241 - Get Your Passion Back: How An Assistant Can Change Your Mindset As An Owner with Sergio Garcia
Jan 30, 2025
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Sergio Garcia, a seasoned countertop contractor and owner of Alpha Surfaces, shares how hiring an assistant transformed his business mindset. He discusses overcoming the initial overwhelm of multitasking and the joy of delegating responsibilities. The conversation highlights the significance of structured routines and effective communication tools that led to streamlined operations. Sergio emphasizes that having the right support not only made his work enjoyable again but also reignited his passion for his craft.
Hiring an executive assistant alleviated Sergio's overwhelming workload, allowing him to refocus on his passions and business goals.
Integrating structured communication systems like Slack transformed team interactions, enhancing efficiency and morale through better organization.
Daily morning calls with his assistant facilitated clear prioritization and accountability, significantly improving Sergio's work-life balance and productivity.
Deep dives
Sergio Garcia's Business History
Sergio Garcia runs Alpha Services, a successful countertop contracting business in Oklahoma City, which he co-owns with his brother Ricardo. The business has evolved from a family-owned venture into a thriving enterprise focusing on various surfaces, including granite and quartz. Sergio brings nearly two decades of experience in the industry, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation built on effective team collaboration. The transition from a family-operated business to a more structured organization revealed the challenges of scaling operations while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Challenges of Small Business Management
Sergio faced significant challenges with organizational tasks and delegating responsibilities, leading to overwhelming workloads that threatened his passion for the business. Small business owners often wear multiple hats, juggling production, sales, and administrative tasks, which can create burnout and confusion. Sergio expressed feelings of being lost in the day-to-day grind, questioning the worth of his extensive efforts. This prompted him to seek solutions, leading to the realization that hiring an executive assistant could help refocus his energy on what truly matters.
Implementing New Communication Tools
The integration of Slack revolutionized communication within Sergio's team, replacing chaotic text messages and phone calls with organized project-specific channels. This shift allowed for streamlined communication, where team members could quickly access relevant information regarding ongoing projects without bottlenecks. The clarity in communication facilitated faster decision-making and significantly improved team morale, as everyone felt more connected and informed about project developments. Sergio noted the ease at which they could onboard new installers into the communication framework, reducing operational friction.
Establishing Effective Systems and Rhythms
Sergio adopted structured rhythms and systems, enhancing productivity with daily morning calls alongside his assistant, Vicky. These calls provided essential updates and established clear priorities for the day, minimizing unnecessary back-and-forth communication. The focus on developing deep work sessions allowed Sergio to address vital tasks without the distractions of daily operations, encouraging strategic thinking and planning. This systematic approach not only improved workflow but also reinforced accountability within the team, leading to a more efficient work environment.
Positive Transformation and Future Growth
After implementing these new systems and hiring Vicky, Sergio reported a significant improvement in his work-life balance, feeling more in control and engaged with his business goals. The shift towards delegation and efficacy rejuvenated his passion for the industry, fostering an environment of growth and creativity. With the right tools and personnel in place, the vision of scaling his business began to feel achievable rather than daunting. Sergio's journey highlights the ongoing need for adaptability, as he anticipates further growth and plans to hire more staff to support the expanding operations.
Has running your business started to feel more like a chore than a passion? Discover how hiring an assistant reignited Sergio Garcia’s motivation, transformed his mindset, and took his business to the next level. Tune in for an inspiring episode you won’t want to miss!
Time Stamps
02:39 Episode & Guest Intro
03:45 Team Structure and Roles
05:01 Challenges and Initial Solutions
12:30 Implementing New Systems
31:21 Managing Calls and Messages Efficiently
33:30 Establishing Daily Rhythms with Your Assistant
40:39 The Power of Deep Work Sessions
44:04 The Impact of a Well-Integrated Assistant
Snippets from the Episode
“I feel like a lot of the small businesses, we're great at making things work, right? The problem was the organizational part of it; delegating tasks.” - Sergio Garcia
“ At one point as a small business owner, you question yourself. Man, is this even worth it? I mean, the amount of work that I'm putting out there. It's crazy.” - Sergio Garcia
"It feels better now that we have the right people at the right places. It makes making business easier and more enjoyable." - Sergio Garcia
”Make sure you show up for yourself. I think that's a big thing.” - Sergio Garcia
