Opinions expressed by business partners are their own.
This article is part of America’s Favorite Mom and Pop Shops series. Read more stories
For many independent entrepreneurs, especially in industries dominated by conglomerates, private equity, or mega-conglomerates, it may feel as if the game is already over.
I used to believe it too.
But over the past 20 years, I’ve built and exited multiple technology companies, scaled family-owned businesses across multiple regions and completed more than $700 million in cumulative transactions—all without losing control of our companies or culture and without relying on outside investors.
Today, I operate through a self-funded family office model that gives me something that big investors can never buy: speed, certainty and the ability to make decisions generation by generation instead of by quarter.
What I’ve learned is simple: Independent entrepreneurs aren’t losing — they’re playing the wrong game. Over the years, I’ve developed a system for fighting by thinking differently, and the same principles apply to almost any business. Here is my playbook:
1. Run every company like a startup, not a legacy business
Most independent businesses thrive as they do — too much tradition, too much “we’ve always done it.” I reversed the pattern. Every business I run, whether tech, retail, or service-based, deals with:
- Daily stand-up
- Scoreboard and real-time KPI
- Clear accountability for each role
- Rapid iteration with zero bureaucracy
Tracking metrics in real time—such as customer acquisition, operational performance and service delivery—lets you make decisions based on your data, not assumptions. Regardless of your industry, speed, transparency and unfettered accountability always make the tradition better.
2. Build digital infrastructure before scaling
Before expanding into multiple locations or markets, I built digital technology and operational frameworks from scratch. These tools didn’t just provide capital – they created the systems we still rely on today.
Many business systems scale before fixing before building operational drag. Without consistent ways to track performance, on-board teams or forecast resources, growth can be chaotic. Digital clarity creates financial clarity and allows you to scale without losing control.
For example, our proprietary tools connect every part of the business—from marketing to operations to customer service—providing real-time visibility into performance. This enables faster decisions, better allocation of resources and a competitive edge over groups that rely on outdated reports and slow approvals.
3. Control your capital, don’t rent it out
One of the biggest benefits to independent candidates is freedom from the pressure of quarterly returns. This is why our family office is self-funded. We invest heavily in operations, technology, talent and scalable systems.
Owning your own capital gives you control over the timetable. We can acquire underperforming assets, improve them, and see results within months instead of waiting for approval from outside investors. Independents can move quickly, seize opportunities and make strategic decisions that larger players cannot.
4. Focus on your core advantage
Entrepreneurs often spread themselves too thin by chasing multiple markets, products or ideas. Our edge comes from focus: improving the customer experience and maximizing operational efficiency. Everything else is noise.
By focusing on your strengths, you can grow faster than competitors who scale without a strategy. Focusing energy on the work you do creates differentiation, creates expertise, and drives results across industries.
5. Make talent the core of your business
Every business I’ve grown — whether tech, retail, or service — has been built on talent. Capital is important, but people compound faster than money.
We invest early in high performing operators, marketers, data analysts, culture builders and customer experience leaders. Independent businesses can compete with large groups if they consider talent as a growth strategy, not price. Empowered teams execute faster, optimize better and deliver experiences that leave competitors reeling.
6. Build for a long hold, even if you plan to get out
It may seem counterintuitive, but building a business as if you’ll own it for 30 years creates options. Strong infrastructure, disciplined operations, and repeatable processes naturally attract buyers.
Our tech startups received unsolicited acquisition offers because they were doing well. The same goes for other businesses.
7. Embrace adaptability and discipline
Markets change. Change in consumer behavior. Technology evolves. Entrepreneurs who combine flexibility with rigor.
In our business, we innovate rapidly while maintaining structured operating rhythms. Rigorous processes and standards remain with the ability to pivot quickly as conditions change. Success belongs to those who can adapt without losing their sanity.
Regardless of your industry, be a disruptor
Big investors and parties are not enemies. Competition is not the enemy. The only enemy is the status quo.
Independent entrepreneurs with startup-style execution, digital-first operations, strong talent, long-term thinking, and disciplined capital allocation can outperform larger competitors. Stop trying to compete with the big players. Change the game instead.
Sign up for the Business Daily newsletter to get today’s news and resources to help you run your business better. Get it in your inbox.
For many independent entrepreneurs, especially in industries dominated by conglomerates, private equity, or mega-conglomerates, it may feel as if the game is already over.
I used to believe it too.
But over the past 20 years, I’ve built and exited multiple technology companies, scaled family-owned businesses across multiple regions and completed more than $700 million in cumulative transactions—all without losing control of our companies or culture and without relying on outside investors.
