13:49 – Internal Communication Challenges • Jimmy asks Levi and Colby about structuring internal communication.1:14:04 – Come Up for Air and Communication Systems • Jimmy shares what he’s learning from Nick Sonnenberg’s book.1:15:28 – Getting Off Personal Messaging Tools • Levi explains why companies need owned, intentional communication channels.1:21:00 – Moving Everything Away From Jimmy • Jimmy describes untangling the company from relying on him as the centre point.1:29:05 – Colby’s Focus on Bookkeeping • Colby shares what he’s been building inside Iron House Pro.1:...
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    2 時間
  • Iron House Pro on Trust, and Building What’s Next - Aaron Furlong

    Iron House Pro on Trust, and Building What’s Next - Aaron Furlong
    2026/06/19
    In this episode, Colby and Levi sit down with Aaron Furlong, the other partner at our company Iron House Pro. We talk business, partnerships, personal growth, and the messy path that shapes how people lead.Aaron shares his journey from construction and project management, relationship-building, and helping organizations work through complex change. The conversation also explores Iron House Pro’s next big step: launching a bookkeeping service built around clarity, consistency, and human support.https://www.ironhousepro.com/Connect with Aaron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-furlong-72678b1b4/Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/Time Stamps00:00 – Introduction• Colby introduces Aaron and the idea behind the episode.00:20 – Meet Aaron Furlong• Aaron shares who he is and why he usually stays behind the scenes.02:22 – Aaron’s Construction Background• How carpentry and project management shaped his early career.04:56 – Learning Through Big Projects• Aaron reflects on being trusted with responsibility at a young age.07:53 – Managing Clients and Complexity• Why building homes requires people management, material management, and client management.09:44 – Frustration with Old Systems• Aaron talks about pushing against rigid construction processes.11:15 – Leaving Construction• The personal and professional uncertainty after stepping away.13:29 – Rebuilding Confidence• How campaigning, odd jobs, and reflection shaped his next move.15:05 – Reframing Past Experience• Aaron realizes his background had more value than he gave himself credit for.16:10 – Entering Corporate Project Work• His first experience working with a larger tech company.17:02 – Working Differently• Aaron explains how remote work and flexibility changed his perspective.19:00 – Meeting Colby• The coffee shop connection that helped shift Aaron’s path.20:23 – Understanding the Work• Aaron explains how projects succeed through people, timing, and context.21:31 – Technology, AI, and Human Work• The group discusses how technology is changing creative and project work.24:09 – Early Responsibility in Business• Levi reflects on being trusted with major responsibility at a young age.25:15 – Learning by Doing• Colby shares his own experience leading major work without fully understanding the weight of it.27:03 – Who Gets Left Behind• Levi talks about nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations struggling to keep up.28:33 – Business, Government, and Support Systems• Aaron shares his perspective on grants, government involvement, and business realities.31:26 – False Success and Entrepreneurial Pressure• The group discusses comparison, ambition, and the pressure business owners feel.33:05 – What Success Means Personally• Levi asks the partners to reflect on what they each want from Iron House Pro.34:12 – Colby’s Vision for the Business• Colby talks about building a sustainable professional services company.35:20 – Profit, Sustainability, and Succession• Aaron reflects on money, legacy, and building something that lasts.37:41 – Chasing Lightbulb Moments• Levi shares what excites him most about the work today.38:44 – Trust and Relationship-Based Work• Aaron explains why trust is central to community and business work.41:07 – Learning From Other Business Owners• The value of seeing other entrepreneurs’ challenges up close.42:32 – Building a Trusted Network• Aaron reflects on mentorship, community, and long-term relationships.43:37 – Supporting Owner-Operators• Colby talks about helping business owners work through deeper challenges.45:20 – Loneliness in Business• Aaron shares a personal story about feeling isolated while building.47:53 – Partnership and Shared Values• Aaron explains what makes the Iron House Pro partnership work.51:18 – What’s Next for Iron House Pro• The team introduces the new bookkeeping service.52:14 – Why Bookkeeping Became the Opportunity• Colby explains the gap they kept seeing with client financials.53:18 – The Need for Reliable Numbers• Levi explains why many businesses struggle without dependable bookkeeping.55:30 – Simple Numbers and Better Decisions• Colby talks about learning which numbers actually matter.55:59 – Why Boring Businesses Matter• Aaron shares why he has become excited about the boring side of business.57:23 – Numbers Tell the Story• The group discusses margins, utilization, and financial clarity.59:44 – Building Iron House Books• Aaron explains how bookkeeping can help prevent burnout and support better decisions.1:02:01 – Final Thoughts• Aaron reflects on discomfort, growth, and doing meaningful work.#BuiltToLastPodcast#IronHousePro#Entrepreneurship#BusinessLeadership#SmallBusiness#BusinessGrowth#Partnerships#Bookkeeping
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    1 時間 4 分
  • The Hard Truths of Growing a Family Business - Nick MacGregor

    The Hard Truths of Growing a Family Business - Nick MacGregor
    2026/06/04

    In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with Nick MacGregor, General Manager of McGregor’s Industrial Group.

    Nick shares a grounded look at what it takes to lead a traditional, hands-on business through growth, succession, technology adoption, and changing market realities.

    https://www.ironhousepro.com

    00:00 – Introduction
    • Levi and Colby introduce the episode and how they connected with Nick.

    02:03 – Meet Nick MacGregor
    • Nick introduces himself and McGregor’s Industrial Group.

    03:18 – Growing Up in the Family Business
    • Nick shares early memories of sweeping floors and helping around the shop.

    06:40 – Transitioning Leadership Across Generations
    • Nick talks about his father’s semi-retirement and the human side of succession.

    12:22 – What Changes in the Top Seat
    • Nick reflects on the surprises of becoming general manager.

    14:19 – What McGregor’s Industrial Group Does
    • Nick explains the company’s four main business units.

    16:31 – Bringing Technology Into a Traditional Business
    • The group discusses how digital change started inside the company.

    21:56 – Building Custom Software and Learning the Hard Way
    • Nick shares the story of trying to build an operations management system.

    24:58 – Why ERP Projects Are So Difficult
    • Nick explains why larger software implementations require serious time, money, and support.

    28:25 – Payroll, CRM, and Other Technology Lessons
    • Nick shares more examples of software challenges and lessons learned.

    30:39 – Why Iteration Matters
    • Nick explains why tools rarely work perfectly on day one.

    32:51 – Training and Leadership Development
    • Nick talks about courses, industry associations, and learning in smaller chunks.

    35:25 – Building Culture Across Four Generations
    • Nick discusses culture, visibility, and staying connected to employees.

    37:20 – Making Hard Strategic Decisions
    • Nick shares the decision to exit a major market that no longer made sense.

    41:35 – Opportunities in the Maritimes
    • Nick explains why he is optimistic about regional industrial growth.

    43:59 – Staying Hands-On With Customers
    • Nick talks about the “get it done” attitude and helping customers directly.

    48:30 – Getting Stronger Before Growing Again
    • Nick explains the choice to strengthen the foundation of the business.

    50:52 – Letting People Fail and Learn
    • Nick shares why mistakes are part of skill development.

    52:31 – Hiring and Retaining Skilled Trades
    • Nick talks about apprenticeship pathways, retention, and the labour market.

    55:44 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
    • Nick shares the value of hard work, ownership, and passion.

    58:41 – Family, Work, and Raising Kids
    • Nick talks about family life, support, and the realities of balancing responsibilities.

    1:04:06 – AI Adoption and Automation
    • Nick shares how his view on AI has changed and where automation may help.

    1:07:45 – Finding Better Ways to Work
    • Nick reflects on manual labour, burnout, and rethinking old processes.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #FamilyBusiness #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalAdoption #SkilledTrades
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    1 時間 10 分