#042 Why the Builder’s Mentality Thrives in Any Company Size

My father was a creator, a relentless builder.

On our 10-acre hobby farm, he embodied the spirit of Elon Musk, launching countless "companies" to enhance our home and land. His "wood-cutting company" stacked 15 rows of firewood under our deck every fall, providing fuel for our wood-burning stove and keeping our home warm through winters.

In all my dad’s ventures, I was his first and only employee.

His entrepreneurial streak extended to building barns, constructing bridges for tractors and snowmobiles, and, after my sister and I got our driver’s licenses, transforming the barn into a body shop to fix the inevitable dents and scratches on our cars (I blame my sister for all of them).

Spark of Inspiration

I served as my dad’s COO throughout my childhood, yet few of his hard skills resonated with me. The specifics of his projects didn't captivate me, but his passion for building things did. That spark didn’t fully ignite until my early 30s, after my parents had passed away.

In my grief, I found inspiration.

The opportunity to build something meaningful as a tribute to my dad materialized with Ultimate Hoops.

The Culture of Building

Recently, over coffee with an old friend, I reflected on my career. He asked whether I preferred working for large companies like Life Time, Discovery Networks, and Turner Broadcasting, or small startups like Ultimate Hoops, or my latest venture, Remedy Sports Inc. As I replayed the last 25 years, I realized it wasn't the size of the company that mattered—it was the culture.

Every company I’ve thrived in shared a "build it" culture.

At Discovery, our marketing team crafted advertising sponsorship packages, creating structure and compelling storylines for account executives to sell. At Life Time, we built Ultimate Hoops to align with the high standards of a premium private club, ensuring excellence across over 100 locations. Later, we orchestrated the Ultimate Hoops National Tournaments in Las Vegas and NYC, defying skepticism without resorting to extravagant cash prizes.

I love working with teams to build, fix, and tinker. I relish tearing down what’s not working and starting anew. With my ACC clients and Remedy, my passion for creating innovative experiences to "salt the senses" of customers is stronger than ever.

The Lesson

So, what's the takeaway?

If you love building, don’t restrict yourself to small companies or startups. Seek out organizations with a "build it" culture and present your vision for creating value. Make sure your passion is genuine. If you can't see yourself enthusiastically walking the "factory floor" of your business in 20 years, reconsider.

In a world brimming with distractions, staying obsessed is crucial for success.

The builder mentality transcends company size. It's not about where you work but the role you play and your ambition. Whether at a startup or a large corporation, find your passion, stay obsessed, and build relentlessly.

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