In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Austin Gray talks with Tanner Mullen—a founder who helped build and sell a business for a jaw-dropping 9-figure exit.
Now on his next mission, Tanner is building a startup in public and sharing everything he’s learned about hiring, delegation, scaling, and letting go of ego.
This episode is packed with real-world founder lessons—from how Tanner built culture at scale, to why he let people quit, to the questions he asks in every final interview.
Whether you’re just starting out or hiring your 20th employee, you’ll want to hear this.
HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 – Intro: 9-figure exit and what’s next
02:15 – Tanner’s biggest regret: Not slowing down after the sale
03:40 – How ego held him back as a founder
05:10 – Letting go: “People should quit if it’s not a fit”
08:20 – Scaling culture while scaling teams
11:30 – Why he stopped chasing growth for growth’s sake
14:00 – The one question he asks in every final interview
17:15 – Tanner’s next chapter: Building in public
20:00 – Hiring advice: What he looks for in operators
22:45 – Coaching, mental health, and founder identity
26:00 – Advice for founders who feel stuck or lonely
29:10 – How much freedom do you really want?
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🔗 Connect with Tanner Mullen on Twitter: https://x.com/tannerdripjobs
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