134. The Mentor’s Seat: Why Pouring Into Others Changes Everything: Part 1.

What happens when a successful business owner realizes that achieving his financial goals left him feeling completely empty? Bret Barnhart had built Barnhart Excavating from $1,500 to a thriving company, but found himself miserable, angry, and struggling with high blood pressure in his twenties. His wake-up call came when reaching a long-desired financial milestone brought no satisfaction—only regret for all he had sacrificed along the way.

This raw, honest conversation reveals the remarkable 12-year mentorship journey between Bret and Aaron Walker. Their weekly Tuesday meetings have transformed not just Bret's business approach, but his entire life. Bret candidly shares how he evolved from boasting about "ripping people's heads off" to leading with grace, from trying to control every aspect of his business to effectively delegating key functions.

The most powerful revelations come when Bret discusses the ripple effects of mentorship on his family relationships. His wife, Crystal, has commented that she doesn't know what their life would look like without this consistent guidance. Bret now evaluates business opportunities not just by their profit potential, but by their "cost" to his family time and relationships—a perspective that's transformed his priorities.

Through stories like the "$1,157 per night camper" that Bret immediately sold after a reality check, we see how accountability creates clarity. Bret explains mentorship as "walking down a dark hallway with someone who's been down it before"—a perfect metaphor for navigating business and life challenges with guidance rather than alone.

Ready to find the brotherhood that will sharpen you? This episode presents a compelling case for why consistent mentorship is more important than quick fixes. 

Join the ISI community free for 30 days at isibrotherhood.com/community and discover what having the right people walking beside you can do for your business, family, and spiritual life.

Connect:

• Connect with ISI Brothers: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/
• Join the ISI Community: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-community
• Big A's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/
• Bret's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-barnhart