Rand Larson helps small business owners beat the loneliness of operating by building tight, ROI-driven peer groups. We dig into what actually works: working-capital traps, hiring/firing discipline, burnout, and why some owners sell just 12–24 months post-close.
Scale Path is the sponsor of this episode. If you’re a searcher or operator and want real stories + actionable playbooks from the trenches, check the Scalepath newsletter and peer groups: https://www.joinscalepath.com/
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro & guest: Rand Larson
00:01:43 - What ScalePath is (structure & purpose)
00:02:29 - “How I make money”
00:03:11 - HVAC acquisition near-bankruptcy story
00:05:07 - Genesis of peer groups (therapy → community)
00:06:43 - Ad break: Scalepath newsletter (sponsor)
00:07:49 - What makes a great event (small, similar, 3-hour format)
00:08:37 - Why local organizing is rare (and hard)
00:09:59 - Early peer groups = therapy; today = ROI focus
00:12:56 - 16 events in ~35 days
00:15:01 - Why paid improves attendance (Vistage/YPO comparison)
00:16:02 - Niche-based groups: B2B, pro services, local services
00:17:17 - Online vs. in-person
00:19:20 - Ideal setup: industry peers + local group
00:19:35 - Pricing models & member feedback
00:20:07 - Price point & ROI framing
00:22:32 - The van: $42k “vanlife” for meetups
00:23:10 - First trips & momentum
00:24:59 - Why the van is standout B2B marketing
00:25:59 - Newsletter stories: behind the scenes
00:27:47 - Why sell a commercial cleaning business
00:29:25 - Talking to $30–50M operators; misery check
00:30:38 - Community value for acquisition decisions
00:31:28 - Niche example: boat upholstery repair
00:32:59 - Hiring lesson: inexperienced vs. experienced owners
00:35:08 - Common theme: undercapitalization
00:35:33 - “Take every dollar the bank offers” (asset deal context)
00:38:29 - ~10% therapy; SBA-debt stress early on
00:40:16 - “Real work starts after close”
00:40:29 - Join a peer group before the fire (vs. during)
00:41:10 - Why experienced owners value peer groups
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