Grow A Small Business Podcast From Oil & Gas at 17 to $100M in Construction: Jose Berlanga of Tricon Homes on 40 Years of Business Grit, Surviving the GFC, Scaling to 200 Team Members & Lessons from 7 Cafes and Multiple Startups. (Episode 671 - Jose Berlanga)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Jose Berlanga of Tricon Homes, based in Houston, Texas. Jose shares his 40-year journey as a serial entrepreneur, starting in oil and gas at just 17, then scaling a construction business to $100M and 200 team members. He opens up about the challenges of the GFC, lessons from running seven cafes, and the mindset needed to survive and thrive in business. Jose also offers insights into hiring, delegation, and building resilience through tough economic cycles. Check out the book "The Business & Home Building" by Jose Berlanga — a practical guide that merges entrepreneurship with real estate insights. It offers proven strategies for building a thriving business while maintaining a strong and balanced home life. Focused on financial independence, property investment, and work-life balance, this book is a valuable resource for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:
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What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Jose Berlanga believes the hardest part of growing a small business is persistence — staying mentally tough through uncertainty, setbacks, and the less enjoyable tasks. Passion can fade when challenges mount, but endurance keeps you going. He explains that growth brings constant change and pressure to adapt. True success, he says, comes from resilience, not just enthusiasm.
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What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Jose Berlanga's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. He values it for its step-by-step approach to identifying and eliminating obstacles, improving processes, and turning challenges into assets for business success.
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Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Jose Berlanga didn't mention any specific podcasts or online learning resources he uses. Instead, he emphasized his habit of writing everything down — capturing ideas, reminders, and tasks immediately to stay organized and avoid forgetting important actions in his business journey.
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What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Jose Berlanga recommends focusing on self-awareness and skill alignment as the most important tool to grow a small business. He advises choosing a business that not only interests you but also matches your strengths — because success comes from doing what you enjoy and what you're genuinely good at.
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What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Jose Berlanga would advise himself on day one to relax and trust the process — to do his best without stressing over outcomes. He emphasizes not forcing results and believes that if you stay committed and focused, things will work out as they're meant to.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
Passion fades, but persistence fuels true success – Jose Berlanga
You don't build a business alone — you build it with people you trust – Jose Berlanga Success is owning your time, not just your income – Jose Berlanga