10 Lessons I’ve Learned in 10 Years as a Business Owner

Celebrating 10 Years in Business: 10 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Business Owner

We recently celebrated our 10th Year in Business at KE. Owning a business comes with its fair share of challenges, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Over the past decade, I've learned countless lessons through both trial and error and the guidance of incredible mentors. Here are 10 lessons I believe can help any business owner, whether you're just starting out or looking to maximize your growth.

1. Know Your Numbers

I always say that running a business is pretty easy if you understand your numbers. Of course, that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek — running a business obviously has its challenges — but knowing your KPI metrics and reacting to them daily and monthly drastically helps your Business stay ahead and be successful.

2. Invest in People — Right Seat on the Bus

Your team is your most valuable asset. It’s not just about hiring great people, but putting them in the right roles, where their strengths can shine. Take a page from Jim Collins: make sure the right people are in the right seats on the bus. Genuinely care for your team — both professionally and personally — and they'll help take your business to new heights.

3. Start with Enough Capital

The biggest mistake I see gym owners make is being undercapitalized from day one. You need enough startup capital to comfortably cover operations, staff, marketing, and build-out costs. Plan for 6–12 months of runway before your business becomes profitable. Give yourself room to breathe and grow.

4. Relationships Are Everything

It’s not just what you know — it’s who you know. Building strong relationships with your clients, mentors, staff, and community partners will have a massive impact on your success. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. If you’re always the smartest person in the room, it’s time to find a new room.

5. Never Stop Learning

The business world is always evolving, so you need to evolve with it. Stay curious. I regularly read about leadership, marketing, sales, and personal growth — often from industries outside my own — to bring new ideas into our space.

6. Seek Out Mentors

My mentors — Thomas Plummer, Rick Mayo, Jason Glass, and others — have been instrumental in my journey. They’ve helped me avoid common pitfalls and pushed me to reach my full potential. Don’t try to go it alone; find someone who’s already walked the path.

7. Leaders Eat Last

Being a business owner means making sacrifices. There were times I didn’t take a paycheck so the team could be taken care of. That’s what leadership looks like. I believe in servant leadership — putting your team’s needs ahead of your own builds loyalty and long-term success.

8. Who, Not How

Early on, I thought I had to do everything myself — marketing, sales, operations, you name it. But the book Who Not How changed my mindset. Growth comes from finding the right people who can do things better than you and freeing yourself to focus on what truly moves the business forward.

9. Work On the Business, Not In It

Thanks to wise coaching from the start, I understood I couldn’t be the main service provider in my business. Many gym owners fall into this trap, which makes scaling difficult. Spend more time improving the business — training staff, building systems, creating partnerships — rather than just delivering services.

10. Be the Go-To Source in Your Community

To thrive as a small business, you must be recognized as the expert in your area. Get involved, build relationships, and position your business as the go-to source for your service. Reputation and visibility are everything.

If you're a business owner, I’m sure many of these lessons resonate with you. I hope a few new insights here help you take your business to the next level. And as always, if there’s any way I can support your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.