Building a Team That Builds the Business: How to Recruit Strategically
The Home Service Expert Podcast
Deep Dive
What was a key strategy that helped J.J. Levenske in his career and why is it important?
J.J. Levenske emphasizes the importance of 'paying it forward.' This strategy involves helping others without keeping score, which opens up opportunities and builds strong relationships. It's crucial because it creates a network of support and trust, leading to exponential growth and success.
Why did J.J. decide to step down as CEO and bring in a new CEO for Blue Wave?
J.J. realized his glass ceiling and acknowledged that he wasn't the right person to lead the company to $500 million in revenue. By stepping down, he could focus on his strengths, such as mentoring and strategic vision, while a new CEO with more experience in growth and acquisitions could take the company to the next level.
What is the significance of EQ (Emotional Quotient) in leadership according to J.J.?
J.J. believes that EQ is more important than IQ in leadership. Leaders with high EQ can better understand and respect their team members, communicate effectively, and create a positive work environment. This is crucial for building a strong, cohesive, and motivated team.
How did Blue Wave's approach to building charter schools differ from their competitors and what was the outcome?
Blue Wave adopted a proactive and meticulous approach, reverse-engineering the project timeline and completing critical tasks well ahead of schedule. This ensured they were not affected by monsoons, unlike their competitors, allowing them to complete the American Leadership Academy campus in under 120 days, which put them on the map in the local market.
What is J.J.'s perspective on the future of AI and job roles in companies?
J.J. sees AI as a tool to augment human roles rather than replace them. He believes that dynamic org charts will emerge, where AI eliminates low-impact jobs and creates new, more meaningful roles. This approach helps companies stay competitive and adapt to change.
Why does J.J. emphasize the importance of not keeping score when helping others?
Not keeping score when helping others fosters a sense of freedom and opens up more opportunities. It builds trust and strong relationships, which can lead to unexpected benefits in the long run. J.J. found that this approach resulted in more significant and lasting connections.
What was J.J.'s experience with the British company he worked for and why did he leave?
J.J. worked for a British company and was given significant responsibilities and travel opportunities. However, his direct mentor advised him to leave because he would not grow further due to not being a Brit. This experience taught him the importance of recognizing personal limitations and seeking new opportunities.
What is Blue Wave's current organizational structure and growth strategy?
Blue Wave has a dynamic org chart that is adapting to AI and machine learning. They have a new CEO who focuses on growth and acquisitions, a CFO, and are exploring fractional CHRO roles. Their strategy includes both greenfield projects and acquisitions, with a goal of reaching $500 million in revenue with a blended EBIT of around 20%. They aim to diversify their business and maintain a competitive advantage.
What advice does J.J. have for aspiring entrepreneurs in the blue-collar industry?
J.J. advises aspiring entrepreneurs to ask questions, jump in, and fail forward. He emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks, educating oneself, and seeking mentorship. For those hesitant but driven, he suggests interning with successful local companies to gain experience and build connections before starting their own venture.
What personal growth practices does J.J. advocate and how do they benefit him and his team?
J.J. advocates for personal health and mental clarity, including walking for two hours a day, drinking triple-filtered water, and setting small, strategic goals. These practices help him maintain focus and energy, which in turn benefits his team by allowing him to engage more effectively and mentor others.
- Networking and helping others, even competitors, can lead to unexpected business opportunities.
- Not keeping score in professional relationships fosters greater freedom and opportunities.
- Providing assistance, even if it means referring leads to competitors, can yield substantial long-term returns.
Shownotes Transcript