Real Talk: What it Takes to Build, Manage, and Scale a Business (Straight From the Pros!)

So, you’ve thought about diving into the world of entrepreneurship? Or maybe you’re already neck-deep in the hustle and wondering, Is this normal? Well, buckle up because we’re breaking down Episode 6 of Business Is F’n Hard, where three powerhouse entrepreneurs—Roger, Diana, and Justin—spill the tea on building businesses, handling curveballs, and keeping it together when things get messy. 

Get to Know the Guests: 

Roger: The Real Estate and IT Powerhouse

Roger, repping Puerto Rico, is the guy who does it all. From flipping houses to managing rentals and running a cybersecurity-focused IT firm, his portfolio screams #BossMode.

Diana: The Healthcare Game-Changer

Based in Northwest Arkansas, Diana is shaking things up in healthcare. She’s the genius behind Prosper Med, helping doctors start private practices, and Med Excellence, a national recruiting firm. Her mission? Innovating healthcare while creating opportunities.

Justin: The Real Estate Visionary

Justin’s focus? Building Florida-based Airbnb properties and construction projects—all while transitioning from the corporate grind to being his own boss. His journey proves that starting fresh is as terrifying as it is rewarding.

The Struggle is Real: Managing Teams and People

Hiring Headaches

Justin keeps it real: finding reliable contractors is like hunting for unicorns. Missed deadlines and subpar quality are constant battles, and they’re proof that having a solid crew can make or break a project.

Generational Shift in the Workforce

Diana points out a major trend—workers (especially in healthcare) want work-life balance over 24/7 commitment. Good for them, but for employers, it’s a tricky new world to navigate.

Trust Issues (But Make It Professional)

Roger’s secret to managing remote teams? Clear communication, solid tools, and accountability. If you’re not delegating and trusting your people, are you even managing?

Finding and Keeping the Right People

Personal Networks Are Gold

Who needs a job board when you’ve got a solid network? Roger and Justin both swear by trusted referrals for finding top talent.

Flexibility = Retention

Diana’s tip? Give your team freedom to do their thing. Autonomy equals motivation, and happy employees stick around longer.

Spotting Hidden Gems

Diana’s hiring hack: look for the talented individuals who aren’t actively job hunting. They’re often the ones ready to shine when presented with the right opportunity.

Partnerships: The Love-Hate Relationship

Set the Ground Rules Early

Justin says it loud and clear: outline roles and expectations upfront. Misunderstandings = drama, and nobody has time for that.

Trust Your Partner (and Chill a Little)

Roger learned that adapting to a partner’s management style can be a game-changer. Focus on your strengths and let your partner handle theirs.

Lessons That Hit Hard

Get Off the Hamster Wheel

Roger’s motto is all about working smarter, not harder. Build systems, delegate, and step off the constant grind. (P.S. His book From Hamster Wheel to Hammock is basically your new life manual.)

Change is Messy—But Necessary

Justin’s move to Florida wasn’t easy, but he stayed curious, resourceful, and open to new connections. The takeaway? Growth isn’t always pretty, but it’s worth it.

Own Your Mistakes

The group agreed on this biggie: vulnerability is powerful. Admit when you’re wrong, learn from it, and keep communication open with your team.

TL;DR: Here’s the Cheat Sheet

1. Tap Your Network: Hiring through connections often beats job boards.

2. Flex for Success: Empower your team with autonomy and watch them thrive.

3. Talk It Out: Clear communication is the glue that holds partnerships and teams together.

4. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Build systems that give you time to breathe and think long-term.

Final Thoughts

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s oh-so-rewarding. Whether you’re building your dream team or learning how to pivot, these lessons from Business Is F’n Hard remind us that the struggle is real—but so is the growth. Ready to level up? Start taking notes and get to work!

(P.S. Don’t miss the full episode for even more gems. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later.)