Heather Rogers, owner of Simply Organized, discusses how she has grown her business.

Key Takeaways

– Heather transitioned from medical sales to professional organizing, starting Simply Organized 14 years ago
– Key business lessons: importance of systems/processes, delegating, and understanding finances
– Health crisis reinforced need for business continuity planning and work-life balance
– Advice: Get proper contracts, deposits, and insurance; focus on building community within your team

Topics

Heather’s Business Journey

– Left medical sales job in 2008 to start Simply Organized
– Worked with career counselor to identify professional organizing as a career path
– Kept full-time job for 2 years while building business on nights/weekends
– Now has a team of 12 and offers services beyond just senior downsizing

Business Growth and Lessons

– Initially resistant to hiring help, realized importance of delegation
– Implemented operations manual and systems after attending business coaching
– Health crisis (6 months in ICU) proved value of systems—business continued without her
– Recent implementation of scheduling software saves ~10 hours/week

Mistakes and Learning Experiences

– Not getting deposits upfront led to payment issues with a client
– Being a “control enthusiast” initially hindered growth and work-life balance
– Undervaluing services and not fully understanding financials

Book and Speaking

– Authored “A Simplified Life” with anonymous client stories and organizing tips
– Uses book as platform for public speaking and reaching broader audience

Team Building and Culture

– Holds optional monthly meetings for independent contractors to build community
– Shifted from micromanagement to trust-based leadership style
– Importance of clear communication and expectations with team

Next Steps

– Implement proper contracts, deposits, and insurance if not already in place
– Consider reading “The Generosity Mindset” by John Ray for pricing strategy
– Regularly meet with mentors/advisors to improve financial literacy and business acumen
– Continue evolving systems and processes to improve efficiency and scalability

Jay Maurice, CEO of Lessons In Your Home, discusses his business experiences and successes.

Key Takeaways

– Lessons In Your Home provides in-home music lessons across 9 major metro areas, with plans to expand to 30 cities
– Jay emphasizes creating a family-like culture, prioritizing teachers and regional directors over “customers”
– Key business lessons: invest early in technology, formalize partnerships, delegate responsibilities, and “go for it” without overthinking

Topics

Lessons In Your Home Business Model

– Provides in-home music lessons across 9 major metro areas
– Uses “owner-manager” model with regional directors overseeing 50-100 teachers each
– Shifted from solo entrepreneur to scalable business model over several years
– Emphasizes creating long-term relationships with families, not just transactional “customers”

Business Evolution and Lessons Learned

– Started as a side hustle teaching piano, grew organically through word-of-mouth
– Key inflection point: custom-built software to streamline operations (estimated $50k initial investment)
– Regrets: Not investing in technology sooner, letting valuable team members go due to cost concerns
– Advice: “Go for it” without overthinking, make decisions and improve as you go

Culture and Leadership Philosophy

– Focuses on mentoring regional directors to create a ripple effect through the organization
– Prioritizes teachers and staff over customers, believing this leads to better family experiences
– Shifted vocabulary from “customers” to “families” to reinforce relationship-focused culture
– Emphasizes allowing team members to solve problems and learn from mistakes

Personal Growth and Learning

– Recommends “Rich Dad Poor Dad” as essential reading for entrepreneurs
– Participates in mastermind groups and constantly seeks learning opportunities
– Committed to helping music teachers realize their value and impact

Lantz Howard discusses family leadership and its integration with business leadership, focusing on parenting approaches and marriage dynamics.

Key Takeaways

– Integrated approach to life: Balance family, business, and personal growth rather than hyper-focusing on one area

– Intentional family time: Calendar-blocking for date nights and family activities fosters stronger relationships

– Emotional awareness: Developing vocabulary for emotions improves communication in marriage and business

– Parenting strategies: Balancing support and independence, especially regarding technology use and personal interests

Topics

Integrated Leadership Approach

– Lantz Howard advocates for a whole-hearted, integrated approach to life and leadership

– Emphasizes balancing business growth with family time and personal development

– Recommends measuring and scheduling important activities (e.g., date nights) to ensure they happen

Parenting Strategies

– Howard family homeschools to foster closer sibling relationships

– Weekly family board game nights encourage bonding (favorite: Clue)

– “Sister Sweetie Pies” business teaches entrepreneurship to daughters

– Screen time limits: 60 minutes/day, self-managed by children

– Gradual introduction to technology: No personal phones until near adulthood

– Supporting children’s interests while maintaining perspective on long-term goals

Marriage and Communication

– Framework for difficult conversations:

1. Identify true emotions (e.g., feeling unwanted, disconnected)

2. Express desire for connection

3. Choose vulnerable communication

4. Explore solutions together

– Emphasis on emotional maturity and staying calm during conflicts

– Recommendation: “Passionate Marriage” by David Schnarch for couples

Personal Growth

– Importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence

– Advice: Slow down, think long-term (in decades), and seek mentors/coaches

– Recognize marriage as an “incubator” for personal growth

Follow Lantz at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lantzhoward/ or https://www.lantzhoward.com/.