The Extra Effort That Gets You Ahead

I recently sat down with my father-in-law, Mark, for another episode of the Kid Contractor Podcast, and it was a real eye-opener. As someone who has been in the HVAC and commercial refrigeration business for over 30 years, Mark has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I'm always eager to tap into. One of the key things that stood out to me in our conversation was the importance of mindset when it comes to running a successful business. Mark shared how he read the book "The Richest Man in Babylon" years ago, and it really resonated with him. The idea of consistently saving a portion of your income, no matter what, is something that he's carried with him throughout his career. We also discussed the challenges of dealing with personnel and the human element of running a business. As Mark put it, he often felt like he was just a "glorified babysitter," constantly putting out fires and making sure his team was on the same page. But he emphasized the importance of putting in that extra effort, because that's what ultimately sets you apart and allows you to achieve exceptional results. One of the other topics that really struck a chord with me was Mark's experience of buying into a company as a minority shareholder. He shared how that ended up being a mistake, as he had very little control over the decision-making process. It's a cautionary tale that I think every business owner should heed – if you're going to bring on a partner or investor, make sure you have a majority stake to ensure you can steer the ship in the direction you want. Overall, this conversation with Mark was a powerful reminder that running a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes grit, determination, and a willingness to put in the extra effort, day in and day out. But if you can cultivate the right mindset and surround yourself with the right people, the rewards can be truly incredible. If you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, I highly recommend giving this episode a listen. Mark's insights and experiences are sure to inspire and motivate you to take your business to the next level. Check out the full episode here!