Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Daniel Quinonez, Chief Operating Officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) — one of the oldest trade associations in the United States, founded nearly 140 years ago.Daniel shares how this long-standing organization is transforming to meet the modern era while honoring its heritage. From training apprentices who go on to run multimillion-dollar companies, to integrating AI and new tech tools into the trades, the PHCC is proving that innovation and tradition can coexist.He also opens up about leadership lessons from his own journey, from mopping floors at his father’s bar to leading a national $30M organization, and how his personal mantra, “Be nice,” has shaped his management style, his culture, and his success.If you lead a legacy business, manage a growing team, or want to understand how blue-collar industries are embracing technology, this episode offers both inspiration and strategy.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:00] – The PHCC’s 140-year history and why plumbing is a pillar of public health.[00:02:40] – How the industry came together to standardize clean water systems in the 1920s.[00:03:44] – What PHCC offers its members today: education, licensing, and community.[00:05:08] – From one truck to $10M: stories of self-made contractors in the trades.[00:06:14] – Why nearly every successful owner started as a hands-on apprentice.[00:08:00] – How AI is transforming the trades and why it’s an ally, not a threat.[00:09:34] – Changing perceptions: convincing parents that the trades are a smart career path.[00:10:39] – The rise of entrepreneurship and financial freedom in plumbing and HVAC.[00:11:42] – Daniel’s own career path from government and lobbying to COO.[00:13:57] – Becoming the first COO in PHCC’s 140-year history.[00:15:25] – Helping a century-old organization modernize its operations and systems.[00:17:03] – Growing membership and education as PHCC’s two strategic pillars.[00:18:55] – The PHCC Online Academy: 15,000 students and counting.[00:21:00] – The challenge of evolving legacy culture and systems in long-standing institutions.[00:22:30] – Why more contractors are creating COO roles for succession planning.[00:25:17] – Family businesses, private equity, and the changing face of ownership.[00:27:56] – Daniel’s leadership mantra: “Be nice.”[00:33:38] – Balancing kindness with accountability and setting measurable goals.[00:35:00] – Building buy-in and bringing staff along during organizational change.[00:39:00] – Teaching business finance and leadership to new COOs in the trades.[00:43:36] – Daniel’s excitement for PHCC Connect 2024 and the next generation of apprentices.Resources & MentionsPHCC – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors AssociationPHCC Academy – Online education and apprenticeship trainingQuality Service Contractors (PHCC Program) – Business coaching for contractorsFederated Insurance – PHCC partner for business succession planningSkillsUSA & WorldSkills Competitions – Annual events supporting young tradespeopleAbout the GuestDaniel Quinonez is the Chief Operating Officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), the oldest construction trade association in America. He leads strategy, membership growth, and education for the organization, which supports over 3,000 contractors employing more than 80,000 workers nationwide.With a background in public affairs, government relations, and nonprofit leadership, Daniel has helped PHCC modernize its systems, scale its online academy, and launch initiatives to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. His leadership mantra — “Be nice” — reflects his belief that success is built on integrity, accountability, and respect at every level of the organization.🔗 LinkedInAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

In this powerful episode of the Second in Command Podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer sits down with Brittany Dunn, COO and co-founder of Safe House Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to eradicating human trafficking in the United States.Brittany shares the remarkable story of how she and her co-founder built Safe House Project from an idea into a nationwide movement, launching a full organization in just 90 days while balancing motherhood, military life, and a mission to save lives.She discusses how her background in international business and M&A shaped her operational mindset, and how she’s using corporate systems to solve one of the world’s most complex humanitarian challenges. From developing Simply Report, a tech platform helping identify trafficking cases, to fostering a trauma-informed team culture, Brittany offers a masterclass in leadership under pressure, emotional resilience, and purpose-driven innovation.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:00] – Brittany shares the mission behind Safe House Project and how it began.[00:02:15] – Only 100 safe house beds existed for 300,000 trafficked kids—why resources were so scarce.[00:04:26] – How two military spouses built a national nonprofit in 90 days.[00:06:01] – Why they launched nationally instead of locally (and how it changed everything).[00:08:00] – A day in the life: policy, survivor support, sting operations, and leadership.[00:10:20] – The corporate skills that transferred and the ones that didn’t.[00:12:17] – Balancing strategy with empathy: why people aren’t “projects.”[00:13:01] – Hiring survivors to co-create programs that work in real life.[00:15:27] – The emotional weight of leading in trauma-informed work.[00:17:14] – Launching Simply Report, a new tech platform for anonymous trafficking tips.[00:19:00] – The behavioral algorithm behind Simply Report and how it works.[00:21:17] – The power of partnerships and why Brittany took every call early on.[00:22:41] – Preventing burnout: clarity, communication, and individualized care.[00:25:37] – Inside her relationship with her co-founder and how they model healthy conflict.[00:29:23] – Building a culture of trust, ownership, and open dialogue (“Cuss and Discuss”).[00:34:05] – How Safe House Project hires intentionally and why cultural fit matters most.[00:36:10] – The art of letting go: why firing fast protects mission and morale.[00:37:30] – A recent setback and how the team turned disappointment into innovation.[00:40:18] – Choosing integrity over comfort: giving back salaries during COVID to keep promises.[00:42:01] – Daily rhythms that keep Brittany grounded in hard seasons.[00:43:23] – The next big challenge: state-level adoption of Simply Report.[00:44:13] – A hopeful look ahead: documentary, podcast, and shifting public awareness.Resources & MentionsSafe House ProjectSimply Report App (iOS & Android) – Anonymous reporting tool for human traffickingTrust-Based Leadership by David HorsagerStrengthsFinder 2.0 by GallupRadical Candor by Kim ScottKolbe IndexAbout the GuestBrittany Dunn is the COO and co-founder of Safe House Project, a national nonprofit on a mission to eradicate human trafficking in the United States. Drawing from her corporate background in international business development and M&A, Brittany has helped scale Safe House Project into a leading force for survivor advocacy, education, and policy reform.Under her leadership, the organization has supported thousands of survivors, built national coalitions, and launched innovative technology like Simply Report, which enables citizens to identify and report trafficking cases in minutes.Brittany is also a military spouse, author, and mother of two, balancing purpose-driven leadership with heart-centered resilience.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Email | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer chats with Will Smith, COO and Managing Partner of Lone Star Pups, a multi-location Dogtopia franchise with 15 stores across San Antonio and Denver.Will shares how he’s scaled his team from zero to 140 employees in just a few years by leading with servant leadership, radical transparency, and a simple but powerful formula: Time + Trust = Influence.From teaching his staff about personal finance to running anonymous team surveys and writing heartfelt newsletters himself, Will breaks down how he creates a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and connected to the company’s mission. He also dives into financial literacy and why understanding money, personally and professionally, is the missing link for many leaders.Whether you’re managing a large service team or growing a people-first brand, this episode is packed with actionable leadership and financial principles that can transform both your team and your bottom line.Timestamped Highlights[00:04:15] – How Lone Star Pups began as a post-COVID passion project.[00:05:47] – The story behind Will’s partnership with his CEO, Devin.[00:07:43] – Building trust by adding value—not ego—to leadership.[00:09:19] – Why Will left a 30-year hospitality career to run a dog business.[00:11:00] – Making decisions that impact 140 people every day.[00:12:00] – Servant leadership in action: clearing plates, fixing walls, setting culture.[00:13:34] – How Time + Trust = Influence became the company’s core formula.[00:16:10] – What Will learned from his first company-wide employee survey.[00:17:00] – How monthly newsletters create connection and clarity.[00:19:10] – The truth about communication—why “no one ever over-communicated.”[00:25:20] – The meaning behind Watering Your Bamboo and why patience drives growth.[00:27:26] – How Will learned financial discipline from his grandfather.[00:29:00] – Teaching personal finance to staff—and why it improves retention.[00:31:36] – “Canary Metrics”: a system to track the financial health of each location.[00:33:49] – Why every manager must learn to write their own P&L variances.[00:35:00] – The link between personal spending habits and leadership performance.[00:40:35] – Helping the next generation reclaim their time, focus, and financial control.[00:41:15] – What’s next: growth, teaching, and giving back.Resources & MentionsLone Star Pups, LLC Dogtopia Watering Your Bamboo by Greg BellThe 80-10-10 Rule – Will’s personal finance framework (80% bills, 10% savings, 10% giving)The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. CoveyJohn Maxwell – Leadership teachings referenced in the episodeOklahoma Wesleyan University – Adjunct teaching programAbout the GuestWill Smith is the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of Lone Star Pups, LLC, overseeing 15 Dogtopia franchise locations across two states. With a background in hospitality from brands like Westin, Hyatt, and Hilton, Will brings a people-first mindset and deep operational expertise to the pet care industry.Known for his servant leadership philosophy—Time + Trust = Influence—he’s passionate about growing leaders, building culture through action, and teaching financial literacy to help employees thrive both at work and in life.About the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake Cameron’s leadership course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold sits down with Ebert Grobler, COO and co-founder of Ruby Digital, one of South Africa’s top-ranked digital agencies now expanding across the globe.Ebert, who is a COO Alliance member, shares how his company has achieved near-perfect team retention and why their internal mantra—“Grow People, Grow Global, Grow Profit”—has fueled both performance and culture. From developing a system called The Ruby Way to empowering every team member to operate like an entrepreneur, Ebert breaks down how Ruby Digital builds sustainable high performance without burnout.He also explains how they’ve turned retention, trust, and human connection into a competitive advantage in a saturated market and why premium service is still one of the rarest differentiators in the U.S. marketing landscape.Timestamped Highlights [00:01:45] – Why Ruby Digital is expanding from South Africa into the U.S. [00:05:25] – The surprising gap in the U.S. market: quality and retention. [00:08:12] – How Ruby Digital achieves 95–100% staff retention. [00:10:20] – Creating “The Ruby Way”: an operating system built on trust. [00:12:45] – Letting employees act like entrepreneurs without the risk. [00:16:00] – “Step Up”: the six-month advancement model that keeps people growing. [00:18:30] – Guardrails against burnout: scorecards, balance wheels, and wellbeing KPIs. [00:22:40] – Why culture drives premium client delivery. [00:25:05] – How Ebert measures success: Grow People → Grow Global → Grow Profit. [00:27:15] – Ruby’s philosophy: manage risk, not just marketing. [00:30:10] – B2B growth: focusing on long-term relationships, not quick wins. [00:33:25] – The “SMC client” model—serving sophisticated, mature companies. [00:36:10] – How much companies should invest in marketing (and why most don’t). [00:41:10] – Ruby’s 15% marketing reinvestment and in-house client mindset. [00:45:30] – Turning unused leads into referral revenue. [00:48:10] – The biggest lesson from failure: trust is earned, not given.Resources & MentionsSmart Marketing 2.0 Podcast – Co-hosted by Ebert GroblerScaling Up by Verne HarnishGood to Great by Jim CollinsAbout the GuestEbert Grobler is the COO and co-founder of Ruby Digital, a global performance marketing agency headquartered in South Africa with hubs in the U.K. and U.S. A former communication-science student turned “human-systems engineer,” Ebert is known for creating organizational models that blend business growth with human sustainability. Under his leadership, Ruby Digital has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Companies to Work For in South Africa by the U.K. Sunday Times and continues to redefine what it means to run a people-first, performance-driven company.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest co-host Sivana Brewer (Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io) sits down with Cory Raggi, COO of 1RDG The Financial Center, to talk about leading with empathy, navigating change, and building trust in teams both large and small.Cory shares her journey from leading HR at a 15,000-person company to stepping into her first COO role at a fast-growing 80-person firm. She opens up about how she learned to adapt, communicate, and stay grounded in high-pressure situations and the three core practices that help her regulate stress and lead with clarity.From learning to “roll on the edge” between people and performance to replacing stress with self-awareness, this conversation is packed with real-world leadership lessons for operators who want to grow without burning out.Timestamped Highlights[00:02:00] – How Cory went from HR leader to unexpected COO.[00:03:00] – Redefining what a COO really does (and doesn’t do).[00:06:26] – “Right people, right seats”: her mantra for solving every problem.[00:08:12] – Building trust with the CEO and learning to push back.[00:10:21] – Deprogramming corporate habits in a smaller company.[00:13:07] – Leading teams without being the technical expert.[00:17:13] – Building fast trust through humility and honest communication.[00:19:25] – The mirror test: checking your own leadership energy first.[00:22:00] – Balancing people and business why great leaders “roll on the rim.”[00:23:40] – Running effective meetings that actually serve their purpose.[00:28:16] – Leadership breakdowns most middle managers make.[00:33:13] – How Cory learned to stay calm and centered under pressure.[00:36:49] – The one-next-right-thing method for managing stress.[00:42:00] – The isolation of being a COO—and how to find your support system.[00:47:16] – What’s next for Cory personally and professionally?About the GuestCory Raggi, SHRM-SCP is the Chief Operating Officer of 1RDG The Financial Center, a company providing integrated accounting, payroll, benefits, and wealth management solutions for business owners. With a background in HR and organizational leadership, Cory blends people-first management with operational structure, helping teams stay aligned, communicative, and focused through growth.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Podcast | LinktreeResources & MentionsThe Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. CoveyCrucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & SwitzlerMeetings Suck by Cameron HeroldEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanAbout the Co-HostSivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower fast-growing teams to thrive without burning out.🔗 LinkedInImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

In this Fan Favorite episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold sits down with Sarah Jones Simmer, former COO of Bumble, to explore how the company scaled from an empowering dating app into a billion-dollar global social platform redefining connection and kindness online.Sarah shares her journey from investment management to leading one of the fastest-growing social networking brands in the world. She opens up about working alongside visionary founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, expanding into markets like India, building culture-first teams, and reimagining leadership through empathy and purpose.From balancing motherhood and executive leadership to driving global expansion and shaping company culture, Sarah’s story offers an inspiring look at what it means to lead with both strength and softness.About the GuestSarah Jones Simmer is a seasoned business leader and former Chief Operating Officer of Bumble, where she helped scale the brand to over 50 million users worldwide. With a background in investment and strategy consulting, Sarah has built her career around mission-driven leadership, global expansion, and empowering women in business.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & MentionsSerena Williams x Bumble Super Bowl CampaignAdam Grant – Organizational Psychologist and AuthorKolbe Profile (KOLBE A)TEDWomen ConferenceImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiNote: This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, Cameron Herold speaks with Brent Hagan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, a direct mail automation platform delivering billions of personalized mail pieces every year.Brent shares how he helped a 12-year-old startup kick off its “second act” by transforming complex logistics into scalable systems powered by technology and disciplined leadership. He opens up about developing next-generation leaders, learning to balance autonomy with accountability, and why the best operators focus less on “doing” and more on developing people who can think for themselves.From saying yes to opportunity to mastering feedback and context-switching, Brent breaks down how to lead through clarity, consistency, and reflection - and why great COOs act as both a shock absorber and a multiplier for the entire organization.Resources & MentionsLobUSPS (United States Postal Service) Amazon Discover Insights ProgramWharton Executive EducationPurdue UniversityInvest In Your Leaders Online CourseAbout the GuestBrent Hagan is the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, overseeing logistics, vendor partnerships, and operational excellence for one of the fastest-growing direct mail automation companies in the U.S. A former Amazon leader and Wharton executive education graduate, Brent specializes in scaling operational systems, building resilient teams, and turning feedback into a strategic advantage.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi

What does it take to help build one of the most influential e-commerce companies in the world?In this Fan Favorite episode, Cameron Herold sits down with Harley Finkelstein, President and COO of Shopify, to revisit one of the most downloaded and talked-about conversations in the show’s history.Harley shares his journey from law school student to serial entrepreneur to becoming the operational powerhouse behind Shopify’s global rise. He opens up about working alongside founder Tobias Lütke, building the company’s culture from the inside out, and leading through rapid growth and constant reinvention.Whether you’re scaling a startup or steering a billion-dollar brand, Harley’s insights on leadership, culture, and staying grounded in the middle of explosive success will challenge and inspire you.About the GuestHarley Finkelstein is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Shopify, where he’s played a pivotal role in scaling the company from startup to a global leader in e-commerce. A serial entrepreneur and public speaker, Harley is also on the board of C100, an advisor to major venture funds, and a familiar face as a dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & MentionsGood to Great by Jim CollinsThe Misunderstood Role of the COO – Harvard Business ReviewRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanRiding Shotgun: The Role of the COO by Nathan Bennett & Stephen MilesMaker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule – Paul Graham essayImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiNote: This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What really separates a COO who keeps the lights on from one who drives exponential growth?In this episode, Cameron sits down with Imad Jbara, COO of L2 Infinite Insurance and former COO of WoJo Media, who transformed a company’s client retention from 20% to 80% in just six months. Together, they unpack how COOs can build trust, fire with confidence, elevate leaders, and use systems to scale companies without chaos.From the painful lessons of firing too aggressively to the wisdom of patient onboarding and leveraging AI, Imad shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed as a second in command.If you’re tired of firefighting and want proven systems to grow your company with less chaos, you can’t afford to skip this episode. Listen now for exclusive insights you won’t hear anywhere else.About the GuestImad Jbara is the COO of L2 Infinite Insurance and former COO of WoJo Media, where he helped transform client retention and scale revenues dramatically. He’s trained some of the largest sales teams in the world and worked alongside icons like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, and Alex Hormozi. Imad is known for building systems, empowering leaders, and creating the cultural foundations that allow companies to thrive.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & Links MentionedProcess Street (SOP software)Maslow’s Hierarchy of NeedsImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

This Fan Favorite episode is a recast of one of our most impactful interviews, still packed with insights for second-in-command leaders. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, there’s timeless value inside.What does it take to scale a $100M company into a $365M powerhouse and beyond?In this episode, Cameron Herold sits down with longtime friend Erik Church, President & COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and the O2E Brands portfolio. Together, they reflect on 30 years of leadership lessons, from fraternity houses and College Pro Painters to running one of the most recognized franchise brands in North America.Erik reveals how he uses the Painted Picture (now Vivid Vision) process to align his teams, why saying “no” is often the most important leadership move, and how 101 Life Goals have become a cultural cornerstone at O2E. He also shares the realities of working with a high-profile visionary founder, balancing bold, sometimes “crazy” ideas with operational discipline.If you’re a second-in-command navigating rapid growth, culture challenges, or a visionary CEO, this episode delivers actionable insights from one of the most seasoned COOs in the franchise world.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:00] – Erik’s journey from EF Education to leading 1-800-GOT-JUNK?[00:05:00] – How Painted Pictures (Vivid Vision) align teams across multiple brands[00:07:22] – Why great leadership is more about saying no than yes[00:09:19] – Lessons on culture from fraternity days, the military, and EF Education[00:13:41] – Navigating life as the COO “behind the brand” of a visionary founder[00:15:29] – Succession planning: why no one can advance until they replace themselves[00:19:19] – How Erik and Brian carve out alignment time and balance ideas vs. execution[00:21:00] – The power of 101 Life Goals in culture and recruitment[00:28:00] – Balancing big, bold founder ideas with scalability and replication[00:39:34] – Leading through constant change and technology transformation[00:42:19] – What Brian saw in Erik—and how their partnership works[00:46:22] – Erik’s biggest contribution to O2E Brands’ growthAbout the GuestErik Church is the President & COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and the O2E Brands family (WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, Shack Shine). Since joining in 2011, he has helped scale the company from $100M to over $365M in revenue, focusing on culture, operational excellence, and leadership development. Previously, he served as President of EF Education Canada and held senior leadership roles across EF’s global businesses. Erik is also an avid outdoorsman, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast.🔗 Website | LinkedInResources & MentionsRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanThe Dream Manager by Matthew KellyThe Wizard of Ads: Turning Words into Magic and Dreamers into Millionaires by Roy H. WilliamsImportant LinksConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInExplore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in CommandGet Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO BookTake his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)Chat or video call with AI Cameron via DelphiThe Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.