How to Build a Business That Runs Without You - Aaron Young
Hustle & Flowchart: Mastering Business & Enjoying the Journey
What Happened When I Was Forced Out of My Business
Aaron introduces his 14-month prison experience as the ultimate test of systems and outlines how the business survived in his absence.
Joe Fier sits down with Aaron Young, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the "Unshackled Owner" method. Aaron shares game-changing insights on how to design a business that doesn’t own you—one that thrives beyond your own time and energy. From the foundational question every business owner should be asking, to real-life stories (including how Aaron earned nearly $1M while physically unable to run his company), this episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage. Tune in for a mix of mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and inspirational proof that you really can build freedom and scale—on your own terms!
Topics Discussed
- The Core Question: Why it’s crucial to define the real outcome you're building toward in your business, and how most entrepreneurs skip this step.
- Unshackled Owner Concept: What it means to build a business that operates without you, and how it differs from simply being self-employed.
- Building Systems & Teams: The principles behind creating a culture and team that can continue running and even growing your business in your absence.
- Surviving and Thriving During Crisis: Aaron’s powerful personal story of being unexpectedly removed from his business for 14 months, and how systems allowed the company to not just survive, but thrive.
- Big Business Lessons for Any Size Company: Why these principles work for both solopreneurs and large organizations, and how to practically implement them.
- Seven Critical Steps to Unshackling Your Business: Aaron’s proven formula, including developing vision, building the right team, creating intentional culture, and more.
- Investor & Partnership Mindset: Understanding your business as an asset and making short-term sacrifices for long-term growth.
- Creating Longevity Through Loyalty: How intentional leadership and support during tough times (like the 2008 crash) builds lasting, committed teams.
- Living Your Freedom Goal: The importance of defining and designing a business that enables the lifestyle and freedom you really want.
Resources Mentioned
- Unshackled: The 7 Levels of Business Excellence
- Barnes & Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unshackled-aaron-scott-young/1144437542?ean=9781636983530
- Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Unshackled-7-Levels-Business-Excellence/dp/1636983537/
- Aaron Scott Young Website: https://aaronscottyoung.com/
- Laughlin Associates: https://laughlinusa.com
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Connect with Joe Fier
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