Think Like an Owner

Afleveringen

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  Trevor Nix on Growing Multi-Gen Family Garage Business in Portland - EP.283 04.08.2026 1u 10min

  Alex Bridgeman and Rob Southern sit down with Trevor Nix, a third-generation garage door business owner in Portland, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a multi-generational family company. Trevor shares how his grandfather nearly quit after the first difficult year—until his grandmother convinced him to give it one more shot—and how that decision shaped nearly four decades of business. The conversation covers the evolution of the company through three name changes, the challenge of modernizing operations inherited from previous generations, and the strategic rebrand that cut down on costly misdirected leads. They discuss: - Why his grandfather almost walked away after year one and what changed his mind - How each generation pushed the business forward through technology adoption and fresh ideas - The expensive but essential rebrand from All About Doors to All About Garage Doors - Training technicians to balance technical skill with genuine customer service - Why he prioritizes employees who connect well with people over those who already know garage doors Trevor explains his incentive-based pay structure designed to reward quality work without commission pitfalls, the value of building team camaraderie through company-sponsored events, and why supporting his employees' families drives much of his daily work. This episode offers practical insights for anyone running or considering a service-based business where customer relationships and employee culture define long-term success. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:09) - How the family got into garage doors (00:03:37) - Starting the business and year one struggles (00:06:09) - Dad joins and business phases begin (00:08:09) - Business name changes and phone book to digital (00:10:30) - Rebranding with Kickcharge Creative (00:12:00) - Modernizing technology and multi-gen advantages (00:14:03) - Big decisions and working with family (00:19:21) - Implementing new systems and efficiency focus (00:23:28) - Training techs and customer interactions (00:46:01) - Tech compensation and incentive structure (00:56:51) - Why Portland's market supports many garage door companies (01:04:12) - Building company culture and employee events Show Platforms:   YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66QVDcbPlPO4IDG6eXbk1Q   Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-like-an-owner/id1445929750?uo=4   Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fbv9d4HpDwuO4MOPvgdvO Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Rob Southern     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsouthern/ Companies:   All About Garage Doors - https://callallabout.com/
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  Andy Felice on Garage Door Marketing for Ambitious Owners - EP.282 28.07.2026 40min

  Alex Bridgeman and Andy Felice explore the nuances of marketing in the garage door industry on Think Like an Owner. Felice explains how he transitioned from working with hundreds of clients across various industries to specializing exclusively in garage door companies after a consulting engagement with Tommy Mello's A1 Garage Doors. The conversation examines the operational realities of home service businesses and why specialization allows marketing agencies to deliver deeper value by understanding not just marketing tactics, but the underlying business mechanics that drive profitability. They discuss: - Why repair and replacement marketing require fundamentally different psychological approaches - How rising lead costs from private equity competition force businesses to increase average repair tickets above $1,000 - The database reactivation system that triggers outbound calls when past customers open emails - Why every technician should join a separate BNI chapter to generate consistent referral business - What makes a garage door company valuable for acquisition beyond revenue numbers This episode offers practical insight for anyone operating or investing in home service businesses where marketing success depends on operational excellence. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - From door-knocking to garage door consulting (00:02:32) - Learning the industry through A1 Garage Doors (00:03:49) - The case for vertical specialization (00:07:23) - Understanding repair vs. replacement psychology (00:09:04) - Beyond marketing: Operations and consulting (00:12:20) - Sales training as lead conversion insurance (00:14:57) - Deep dive: Marketing rabbit holes (00:17:53) - Tommy Mello's sales process and recommended books (00:18:46) - Books every garage door owner should read (00:23:05) - The harsh truth about changing business models (00:26:17) - Market dynamics and geographic differences (00:30:40) - Evaluating acquisition targets (00:34:06) - Database reactivation and retention systems (00:38:37) - Join BNI: Andy's top advice Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Andy Felice     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-felice-7a38ba57/     Website — https://gdmarketinglab.com/ People:   Tommy Mello — https://www.tommymello.com/ Organizations:   BNI — https://www.bni.com/
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  Connecting the PNW at SeaPort Airlines with Kent Craford - EP.281 31.03.2026 40min

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Kent Craford to unpack the evolution of SeaPort Airlines and the lessons learned from building and rebuilding a regional aviation business. Kent shares how a simple frustration with travel time between Portland and Seattle sparked the original idea, and how early missteps, capital constraints, and strategic pivots shaped the company's trajectory. The conversation explores the realities of operating in niche aviation markets, the pitfalls of government-subsidized routes, and how Kent applied hard-earned lessons from Alaska to relaunch SeaPort with a stronger foundation. Throughout, Kent offers a candid look at what it takes to build a durable transportation business in a challenging and highly operational industry. We discuss: How a commuter pain point led to the founding of SeaPort Airlines Why the Essential Air Service program often leads operators astray Lessons from scaling a regional airline in Alaska and rebuilding with better systems and capital The operational and cultural advantages of small aircraft and localized air travel What it takes to change customer behavior and build a new travel habit Links: Kent on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-craford-2b070332/ SeaPort Airlines - https://flyseaportair.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - Kent's background and career (00:10:53) - The Essential Air Service Program (00:15:02) - Kent's experiences in Alaska (00:18:58) - Applying learnings to SeaPort in it's second iteration (00:26:27) - Customer feedback (00:30:41) - Developing route design (00:36:41) - The vision for SeaPort
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  Right to Win EP.5: Better Boards with Chris Hendriksen and Aaron Perrine - EP.280 24.03.2026 50min

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman is joined by Aaron Perrine and Chris Hendriksen to explore how boards can become a true competitive advantage for entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into the evolving role of boards within the ETA ecosystem, highlighting the growing demand for strong governance as the space expands. Drawing from recent industry discussions and their own experience, Aaron and Chris break down what separates high-performing boards from dysfunctional ones. They also share practical frameworks for building, managing, and evolving boards to better support CEOs over time. They discuss: Why board quality and CEO relationships are declining and how to fix it What a high-performing board actually feels like in practice How to think about board composition, roles, and timing during formation The importance of trust, chemistry, and engagement between CEOs and directors Why board evolution, feedback, and executive sessions are critical for long-term success Links: Boardroom Toolkit Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:11) - Conference feedback and the state of Boards (00:07:19) - What are your goals for the next year regarding Boards? (00:12:36) - What does a well functioning board look like? (00:18:00) - How can Searchers effectively form a board? (00:25:27) - Best practices for forming a Board (00:35:34) - What are the personal reasons that you'd be excited to join a board? (00:43:20) - Recruiting new board members (00:45:57) - Closing thoughts
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  Crafting your Life and Business with Matt Kuehlhorn - EP.279 10.03.2026 58min

  Matt Kuehlhorn joins Alex Bridgeman to share the unconventional journey behind building Kooler Garage Doors and the lessons he has learned about focus, leadership, and craftsmanship along the way. Matt explains how a business that started almost by accident evolved into a disciplined operation centered around service, systems, and intentional growth. The conversation explores how entrepreneurs mature alongside their companies, why focus can unlock new opportunities, and how communication and leadership shape both teams and customer experiences. Matt also reflects on the personal mindset shifts required to move from chaotic growth to sustainable profitability. They discuss: • How Matt used podcasting as a networking tool to build relationships in a new market • The accidental start of Kooler Garage Doors and the early years juggling multiple service lines • Why focusing on one core service unlocked growth, better culture, and operational clarity • The difference between "old school" contractor models and a homeowner focused service business • Communication frameworks Matt teaches his team to build trust and deliver better customer outcomes Links: The Kraft Your Life Radio Show - https://www.craftyourliferadio.com/ Matt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkuehlhorn/ Kooler Garage Doors - https://koolergaragedoors.com/grand-junction Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:48) - Matt on his podcast backstory (00:03:47) - Crafting is Intention and attention (00:06:59) - Pivoting to garage doors (00:15:16) - Becoming laser-focused on one service (00:22:49) - Seasons in the life of a company (00:31:52) - V 1.0 of the company vs. today (00:38:49) - Strategic problem solving (00:40:57) - Customer service training and improvments (00:54:00) - Final thoughts
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  Future of Home Services with Workiz CEO, Didi Azaria - EP.278 24.02.2026 28min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Didi Azaria to explore how firsthand experience in the trades led to building one of the leading automation platforms for home service businesses. Didi shares his journey from working as a locksmith in Los Angeles to founding a business intelligence company that scaled to hundreds of millions in ARR, and eventually launching Workiz. The conversation dives into how friction in communication, scheduling, and payments quietly kills service businesses and how AI driven automation is reshaping the industry. Didi also explains why he believes traditional CRMs should not exist and how a vision of "automate everything but the wrench" is guiding the future of home services. They discuss: Didi's path from technician to tech founder and the lessons learned from building his first company Why most leaders fail by trying to do everything and how defining your true strengths changes outcomes Eliminating CRM friction through AI dispatchers, automation, and invisible systems Turning home services into subscription style businesses with service agreements and upsells Using strategy as a filter to say no to feature requests and stay aligned with long term vision How AI driven tools like Workiz Genius are increasing revenue by improving communication and capture This episode is a must listen for operators and software founders who want to understand how automation, vision, and disciplined strategy can transform traditional service industries. Links: Workiz - https://www.workiz.com/ Didi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiazaria/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:29) - Didi's career background (00:02:57) - Pivoting from locksmithing into software (00:06:25) - What are your strongest skills? (00:07:42) - "CRMs shouldn't exist" (00:09:37) - Founding ideas behind Workiz (00:13:43) - What are ambitious home service business owners asking for from Workiz? (00:18:02) - Balancing feature requests and keeping the broader vision of the company aligned (00:19:59) - What excites you about the business for 2026? (00:23:01) - What does the organizational structure look like for home service businesses 3-5 years from now? (00:26:51) - What excites you the most for the future?
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  Right to Win Series EP.4: AMA with Lindsey Gray and Aaron Perrine - EP.277 06.02.2026 42min

  In the fourth episode of the show's Right to Win series, host Alex Bridgeman is joined by Aaron Perrine and Lindsey Gray for an AMA-style conversation on search, investing, and operating small businesses. Drawing on real examples from recent deals, they unpack what separates strong searches from stalled ones, how investors evaluate searchers, and where value is actually created post-acquisition. The discussion blends tactical advice with candid reflections on boards, capital structures, and the realities of building durable businesses. They discuss: How searchers can identify and narrow industry theses before and during fundraising What investors look for when evaluating searcher talent beyond resumes Signs that a search is progressing well, including compounding learning and quality seller meetings Common deal pitfalls around quality, valuation, and defensibility How boards create value for first-time CEOs and evolving companies Links: Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:54) - Fundraising and identifying industries (00:09:43) - Evaluating searcher talent (00:13:35) - Acquisition models and strategies (00:18:30) - Cap table construction and investor relations (00:20:28) - Navigating investor relationships (00:22:12) - Signs of a successful search (00:24:28) - Key metrics for searchers (00:27:14) - Lessons from recent deals (00:30:42) - Building an effective board (00:35:00) - Creating value in acquisitions (00:38:15) - Desert island CEO picks (00:39:48) - Sports rivalries and fun bets (00:41:45) - Conclusion and farewell
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  Building Trusted Brands with Dan Antonelli of Kickcharge Creative - EP.276 29.01.2026 1u 9min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Dan Antonelli to unpack why branding is the foundation of sustainable growth for home service businesses. Dan shares the long arc of building his firm through specialization, the discipline of saying no to the wrong work, and how focusing on being "five-mile famous" can dramatically reduce reliance on paid advertising. The conversation explores how brand decisions influence not just marketing efficiency, but recruitment, culture, and long-term enterprise value. We discuss: Why niching into home services unlocked scale, profitability, and clarity The difference between branding, marketing, and advertising and why brand must come first How strong brands lower customer acquisition costs over time The role of vehicles, mascots, color, and design in creating memorability Why internal culture and recruiting are deeply shaped by brand choices This episode is a must-listen for operators and founders who want to build a brand that drives growth, loyalty, and lasting competitive advantage. Links: KickCharge Creative - https://www.kickcharge.com/ Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danantonelli/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:37) - Finding your niche in business (00:04:16) - The importance of branding in home services (00:05:32) - Making data-driven decisions (00:07:51) - Challenges and rewards of specialization (00:09:00) - The value of saying no (00:13:53) - Building brands that change lives (00:27:50) - The impact of branding on recruitment (00:32:30) - The power of a strong brand story (00:35:16) - Effective use of vehicles in branding (00:37:02) - The decline of phone numbers and QR codes (00:41:08) - The role of mascot branding (00:45:17) - The power of color in branding (00:53:36) - Retro vs. modern branding (01:01:49) - Customer experience and brand authenticity (01:07:31) - Final thoughts and recommendations
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  Right to Win EP.3: Learning to Fly with Jordan Huibers and Alvin Wong - EP.275 02.12.2025 41min

  Alex Bridgeman is joined by Alvin Wong and Jordan Huibers on Think Like an Owner, exploring their long-standing partnership, the focused search that led them to Advanced Aircrew Academy, and the lessons they've carried into running the company. They walk through the origins of their collaboration, how a shared passion for aviation shaped their search thesis, and the discipline required to pursue only the opportunities that truly aligned with their experience and values. They also reflect on the emotional highs and lows of stepping away from a business they loved, only to return months later with deeper conviction and ultimately close the acquisition. Their discussion highlights themes of curiosity, humility, relationship building, and maniacal focus as tools that helped them through both the search and their first year as CEOs. They discuss: • How Alvin and Jordan developed their industry-focused search thesis and complementary roles within it • The emotional and practical challenges of walking away from an LOI and what ultimately brought them back • Lessons from navigating remote-team dynamics during their first year of ownership • The importance of curiosity, people-orientation, and focus as competitive advantages • Guidance for future searchers on prioritizing effectiveness over efficiency Links: Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/ Alvin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinwongto/ Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanhuibers/ Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:55) - The origin of Alvin and Jordan's relationship (00:08:16) - The Search and circling in on an industry focus (00:23:15) - The first few months on the ground post-close (00:30:47) - How the Search community helped Alvin and Jordan (00:33:46) - Taking a people-oriented approach to the business (00:36:51) - Advice for the listeners
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  What You Learn After 40 years of Leading Through Change with T.J. Coombs - EP.274 28.10.2025 57min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with T.J. Coombs, an experienced operator and turnaround expert with decades of leadership across industries including building products, manufacturing, and distribution. T.J. shares lessons from his 40-year career helping companies navigate transitions, execute turnarounds, and build strong leadership teams. He discusses his philosophy of defining success by when you leave, the importance of disciplined assessments, and the hands-on approach required to truly understand and improve a business. They discuss: • How defining success as "when you leave" creates accountability in leadership transitions • Why the best business insights often come from the shop floor, not the boardroom • The mindset and structure required to execute successful turnarounds • How effective CEOs balance strategic vision with time spent in the field • The future of the building products industry and the growing importance of service and technology Links: T.J. on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjcoombs/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:48) - The drive to lead (00:05:12) - When you know you're work is done (00:07:04) - Evaluating WHO you want to work with (00:12:17) - "Staple yourself to an order" (00:15:46) - Favorite questions to ask in order to better understand a business (00:18:08) - How long do you typically spend as an interim CEO? (00:20:06) - Involvement in hiring the permanent CEO (00:23:13) - Leading a turnaround business (00:31:00) - The key jobs of a CEO (00:42:56) - The state of the Distribution and Install industries (00:54:41) - Advice to building supply leaders
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  Right to Win Series EP.2: Building Trust as Second-Time CEO with Dan Calano - EP. 273 21.10.2025 1u 11min

  In this second installment of the Right to Win series on Think Like an Owner, host Alex Bridgeman sits down with Dan Calano to unpack the lessons learned from his journey as a two-time search fund entrepreneur. Dan reflects on his first acquisition of Utility Cloud, navigating challenges like intellectual property disputes and customer concentration, and how trust, discipline, and process shaped his leadership. He then shares what it was like to sell the company, transition through an acquisition, and ultimately launch Grouper Companies and acquire Fleetflo for his second CEO chapter. They discuss: • Building trust with sellers through transparency, follow-through, and "show me" actions • The importance of hiring slowly, managing talent thoughtfully, and reducing organizational friction • Navigating customer concentration risk and recovering from COVID-era setbacks • The decision-making and emotional process behind selling a company • How Dan approached his second search and CEO role differently, focusing on autonomy, community, and process-driven risk-taking Links: Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcalano/ Fleetflo - https://fleetflo.com/index.html Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:27) - Dan's background and career (00:10:03) - Building trust and overcoming challenges (00:23:19) - Navigating talent and reducing friction (00:33:01) - Deciding to sell Utility Cloud (00:37:51) - Reflecting on team and autonomy (00:40:23) - Post-acquisition role and insights (00:44:21) - Starting Grouper Companies (00:45:32) - Autonomy and community (00:50:36) - Second-time search and CEO experience (01:04:59) - Approach to risk and decision making (01:11:06) - Conclusion and final thoughts
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  Matt Risinger: The New Ways to Sell Building Supplies to Builders - EP.272 15.10.2025 50min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman sits down with homebuilder and content creator Matt Risinger to discuss how the builder-supplier relationship is evolving and how technology is reshaping the construction industry. Matt shares the story of founding Risinger Build and Build Show Network, detailing how content creation transformed his business and his approach to education within the trades. The conversation explores how trust, service, and transparency remain the cornerstones of effective supplier relationships, even as digital tools and AI change how materials are ordered and managed. They discuss: • How Matt built Risinger Build and transformed his blog into a thriving media company through YouTube • Why builder-supplier relationships depend on service and reliability over price • How purchasing groups helped small builders gain better pricing and leverage • The impact of new digital platforms on takeoffs and pricing transparency • The role of content in shaping homeowner expectations and industry standards through Build Show Network and the upcoming Build HD Standard Links: Build Show Network - https://buildshownetwork.com/ Risinger Build - https://www.risingerbuild.com/ Build Show on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/mattrisinger Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:26) - Matt's journey: From builder to YouTube star (00:07:33) - The birth of The Build Show (00:13:06) - The importance of customer service in building (00:19:58) - Changes in the building supply industry (00:26:15) - The future of semi-custom home building (00:28:42) - Challenges in window and door sales (00:33:10) - The importance of detailed orders and communication (00:37:44) - The role of content in builder-supplier relationships (00:40:18) - Introducing the Build HD standard (00:45:45) - Upcoming events and reflections on the industry
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  Right to Win Series EP.1: Patience and Persistence with Kyle Baer - EP.271 23.09.2025 52min

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Kyle Baer to reflect on his journey from Accruent to Datacor and now leading Crystal. Kyle shares the lessons he learned sourcing acquisitions, scaling a software business, and ultimately transitioning into his first CEO role. Their conversation highlights the importance of patience, building trust, and embracing the challenges of leadership, while also diving into the practical realities of acquiring and running a company. They discuss: Kyle's career path from Accruent into Datacor and the operational experience he gained The core lessons learned at Datacor, including persistence, compounding growth, and the impact of key hires The long process of building trust with Crystal's founders and closing the acquisition The challenges of moving from operator to CEO and learning to lead through others Insights on patience, continuous improvement, and choosing the right partners and investors Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Kyle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylebaer/ Crystal Practice Management - https://www.crystalpm.com/ Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:20) - Kyle's background and career path (00:13:08) - The search fund decision (00:17:59) - The long road to acquiring Crystal (00:23:31) - Navigating the acquisition process (00:26:25) - Building relationships and support systems (00:31:06) - Challenges and learnings as a new CEO (00:42:26) - The importance of patience and continuous improvement (00:50:11) - Hiring the right people and building a strong team (00:51:24) - Final reflections and podcast conclusion      
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  Lessons from a Decade of Growth and Acquisitions - Janelle Heuton - Co-Founder @ Heiton Partners - Ep.270 12.08.2025 39min

  In this episode, Alex Bridgeman talks with Janelle Heuton about her decade-long journey helping transform a small GIS company into a scaled software business serving local governments nationwide. Janelle shares how she joined GIS Workshop by chance, quickly rose to COO, and partnered with CEO Joe Heieck to drive strategic change, including shifting from custom development to SaaS products, completing nine acquisitions, and leading a move to the cloud. She reflects on the phases of her role, from client success to chief product officer, and the lessons learned through scaling, private equity investment, and building strong company culture. Now as co-founder of Heiton Partners, she is applying that experience to acquiring and growing enduring, founder-led businesses. They discuss: How shifting away from custom development opened the door for SaaS growth The dynamics of the COO–CEO relationship and executing on a shared vision Lessons from integrating products, teams, and clients through nine acquisitions Transitioning from execution to strategic leadership with Heiton Partners Identifying and developing high-potential future leaders within a company This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and investors navigating growth, acquisitions, and leadership transitions. Listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/   Links: Janelle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-heuton-aa238927/ Heiton Partners - https://www.heiton.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:43) - Janelle's career journey (00:02:29) - Transition to GIS Workshop (00:03:59) - Role evolution and responsibilities (00:08:06) - Challenges and strategic decisions (00:11:55) - Growth and acquisitions (00:28:43) - Private equity and beyond (00:36:30) - Advice for aspiring leaders (00:39:18) - Conclusion and farewell  
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  From the PGA Tour to the Trades - John Peterson - Founder of Westoplex Garage - EP.269 08.07.2025 58min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, host Alex Bridgeman sits down with John Peterson for a wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, adaptability, and building a service business from the ground up. John traces his path from professional golf—where he saw firsthand the parallels between sports and entrepreneurship—to flipping houses during COVID and ultimately founding Westoplex Garage, a garage door and epoxy floor company based in Fort Worth, Texas. With honest pricing and a service-first mentality, John shares how he grew the business from a two-man team in his garage to a multi-division operation poised for expansion into new markets. We discuss: How John's early golf career shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and approach to financial risk Why a $2,200 garage door quote sparked the idea for a new business The importance of interpersonal skills over technical experience in hiring technicians Lessons learned from starting a service company from scratch versus acquiring an existing one The strategic decision to expand into Baton Rouge and the advantages of using private aviation for business A must-listen for operators and builders interested in the intersection of blue-collar service and entrepreneurial scale. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: John on X Alex on X Westoplex Garage Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:10) - John's career as a pro golfer (00:14:53) - Pivoting into the garage door business (00:23:48) - Epoxy vs. concrete floors (00:25:36) - Latest tech innovations in garages (00:27:53) - The self-storage market (00:33:05) - Building a new customer funnel (00:36:48) - Training new technicians (00:37:55) - Recruiting talent (00:40:31) - What to look for in hires (00:43:38) - Why people leave the industry (00:48:02) - Opening a Baton Rouge office (00:52:35) - Growing pains (00:55:17) - What are you most excited about in the next year?  
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  Richard Emery - Building Private Jet Sales Teams [Replay] 27.05.2025 56min

  Alex (@Aebridgeman) is joined by Richard Emery (@Richardemery2). In this episode, my guest is Richard Emery, who has held various notable positions in business aviation sales at brands like Canadair, Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Hawker Beechcraft. Richard shares his experiences in different sales cultures, managing high-performing teams, and participating in brand turnarounds. The discussion covers his leadership style, team management, and the skills relevant to CEOs. Additionally, the episode includes entertaining stories about selling aircraft to unique clients, making it an engaging listen for anyone interested in business aviation and sales. Links: Richard on LinkedIn Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:31) - Richard's career and background (00:04:41) - How do you organize a high-performing sales team? (00:14:00) - Identifying ideal customer profiles (00:23:49) - Developing a customer outreach team (00:27:44) - Having discipline and focus on a sales team (00:38:28) - Leadership philosophies (00:50:08) - What can CEOs do to make their sales teams more effective?
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  Evolving Dynamics of Engine Programs with Delray Dobbins - EP.268 13.05.2025 58min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Delray Dobbins, Director of Sales at Engine Assurance Program (EAP), to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential components of business aviation: jet engine maintenance programs. With a career spanning Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and now EAP, Delray brings a deep and practical perspective on the engine lifecycle—and what operators need to understand to avoid million-dollar surprises. We talk about how engine programs work, why post-COVID supply chain issues have changed the economics of self-insuring, and what's driving renewed demand for programs that cover scheduled and unscheduled events. Delray explains why AOG support is more critical than ever, how rental engine shortages are reshaping customer expectations, and the importance of proactive planning in a world where a blank check no longer guarantees a quick solution. We also cover: * Key drivers behind the rising costs of engine overhauls and rental coverage * How EAP's trust-based model compares to OEM programs * Why older aircraft owners are underserved and how EAP fills that gap * The business case for engine programs, including appraisal and resale value * What to look for in life-limited parts and how they impact long-term ownership costs * The growing technician shortage and efforts to build the next pipeline of A\&P talent This episode offers a masterclass in aviation maintenance economics, with practical insights for owners, operators, and investors navigating the complexities of business jet ownership. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Engine Assurance Program - https://www.eap.aero/ Delray on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/delray-dobbins-ssbb/ Sponsor - Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:22) - Sponsor - Inzo Technologies (00:03:50) - Delray's early career & and pivoting into engine assurance (00:09:17) - What is an engine program? (00:11:53) - How does the engine program save the customer money? (00:14:04) - Where does a customer's money go in an EAP? (00:17:48) - How do you price an EAP? (00:19:01) - How does an EAP make money? (00:20:25) - The Customer Journey (00:23:54) - Engine evaluations (00:25:20) - Risk pricing (00:27:03) - Tracking inventory 00:35:15) - Parts consistency (00:36:22) - Who is doing engine overhauls? (00:40:27) - Platform consolidations (00:41:34) - Customer mixes (00:43:23) - The industry technician shortage (00:55:06) - What are you excited about over the next decade? (00:56:48) - Electric Aircraft
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  Governance and Family Harmony in Business (From EP.267) 09.05.2025 15min

  Watch the full episode with Dave Whorton here - https://youtu.be/KPcgK3lm-mw
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  Building Evergreen Companies with Dave Whorton - EP.267 06.05.2025 1u 3min

  In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Dave Whorton, founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way, to explore a different path for entrepreneurs—one built on permanence, purpose, and long-term thinking. After an early career in venture capital and tech startups, Dave walked away from the high-growth, high-exit model to focus on what he calls "Evergreen companies." We talk about the origins of Tugboat Institute and the principles behind Evergreen businesses: profitable growth, deeply held purpose, people-first cultures, and a commitment to staying private. Dave shares stories from multi-generational companies that are thriving by building slowly, investing intentionally, and rejecting the pressure to sell. We also cover: Why Dave left venture capital after working on companies like Amazon and Google The seven core values that define Evergreen companies How to create long-term alignment between family, founders, and leadership The role of independent boards in creating accountability without outside capital Why purpose-driven companies often outperform over the long haul How to resist short-term thinking in a culture obsessed with exits This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to build something enduring—not just successful. Dave's framework offers a powerful counterpoint to the dominant startup narrative, with practical takeaways for anyone playing the long game. Dave's new book, Another Way, is available now. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Another Way by Dave Whorton and Bo Burlingham - https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/anotherway/ Dave on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewhorton/ Tugboat Institute - https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:44) - Sponsor - Inzo Technologies (00:03:02) - The Tugboat Institute and Evergreen Companies (00:03:50) - Dave's Journey in Technology and Venture Capital (00:08:46) - The Value of Long-Term Family Businesses (00:29:15) - Governance and Family Harmony in Business (00:33:13) - Lessons from Multi-Generational CEOs (00:33:52) - Estate Planning for Founders (00:35:29) - Curiosity About G3 and G4 Leaders (00:37:36) - Industry Selection in Evergreen Companies (00:40:09) - Challenges of Transitioning to a Family Business (00:43:08) - Alternative Paths to Business Growth (00:49:36) - Innovative Practices in Evergreen Companies (00:59:13) - Northgate Markets: A Success Story (01:02:59) - Concluding Thoughts on Evergreen Companies
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  Henry Schuck - Creating Ambitious Teams at ZoomInfo - EP.266 [Replay] 29.04.2025 45min

  My guest today is Henry Schuck, founder and CEO at ZoomInfo, one of the most successful data businesses in recent times with a market cap today around $12B. I've been looking forward to this podcast for a long time because Henry has proven to be an effective founder, acquirer, and public CEO capital allocator, which is a rare combination of skills to find in a single CEO. He's thought very deeply about building high performing organizations, sales functions, and how his own role needs to evolve as the company grows. We talk through lessons learned building vs acquiring capabilities, M&A and integration lessons learned, fixing problems with a process vs culture approach, and how data businesses will succeed in the future Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ I want to tell you about the audience survey we are currently running. These surveys help us create the best content for listeners and better understand your needs and interests. Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback, we greatly appreciate it.  Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/3QLBB1N Links: Zoominfo Henry on X Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:49) - What would you focus on if you were running Boeing? (00:07:26) - How have you seen other CEOs solve culture vs. process problems? (00:12:47) - How do you approach hiring? (00:20:28) - How can you incentivize employees to buy into company values? (00:23:11) - What have you learned working with investors and other CEOs to be a great founder and M&A executive? (00:26:52) - How do you incorporate new tools or partners into Zoominfo? (00:33:53) - What have you learned about integrating acquired companies? (00:36:24) - How do you get a conviction when doing due diligence on a potential acquisition? (00:38:49) - What skills around M&A are you looking to improve? (00:41:19) - How will data companies in the future succeed? This episode was originally released on April 9th, 2024