• #119 Sam Wegner - What Waiting Teaches Faith
    Dec 30 2025

    Sam Wegner discusses faith, waiting, and anticipatory grief.


    Key Takeaways


    - Waiting is a Prerequisite for Hope: Romans 8:24–25 shows that hope for the unseen requires waiting. Since hope is a component of faith, and faith is required to please God (Hebrews 11:6), waiting is an essential part of the Christian life.

    - Affliction is a Tool for Good: Psalm 119:68–71 reveals that God is good and uses affliction for our good, specifically to teach us His statutes. This reframes suffering as a divine tool for growth, not a sign of abandonment.

    - The "Waiting Wheel" is God's Process: This cycle (Confidence → Faith → Testing → Perseverance → Character → Confidence) is how God builds us incrementally, like "leveling up" in a video game, providing a larger toolkit for each new challenge.

    - Honest Desperation Deepens Faith: Expressing raw pain to God is not weakness but a necessary step to surrender control and fully rely on Him. This paradoxical faith ("I believe; help my unbelief") is where true strength is found.


    Topics


    The Weight of Waiting


    - Sam's book, The Weight of the Weight, stems from a friend's question about the "weight" of his wife Crystal's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.

    - Sam's answer: "The heaviest part of the weight is the wait."

    - The struggle was not with the inevitability of death, but with the prolonged waiting period.

    - This insight led to a scriptural revelation: waiting is a prerequisite for hope.

    - Romans 8:24–25: Hope for the unseen requires waiting.

    - Hebrews 11:1, 6: Hope is a component of faith, and faith is required to please God.

    - Conclusion: Waiting is an essential part of pleasing God.


    Navigating Anticipatory Grief


    - Crystal's diagnosis led to a season of anticipatory grief, marked by emotional exhaustion and an inability to pray aloud.

    - A new oncologist recommended a recently approved drug with an average life expectancy of ~9 months.

    - The family prayed for Crystal to live through Christmas and Easter.

    - Crystal remained on the drug for over 3.5 years—the longest the oncologist had ever seen.

    - Sam's advice for others in this season:

    - Don't fear expressing weakness. It is not a sign of weak faith but a necessary step to surrender control and fully rely on God.

    - Be brutally honest with God. Expressing pain and desperation is a form of worship that leads to peace.


    The "Waiting Wheel" for Spiritual Growth


    - The "Waiting Wheel" is a model for spiritual growth found in James 1 and Romans 5.

    - It describes an incremental cycle:

    1. Confidence: In God's character (hope).

    2. Faith: Acting on that hope.

    3. Testing: Trials that test faith.

    4. Perseverance: The product of testing.

    5. Character: Matured perseverance builds God's character in us.


    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

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    45 mins
  • #118 Greg Workmon - What 3000% Growth Taught Me
    Dec 23 2025

    Greg Workmon discusses scaling LoadUp and personal growth.


    Key Takeaways


    - Formalize early to avoid crisis: LoadUp's lack of a purpose statement caused an identity crisis at $15M revenue, leading to poor decisions and financial losses. Formalizing values and mission was a painful but necessary fix.

    - Software enables scale: A robust software platform was the key enabler, replacing inefficient spreadsheets and email to manage national logistics and build customer confidence.

    - Pride is a growth killer: Early success (3,000% growth) led to arrogance, causing Greg to ignore critical advice. Humility and seeking wisdom from mentors were essential for recovery.

    - Priorities over profit: Chasing money led to personal emptiness and neglected relationships. Greg's advice: prioritize family over business, even if time allocation is unequal.


    Topics


    The Origin Story


    - Greg's background: Logistics (moving, last-mile delivery) and waste management.

    - Initial venture: A side gig picking up mattresses in Atlanta.

    - Identified a market gap: Incumbents wouldn't price over the phone.

    - A simple website ranked #1 on Google, generating immediate demand.

    - The "Uberization" pivot:

    - Realized the physical work was unsustainable.

    - Inspired by Uber, decided to build a platform connecting customers with haulers.

    - National expansion:

    - Major e-commerce bed-in-a-box brands (Casper, Purple) found the Atlanta site and sought a national solution.

    - Greg agreed, then built an order form and found local haulers on the fly—a tactic he now advises against for compliance reasons.


    The Scaling Crisis & Recovery


    - Problem: Rapid growth outpaced organizational structure.

    - At ~$15M revenue, the company was a "sailboat without a rudder," lacking a clear mission.

    - This directionlessness caused poor decisions and financial losses.

    - Solution: A painful but necessary formalization process.

    - Defined a purpose statement, mission, and core values.

    - Resulted in significant team turnover as some members didn't align with the new direction.

    - Framework: Adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to provide structure.


    The LoadUp Marketplace Model


    - Core Function: A two-sided marketplace connecting customers with independent haulers ("Loaders").

    - Value for Haulers:

    - Provides a powerful digital marketing arm, solving a key challenge in a saturated market.

    - Offers a source of repeat business.

    - Value for Customers:

    - Provides a national, turnkey solution for bulky item removal.

    - Offers transparent, upfront pricing.

    - Technology:

    - AI-powered image recognition is in development.


    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com


    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

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    30 mins
  • #117 Todd Miller - Faith At Work: The Story Behind Isaiah Industries
    Dec 16 2025

    Todd Miller discusses integrating faith into business.


    Key Takeaways


    - Isaiah Industries: Renamed the family business to Isaiah Industries to signal a faith-based mission, using Isaiah 56.1 ("do what is right") as a core value.

    - Employee Care: Prioritizes supporting struggling employees through personal crises (illness, family issues) over immediate termination, recognizing the heavy mantle of a Christian company.

    - Hiring Strategy: Employs a prayer-led, relationship-based hiring model, asking God for the right people and the wisdom to recognize them, leading to unexpected hires.

    - Personal Growth: Discovered that leading a church ministry—which forces deep study—is a key discipline for staying grounded while working 70–80 hours/week.


    Topics


    Company Mission & Naming


    - Isaiah Industries, a specialty metal roofing manufacturer, was renamed from the original family business (founded 1980) to serve as a corporate umbrella brand.

    - The name was chosen to reflect the owners' faith and remind the team of a higher purpose beyond manufacturing.

    - Core Scripture: Isaiah 56.1 ("do what is right") is the company's primary litmus test for all decisions.

    - The name is a "calling card" that opens doors for faith-based conversations with customers and colleagues.


    Operationalizing Faith in Business


    - Employee Support: The company's first response to an employee crisis is support, not termination.

    - Rationale: A Christian company firing someone leaves a negative, lasting impression.

    - Hiring Process: Relies on prayer and personal referrals, not traditional job boards.

    - Prayer: "Lord, bring me the people I need when I need them and give me the wisdom to recognize them."

    - Core Values: Biblically based values act as the "banks of the river" for all business operations, providing a framework for decision-making.


    Evangelism & Community


    - Workplace Evangelism: Involves pushing past superficial pleasantries to offer genuine support to colleagues in crisis (e.g., caring for aging parents).

    - Church Ministry: Leads a satellite church for the underserved population, which includes preaching and teaching.


    Advice & Reflection


    - Advice for Younger Self:

    - Cultivate an open and soft heart.

    - Be bold in sharing faith stories, inspired by the blind man healed by Jesus (John 9).

    - Journal intentionally to track God's interventions, as memory fades.

    - Passing on Faith:

    - Key: Live out a consistent, practical faith daily.

    - Impact: This provides a genuine framework that counters the hypocrisy that can cause younger generations to disengage from faith.



    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com


    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

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    37 mins
  • #116 Morgan Knox - AI That Actually Makes Your Business Easier
    Dec 9 2025

    Morgan Knox provides very practical AI applications for small business owners.


    Key Takeaways


    - NotebookLM for SOPs: Use Google's free NotebookLM to convert raw recordings into interactive SOPs. Its AI-generated podcasts and videos are more engaging than static documents, and the "Talk to the Podcast" feature allows direct, private Q&A, making training more accessible.

    - AI for Inbox Management: Use built-in AI (e.g., Gemini) for drafting replies. For advanced, hands-free workflows, connect ChatGPT to Gmail via Zapier to summarize your inbox and draft responses using voice commands while commuting.

    - AI for Team Accountability: Automate daily check-ins with Zapier. AI analyzes submissions against a scorecard, flagging risks to managers and creating comprehensive leadership reports, shifting their role from "paper chaser" to decision-maker.


    Topics


    The SOP Challenge & AI Solution


    - The Problem: Documenting SOPs is difficult for growing businesses, and static documents are often ignored by teams who prefer asking managers directly.

    - The Solution: Record all business activities (meetings, calls, training). This data is the "gold mine" for AI to generate SOPs.

    - Recording Tools: Use the tool you'll actually use. Options include Otter, Crisp, Fathom, or your phone's native recorder.

    - Key Insight: The transcription is the critical asset, not the raw audio.

    - NotebookLM Demo:

    - Function: A free, topic-specific AI notebook that answers questions only from the sources you provide (e.g., SOPs, handbooks), preventing "hallucinations."

    - Source Inputs: Upload files (PDFs, Docs), paste links (YouTube, websites), or upload audio.

    - Multimodal Outputs:

    - Audio Overviews: One-click podcasts with two AI hosts discussing the content.

    - "Talk to the Podcast": An interactive mode allowing users to pause and ask questions directly.

    - Video Overviews: Short videos with AI-generated visuals and graphics.

    - Other Formats: Mind maps, flashcards, and quizzes.

    - Use Case: A cost-effective alternative to platforms like Trainual.


    AI for Inbox Management


    - Prerequisite: First, reduce inbox clutter using tools like Gmail's "Manage Subscriptions" feature.

    - Built-in AI (e.g., Gemini):

    - Drafting Replies: The "Help me write" button analyzes email threads to generate drafts, saving 80–90% of the work.

    - Inbox Search: The Gemini sidebar can find specific emails or search your entire Google Workspace.

    - Advanced Hands-Free Workflow (ChatGPT + Zapier):

    - Setup: Connect ChatGPT to Zapier via "Apps and Connectors" in settings. This enables ChatGPT to take actions in other apps, like Gmail.

    - Workflow: Use ChatGPT's voice mode while commuting.

    1. Prompt: "Summarize my inbox and prioritize emails needing a response."

    2. Dictate Replies: Voice commands to draft responses, search Google Drive for context, and add links.

    3. Action: ChatGPT can push drafts to Gmail or, with developer permissions, send emails directly.

    - Best Practice: Start by drafting only, with a human in the loop for review, before enabling direct sending.


    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

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    56 mins
  • #115 Kimberly Haar - Healing with Jesus
    Dec 2 2025

    Kimberly Haar discusses her book "Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts" and her personal journey of healing after trauma.


    Key Takeaways


    - Kimberly survived a violent assault by her ex-husband in 2017, which became the catalyst for writing her book on healing from trauma

    - She emphasizes the importance of choosing to forgive, surrounding yourself with wise community, and declaring truth even when you don't feel it

    - Kimberly's healing journey involved therapy, leaning on faith, processing grief, and ultimately finding new love and purpose


    Topics


    Kimberly's Background and Book


    - Licensed therapist with almost 20 years experience

    - Recently published "Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts" with Baker Books

    - Book combines her personal story with therapeutic tools for healing

    - Structured around Ecclesiastes theme of "a time for everything"


    The Traumatic Event


    - In 2017, Kimberly was assaulted and kidnapped by her intoxicated ex-husband

    - He shot her new boyfriend Andrew 10 times (Andrew survived)

    - This came 4 years after Kimberly had divorced her unfaithful first husband


    The Healing Journey


    - Initially spent time grieving, crying, and processing anger with God

    - Put herself in therapy to avoid getting "stuck"

    - Surrounded herself with wise, encouraging community

    - Focused on forgiveness, including forgiving herself

    - Used praise music and scripture to speak truth even when she didn't feel it


    Key Healing Principles


    - Feelings are valid but shouldn't be dictators of our lives

    - Healing isn't linear - there are good days and setbacks

    - Forgiveness is an ongoing choice, not a one-time event

    - It's important to tell your story from a place of healing, not tragedy


    Life After Healing


    - Married Andrew 4 months after the incident

    - Now uses her story to help others through speaking and writing

    - Emphasizes that no story is too broken for God to redeem


    Next Steps


    - Readers can find Kimberly's book and free resources at KimberlyHaar.com

    - Those interested in having Kimberly speak can contact her through her website



    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com


    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

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    36 mins
  • #114 Trevor Maddux - The Hidden Formula To Building a Killer Sales Team
    Nov 25 2025

    Trevor Maddux discusses scaling sales teams and building a tech product.


    Key Takeaways


    - Reverse-engineer scaling: Your current systems are perfectly engineered for your current results. To scale, study the systems of larger, successful companies and implement their practices immediately.

    - Systematize sales first: Before hiring, the founder must master sales and document the process in a "sales journal." This journal becomes the training manual for new reps, ensuring a scalable, replicable system.

    - Use data to drive growth: Track marketing channels by cost-per-lead (CPL) and reallocate budget to the most efficient sources. This scientific approach enables predictable growth, like Cranston Handyman's $2.51 CPL.

    - Develop leaders internally: Promote from within to satisfy the innate human need for growth and build a strong, loyal culture. This is more effective than hiring external "saviors" who often fail.


    Topics


    Scaling Strategy: Reverse-Engineering Success


    - Core Principle: Your current systems are perfectly engineered for your current results. To scale, you must build the systems of the company you want to become.

    - Method: Be a student of the game.

    - Tour successful companies (e.g., A-plus Garage Door, Any Hour Services).

    - Talk to everyone—from dispatch to marketing—to understand their systems.

    - Implement their best practices immediately.


    Marketing: A Scientific Approach


    - Philosophy: Use all available marketing channels ("bring the whole army") and test new ones quarterly.

    - Data-Driven Optimization:

    - Track CPL for every channel (Angie's, HomeAdvisor, Google, etc.).

    - Reallocate budget from high-CPL sources to low-CPL sources to maximize efficiency.

    - Results (Cranston Handyman):

    - CPL: ~$2.51 (some weeks as low as $2.38).

    - Lead Volume: 483 leads last week.

    - CAC:LTV Ratio: A key metric; a ratio of 6:1 or higher indicates a healthy month.


    Building the Sales Team: From Founder to Leader


    - Step 1: Founder Mastery & Documentation

    - Step 2: Systematized Hiring

    - Step 3: Ongoing Training & Development


    Career Path & Retention


    - Core Principle: Satisfy the innate human need for growth. If employees leave, it's often because the company failed to provide a clear growth path.

    - Cranston's Evolving Path:

    - Sales Rep: Entry-level role.

    - Fast Start Bonus: $250/week for the first 6 weeks to bridge the gap before commissions kick in.

    - Setter-Closer Model: High-performing reps can close deals for setters, increasing their income.

    - Future Phase: Develop internal team leads to manage sales teams.


    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com


    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

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    44 mins
  • #113 Holly Andrews - When Life Feels Overwhelming, Breathe and Begin Again
    Nov 18 2025

    Holly Andrews discusses managing family life, stress, and career transitions.


    Key Takeaways


    - Holly transitioned from a high-stress NSA career to health coaching, dramatically improving her family life and personal well-being

    - Stress management techniques like taking breaks, hydration, and intentional decompression time are crucial for both adults and children

    - Establishing family rhythms, especially for families with traveling spouses, can significantly improve household dynamics

    - Focusing on progress made rather than gaps to ideal goals is a powerful mindset shift for personal growth and parenting


    Topics


    Holly's Background and Career Transition


    - Worked at NSA for 17 years, progressing from language analyst to executive in AI/ML operations

    - Transitioned to full-time health coaching 3 years ago, focusing on holistic health and high-stress situations

    - Family: Husband David (airline pilot), son Aaron (16), daughter Charlotte (13)


    Impact of High-Stress Career on Family Life


    - Physical health declined (reached 350 lbs)

    - Experienced depression and emotional instability

    - Parenting suffered due to lack of energy and increased anger

    - Marriage became focused solely on logistics, feeling like "roommates"

    - Spiritual life entered a "desert" period for about a decade


    Health Transformation Journey


    - Started with radical honesty about current situation

    - Focused on small, manageable steps (e.g., earlier bedtime, drinking more water)

    - Improved communication with spouse about needs and support

    - Resulted in better mental clarity, emotional stability, and family dynamics


    Current Family Dynamics and Routines


    - More intentional and peaceful mornings (e.g., making kids' lunches, devotionals)

    - Established after-school decompression time for daughter (30 minutes)

    - Tailored homework approach based on daily experiences and needs

    - More organized meal planning and shared responsibilities


    Stress Management Techniques for Clients


    - Take breaks every 90 minutes (ultradian rhythm)

    - Intentionally spend time outdoors

    - Track and increase water intake

    - Customize techniques based on individual preferences and needs


    Managing Stress for Children


    - Allow decompression time after school

    - Listen to both verbal and body language to gauge needs

    - Adjust expectations and approach based on daily experiences

    - Celebrate progress rather than focusing on shortcomings


    Navigating Life with a Traveling Spouse


    - Give the traveling spouse a "down day" after returning from trips

    - Adjust expectations for the spouse's contributions on return days

    - Establish clear communication about needs and responsibilities


    Family Traditions and Values


    - Prioritize travel experiences, both domestic and international

    - Use travel to mark milestones (e.g., 16th birthday trip to Italy)

    - Expose children to diverse cultures and perspectives




    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com


    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com



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    32 mins
  • #112 Sam Taggart - From Door-to-Door To Millions
    Nov 11 2025

    Sam Taggart discusses scaling a business and building high-performing teams.


    Key Takeaways

    - Scaling Framework: Master sales → build systems (not just manage people) → create a "breakthrough-optimize" cycle → invest in personal growth to become worthy of the next level.

    - Systemize People Management: Replace managing individuals with managing a program. This creates a predictable, scalable structure and reduces dependence on any single person.

    - Owner's Role: The owner is the primary bottleneck. To scale, they must get "in the trenches" to understand the customer and invest in personal development to become worthy of the company's next size.


    Topics


    The Scaling Framework

    Sam's framework for scaling a business is a four-step process:


    1. Master Sales: Sales is the foundational skill. An owner's mindset toward sales directly impacts team performance.

    - Action: Get "in the trenches" with the sales team to understand customer needs and conversion challenges.

    - Example: A client, Dan Young (PC Live), took sales calls for 8 months to learn the process, which helped grow the business from a $1M/month loss to $13M in profit.

    2. Build Systems, Not Just Manage People: Replace managing individuals with managing a program.

    - Rationale: This creates a scalable structure that reduces dependence on any single person and enables predictable growth.

    - Key Systems:

    - Recruiting: A defined, qualified hiring process.

    - Training: A robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) system.

    3. Create a "Breakthrough-Optimize" Cycle: Alternate between growth and profit modes.

    - Growth Mode: Invest in R&D and innovation, accepting that some initiatives will fail (e.g., Sam's $3M R&D investment).

    - Profit Mode: Optimize operations, cut non-performing initiatives, and focus on sales/marketing.

    4. Invest in Personal Growth: The owner is the primary bottleneck. To scale, they must become worthy of the company's next size.

    - Action: Invest in coaching and personal development to avoid being the limiting factor.

    - Example: A client grew a roofing company from $20M to $250M by investing $2-3M in personal development over 5 years.


    Systemizing Training: The 3-Step Process

    A robust training system follows a 3-step process:


    1. Communicate: Educate employees via videos and written SOPs.

    2. Feedback: Verify understanding by having employees demonstrate the skill.

    - Methods: Role-playing, AI-powered practice bots, or real-world application.

    3. Repetition: Reinforce core principles consistently.

    - Rationale: Employees need to hear key messages multiple times and in various formats to internalize them.


    New Business Opportunity: The Lighting Pros


    - Matthew's company, The Lighting Pros, is a franchise with 5 locations and 2-3 reps each.

    - Sam pitched two white-label solutions to help scale the franchise:

    1. Lighting CRM/Proposal Tool: A bidding and commission calculator built by D2Dexperts' tech lead, Austin.

    2. "Lighting University" Training Platform: A comprehensive LMS to replace The Lighting Pros' current Google Drive-based system.

    - Features:

    - White-labeled with The Lighting Pros' branding.

    - Includes a full lighting sales curriculum.

    - D2Dexperts films custom videos for the franchise's specific products and processes.

    - An AI bot answers questions by pulling information from the training content.


    Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?


    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

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    37 mins