Strategic clarity for founders navigating complexity

I'm not the world's greatest strategist, and what sort of insufferable person would make that claim anyway?

I am, however, the only strategist I know of who serves founders first with subtraction, and for a very specific reason. Complexity doesn't scale.

Whether it's early stage or mature, every company evolves, and founders end up with once-promising business debris that now causes friction:

• Neglected channels and tactics
• Old offers, options, and obligations
• Half-finished projects and initiatives

Founders carry the weight of all that accumulated history in their minds. It gets heavy.

Have you felt it? I have.

We don't put all the stuff in the metaphorical dumpster because some of it has value. It's hard to know what to ignore for now or get rid of forever without a single, unifying growth strategy to guide the process.

Yet, when we do let go of that accumulated history with all its complexity, we find it easier to focus. We feel a near palpable sense of relief.

Ahh! That's what I've been missing. Radical clarity on exactly what we're growing right now and why and how we're going to do it.

If you're reading this and you want strategic clarity, I'll help you do three things:

• Subtract what's getting in the way with the help of my 7 Levers for Growth framework.
• Write your growth strategy in 1–2 pages of plain English so there's no hiding behind jargon or excuses for anyone.
• Walk beside you for 90 days as you begin implementing it.

At the end of 90 days, we get together for a retrospective where we reflect and rough in the next 90-day roadmap.

Just to be clear, a real strategy means tangible outcomes and measurable growth, not slide decks that gather digital dust.

• SaaS company: $25K → $50K MRR
• Creative agency: $8K → $32K MRR
• Landscaping company: $1M → $3M
• Franchise company: 20 → 40 franchises
• Luxury resort: 198% increase in YoY bookings
• DTC first-aid brand: 0 → 6,000 Walgreens stores
• Bootstrapped startup: No revenue or brand → $3M revenue

Beyond revenue, the value of clear strategy is saying no more often, confidently making hard calls and cuts, doing less but better, focusing on fewer opportunities, and walking the path that leads to superior results.

When complexity is the root cause, you don't need more effort. You need fewer priorities and narrower focus—that is, growth by subtraction.

If you aren't sold on the idea of growth by subtraction, read this.

If you aren't currently shopping for strategy, read this.

If you're intrigued but you aren't entirely clear on what strategy is or what a strategist does, read this.

And here's a bit of background on me that explains why I'm good at helping founders find the path to superior results:

• I got my M.A. in poetry writing. I have a way with words and will write your strategy in plain English.
• I've been a founder myself for 17+ years. I know how much it can hurt.
• I've worked with 100+ companies across industries. I have the pattern recognition.
• My heart belongs to God, my wife, and my kids, in that order. I will tell the truth even if that means displeasing you. And I will speak out of true concern for you and your company because my identity isn't riding on our engagement.
• I'm not your W-2 employee, mom, or best friend. I have objectivity.
• I'm smart, articulate, and adept at first principles thinking. I have a unique talent for breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-follow advice.
• I prefer kindness, gentleness, and humility over their alternatives which I have tried. I'm not a jerk and would do my best to be honoring, respectful, and honest even if you weren't a client.

If you'd like to explore working together on growth by subtraction, reach out through the contact form.

Let's talk about your current situation and what you'd like to see happen. I can promise you a lively conversation and a minimum of three laughs.