How Vulnerability Becomes Your Greatest Asset
How Vulnerability Becomes Your Greatest Asset
What motivates business owners to stay driven and pursue growth?
I think motivation is multifaceted. Most people have their primary 'why,' and for many, it’s to provide for their family. I had a great childhood with supportive parents who set a high bar, and I’m grateful for that. As a father and husband, my aim is to give my family more opportunities than I had—to ensure they have what they need to be successful, fulfilled, and loved. In business, my 'why' is about transforming an industry. We all have a list of ideas we’re glad we didn’t pursue, but when a real opportunity comes along, you recognize it. You have to seize it, stay hungry, and keep pushing forward.
How can business owners keep improving products and themselves?
There’s always a next step—not just in product delivery, but in personal growth as well. Whether it’s in business, at home as a spouse, parent, friend, or family member, there’s always room to grow and improve. My wife and I often say, 'I’m awesome, not perfect,' which reminds us that there’s always progress to be made. Even when a process or product is excellent, it’s never perfect and can always be improved. For instance, in our work with large homebuilders, we’ve been able to make Energy Star certification achievable for them. Previously, big builders might have felt the costs outweighed the benefits. Now, we’ve developed a model that meets cost analysis benchmarks, allowing them to achieve Energy Star standards affordably. This lets them deliver more value in their end product and 'punch above their weight class' in terms of quality and certification.
How can business owners disrupt an industry with integrity?
Going down the path of disrupting an industry isn’t easy. You’ll need support—both from people in the industry and those outside it who can offer objective advice. Staying the course and doing the right thing will always pay off in the long run. I have someone I lean on for business, family, and coaching advice, and they always remind me to stay true to myself. It’s like planting a garden: you plant seeds, water them, and eventually, you’ll have a plentiful harvest if you’re diligent. That’s the advice I’d give—stay diligent, find beneficial agreements among all parties, and be genuine. Own up to mistakes, offer solutions, and focus on being efficient without burdening clients. Approaching things with a servant’s heart and being genuine makes a big difference.
Why is it important for entrepreneurs to go all in on their business?
Taking the leap into true entrepreneurial grit—going all in—is crucial. That’s my personality; I’m a 'full send' kind of person, inspired by people who push the limits, like Max Verstappen in F1. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even as a kid, and I loved being the outlier, the maverick, in business. I was willing to disrupt and push the envelope, though I enjoyed the comfort of a corporate safety net. Ultimately, I was still risk-averse. Then, a long-time friend and successful business owner, someone who believed in me before I did, helped me see my potential. They visited my home a couple of years ago and, sitting with me and my wife, said, 'He needs to do this on his own. He’s the only one who doesn’t believe in himself.' Even though I seemed confident, I was terrified and doubted I could succeed independently. But his unwavering belief and encouragement helped me see that I could lead. I draw on that moment when things get tough or scary. That belief from someone I trusted made all the difference and gave me the courage to leave my previous career and go all in.
How can business owners overcome the fear of failure to pursue growth?
I think fear of failure can hold you back, especially if you’re already successful and comfortable. To grow, you need to trim the branches, which can be painful. I knew that to grow professionally, there would be discomfort and challenges. At first, I worried about failing and what the naysayers would say. But ultimately, I realized I wasn’t doing it for them. Instead, I focused on the encouragement from a positive influence in my life, Justin, who believed in me. That positive drive—to prove him right—was far more powerful and sustainable than proving naysayers wrong. It’s easy to find energy in that positive motivation instead of digging through negativity.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
