Aligning Purpose with Profit
Lessons from Scaling an $80 Million Dollar Business
Building businesses on timeless principles since 2012.
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As an entrepreneur who’s been through the trenches, I’ve learned that true success isn’t about overnight wins or partying like a rock star. It’s about grit, purpose, and disciplined growth. Here’s my journey from rock bottom to scaling a multi-million dollar law firm, with lessons that apply to any purpose-driven entrepreneur looking to build a sustainable business.
The Dark Days: Surviving Rock Bottom
At 38, I hit rock bottom. My marriage had ended badly, my business partnerships had fallen apart, and I was struggling with family issues. I was alone, without friends, and using alcohol to numb the pain. It was more than a ditch – it was a deep, dark hole.
But even in those darkest moments, I clung to a mission. Inspired by Daniel Craig’s James Bond, I created a shell of invincibility around myself. I told myself, “No matter what happens, I’m on a mission.” I didn’t know what the mission was yet, but I knew I had to survive.
Key Takeaway: Grit is about surviving today to thrive tomorrow Share on X
When you’re at rock bottom, focus on survival. Create a mental armor if you need to. Remember, you’re closer to success than you realize – don’t quit when you’re almost there.
The Turning Point: Embracing Opportunity
My turning point came when I met my current wife, a Cuban immigrant with an incredible story of resilience. She wanted to start a personal injury (PI) law practice. At first, I was skeptical, focused on my billable contract work. But our first PI case brought in a $50,000 settlement with just one letter. That $16,000 fee for minimal work opened my eyes to a new path.
Key Takeaway: Be open to pivoting your business model
Sometimes, the path to success isn't where you expect it to be. Share on X Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to pivot when you see potential for growth.
Scaling Up: From Survival to System-Building
As we started taking on more PI cases, my mindset shifted from survival to scaling. Here’s how we approached growth:
- Learn from others: I studied successful businesses, asking about their training programs, hiring processes, and customer service philosophies.
- Understand growth stages: I realized there are distinct challenges at different levels of growth:
- 1-10 employees: You are the system
- 10-25 employees: Implement checklists and quality control
- 25-75 employees: Build infrastructure
- 75+ employees: Develop advanced systems and processes
- Prepare for “valleys of death”: At each growth stage, you’ll hit a point where expenses increase before revenue catches up. Push through these moments.
- Think ahead: I’m always asking, “How do I manage the next level?” Currently, I’m focused on how to manage a $250 million/year company, even though we’re at $65 million.
Key Takeaway: Build systems that scale
As you grow, your role changes from doing the work to building systems that allow others to do the work effectively.
The Discipline of Success: It’s Not a Party
Contrary to popular belief, true success requires intense discipline. Share on X Here’s what it looks like for me:
- Regular exercise: I train four days a week, every week, with a personal trainer.
- Controlled diet: We have a dedicated person who prepares our meals.
- Early nights: Staying up past 11 or 12 wrecks my productivity the next day.
- Spiritual grounding: I’m in church every Sunday.
- Mindful social circle: I’ve let go of friends who party or drink excessively.
Key Takeaway: Success requires sacrifices and discipline
If you think you’re going to make $100 million a year while partying, think again. Success at that level requires intense focus and discipline.
Aligning Business with Purpose
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of aligning business practices with spiritual values. This alignment has been crucial in building a sustainable business that not only generates profit but also makes a positive impact.
- We prioritize helping people through our PI practice, reflecting my wife’s initial vision.
- Our hiring practices focus on finding individuals who share our values and mission.
- We’ve built a company culture that emphasizes both personal growth and business success.
Key Takeaway: Let your purpose drive your business
When your business aligns with your deeper values and purpose, you’ll find the strength to push through challenges and the satisfaction to make the journey worthwhile.
Final Thoughts: The CEO Mindset
As Jay Henderson, a respected business consultant, once told me, I have a “CEO profile.” This means I naturally think in terms of systems and scalability. For me, hiring five people isn’t stressful – it’s an opportunity to build a system that can be replicated to hire 50 or 500.
Developing this CEO mindset is crucial for any entrepreneur looking to scale. It’s about seeing the big picture, building for the future, and creating systems that allow your business to grow beyond your personal capacity.
Remember, the path to success isn’t linear. There will be dark days, unexpected turns, and moments of doubt. But with grit, purpose, and disciplined growth, you can build a business that not only survives but thrives – all while staying true to your values and making a positive impact in the world.
