Late Nights and Long-Lasting Lessons

Dedication reveals opportunities that others miss in their rush for quick success.

This month, I'm sharing how emergency service calls and grease trap disasters taught me more about the American Dream. Through these late-night challenges, I discovered that sustainable business success comes from serving your community when they need you most.

You'll also learn about a transformative opportunity at BYU's Acquisitions Conference, where fellow entrepreneurs are gathering to share hard-earned wisdom about the low-risk path to business ownership. This is where real strategies meet practical execution.

Plus, I'll reveal my "Four P's" framework for developing entrepreneurial employees, the backbone of any successful business. True freedom comes from building teams that treat your business like their own.

Let these stories serve as your roadmap for achieving autonomy through strategic business ownership.

 The Late Night Wake-Up Call

The American Dream runs through grease traps and emergency calls.

When frantic restaurant owners called because angry inspectors needed the work done yesterday, our industrial services business stood ready. This wasn't the polished version of entrepreneurship you see celebrated in business magazines. This was the raw reality of what keeps our communities functioning: responding rapidly when systems fail and businesses face shutdown.

Our team understood that emergency pumping work represented more than just a service call. Each response strengthened the relationships that form the backbone of Main Street. The restaurant owners weren't just customers. They were fellow business owners counting on us to keep their operations running. Their livelihood depended on our ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.

Through these emergency responses, I witnessed how small business owners make up the invisible infrastructure of our economy. 

While others dream of launching tech startups, it's the unglamorous work of service businesses that maintains the systems everyone else takes for granted. The inspectors might mandate the work, but it's dedicated business owners and their teams who actually keep things moving.

Success in these moments was measured in problems solved and relationships forged. When we quickly bailed out a customer facing a critical situation, we built the trust that turned into long-term contracts and relationships. Our customers stayed with us because they knew we would show up when it mattered most.

The real face of American entrepreneurship is about building businesses that solve real problems in our communities. Sometimes that means responding to emergencies. Sometimes that means doing the dirty work others won't. But it always means showing up ready to deliver solutions, no matter what challenges arise.

The true reward isn't just in the financial returns, but in knowing that your business plays a vital role in keeping your community running. This is how real wealth and freedom are built—by providing essential services, reliability, and dedication to getting things done right.

Small business ownership transforms ordinary Americans into extraordinary leaders. On February 28th, I'll be joining fellow entrepreneurs at BYU's 4th Annual Acquisitions Conference to share hard-earned wisdom about the low-risk path to business ownership.

From partnerships and value creation to the current state of ETA and new opportunities, we're tackling the real challenges of entrepreneurship through acquisition. No sugar coating, just practical strategies from those who've walked the path.

Want to own your future? Join us on campus.

"Building Your Own Entrepreneurial Employees"

True absentee ownership comes from cultivating employees who exhibit four essential traits that transform them from staff into entrepreneurial leaders. I call these “The Four P’s.”

Punctuality

The real MVPs own every deadline without being asked. One of my top performers arrived 15 minutes before her shift everyday, not because I required it, but because she respected what was needed to help the business function. The buck stops with them.

Profit Drive

These employees understand profit isn't just a bonus—it's survival. My fitness club manager was motivated to sell more memberships so I could open more clubs. These employees chase growth because they genuinely want the business to thrive.

Passion

Their emotional investment shows in every action—like my employee Gina who was sometimes brought to tears because she was concerned with underperforming and letting the community down. This employee intensity is proof of their dedication.

Persistently Innovative

These are the problem-solvers who handle issues before they reach your desk. Tom, another employee, handled customer complaints and found solutions before I ever knew there was a problem. These employees don't wait for permission to improve things.

When you find people with these traits, invest heavily in keeping them. They're the future of your business.

The American Dream grows stronger when we share our stories. Join me on LinkedIn to discuss how you're using business ownership to create positive change in your community. Let's explore how strategic acquisition can transform our businesses and our nation's fabric.