CASE STUDIES

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining The Summit Group?

I had no indicators at to how I was performing as a painting company. I really had a fear of overhead and thought it was not needed. Salesman set up and managed their own jobs. Did not want to add a layer of management. I was not sure how to get to the next level. Being an entrepreneur, it is easy to feel isolated, in a vacuum if you will. I did not have anyone to mentor and coach me.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

We now have a robust training program, field supervisors, a COO, a director of Finance, a director of HR. Our technology has been a collaboration of our experience and all the great things other Summit members are doing. For example, all our foreman in the field us iPads to clock hours, review jobs, communicate with the office, complete paper work and conduct our daily safety agenda. Rather than reinventing the wheel we get to build off what others have done and share our experiences as well.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

In the last 11 years we have grown from a 2.5-million-dollar company to a 23-million-dollar company. We have great credibility with our customers as they see how well the company is managed. We are not perfect by any means but we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we would be without Summit.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

I have learned from many aspects of Summit. Financial benchmarking at our conferences, rubbing shoulders with other owners, personal coaching calls. The have all been a piece of the puzzle responsible for our success.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit Group?

Get involved. If you join you must be all in. Attend all the conferences, do your homework after each coaching call and implement what you are learning.

• Revenue growth 2.5M – 23M (Revenue has grown every year since 2009)
• Profitability since joining Steady and much improved

www.paintersusainc.com

Industry: Commercial & Industrial Painting

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

Crew Leader meetings and ongoing training have been a huge turn around for us. Also, putting together a budget, with my Summit Coach’s help, that’s actually meaningful. We review it regularly to make sure we are on track. With a budget, I was able to hire an office manager and promote a field supervisor, knowing I could afford it. Learning to delegate properly has also been huge.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

In the last three years, we've grown by over 60% in revenue- all during a recession. We can easily handle the future growth ahead of us. Our profitability is up. Our close rates are up. Most importantly, I now have employees that buy in to our company vision- which means I am now our of the hourglass.

What part(s) of The Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

The positive, can-do attitude of the Summit Coaches (and other members) is invaluable! I am focused and have a better mental approach to running a business. The individual coaching has really helped me understand my numbers and eliminate the guesswork.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit?

Summit is the best money I have invested in my business. This is the best organization for contactors that are looking for help in getting to the next level with organized growth. Summit Group is about solutions to issues and help with implementation of those solutions.

"Consistency with production was one of our main issues. Everything was going through me and controlling quality was very difficult. Because I didn’t have time our scheduling process suffered as well. Other than next week, we had no idea when jobs would get done."

- Sean Kennedy, Owner, Kennedy Painting, LLC

www.stlouishousepainting.com

Phone: 314.952.0156

Industry: Residential Painting

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining The Summit Group?

Before joining Summit I had fewer systems in my business that could create a predictable model. I did a lot of hoping for a better month or a better year without knowing exactly what to focus on to improve key areas of the business.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

Since joining Summit we have implemented financial controls, meeting schedules, job descriptions and procedure manuals, to name a few.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

These along with other processes have allowed us to grow over 800% since beginning our relationship with Summit, while still having time to spend with friends and family doing the things I love.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

I wish I could nail down the one thing I find to be most valuable in Summit. The relationships have to rank at the top. That said, I don’t believe I’ve ever gone to a conference or had an individual coaching session where I didn’t leave with at least one bit (often a lot more) of information that could be applied to improve my business or life.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit Group?

Only join Summit if you’re prepared to make positive changes to your business, and implement them regularly. If you do you’ll be rewarded with a solid, predictable business model that grows year after year. AND you’ll get to spend time with the owners of some of the best painting businesses on the planet!

• Revenue growth 800% plus
• Profitability since joining 10% or more each and every year

Industry: Commercial & Residential Painting

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

System, systems, systems! We have implemented a system for just about everything you could imagine from the moment someone calls till the day the job is finished systems for office procedures systems for shop procedures systems for mechanical maintenance systems for financial reporting etc. etc.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

The results that are the most immediate and in-your-face are that we are a much more controlled company not the mom-and-pop shop we used to be. We know our numbers, we do job costing, proper scheduling, we took the leap of faith; everybody has a roll. We basically cleaned house from top to bottom. We have budgets and sales goals and we understand the importance of sticking to them. (except for one Scott buys equipment randomly;)

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

Boot Camps are valuable anyone that attends them however I would like to see some new and fresh information in the sales Boot Camp. Really the individual coaching has been the most beneficial to us. We've made better decisions thru healthy debate with our team. Our Coach gives us the tools we need to run our business and not let it run us.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit Group?

I absolutely recommend Summit to other business owners. My advice is always you've got to give it time: changes do not happen overnight. Our coach has help us succeed in changing our business. Don't be overwhelmed by the homework. You're doing it for a reason, and definitely pays off.

"The biggest issue we faced was not knowing our numbers and always flying by the seat of our pants in the off-season. Just because we had money in our checking account didn't mean we were profitable. We really didn't have any consistency or continuity - definitely the challenges of a family run business!"

- Trish and Scott Spano, Owners, Intercounty Paving, Inc

www.blacktopit.com

Industry: contractor

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining The Summit Group?

I did not have a good understanding of my financials and that was preventing me from growing my company to the next level

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

Planning 1,3 and 5 year vision ( You can’t grow without it)
Yearly budget and monthly financial calls
Leadership and management training

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

Planning ahead gives my company the tools it needs to reach it growth goals. The budget and financial calls allow us to make sure our plan is working and then the leadership training give our team what they need to make it all happen

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

Everything Summit provides is valuable. I would say the two most valuable tools I received from Summit are the annual budget and monthly financials and sales training. I really had no idea what good sales culture was before joining Summit

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit Group?

Summit will provide you the tools you need to succeed in business. Whether you are just getting started or have been in business for many years Summit will provide you what is missing and help you bring your business where you want it to go. Everything provided is important from the one on one coaching to the conferences. This years regional conference had to have been the most valuable conference yet.

grandscapesri.com

Industry: Landscaping

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

We have completely revamped how we look at, put together, and analyze our numbers as a franchise on a weekly basis. And, of course, now that we actually understand what they mean, we can do more with them and use them to our benefit.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

Being able to analyze our numbers correctly and having the ability to fully understand what each number means, as well as how it will directly affect our business and the decisions we make, has allowed us the ability to finally be able to predict growth, downturns, and probability, accurately.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

We find everything that summit offers us to be extremely beneficial, from the one-on-one coaching to the conferences, and everything in between. But, if we had to pick one thing we felt to be the most beneficial, it would have to be the tools they use that completely take the guesswork out of running your business. These tools are used to review our numbers in detail at at meeting we hold monthly. Another giant plus, is the ability to network and build relationships with other summit clients that are way ahead of us in business. We also love being able to help others by sharing our successes with people that struggle in areas where we are strong.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join The Summit Group?

If you are struggling in any area of your business, especially when it comes to financial organization and budget analysis, summit not only has the expertise to help you, but they actually care and want to see you, and your business, succeed.

"As a business, we always kept great records and paper trails of our dollars spent, revenue, etc. but we never really understood how to interpret them. We had no idea how to translate these numbers and understand the financials. It was a huge roadblock to our growth as a company, as well as our accuracy when it came to budgeting and preparing for the next season." - Ken and Ryan Parsons, Owners, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters

Industry: Contractor - Gutter Install & Repair

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining NCG and specifically, The Summit Group?

I first met Kevin in 2000 at a national PDCA conference in Tampa and was engaged. I wanted to learn from others, I loved the sharing of ideas, the enthusiasm and meeting like minded business owners. There was good energy - I wanted more. Kevin then called me the following summer to connect and invited me to an event in Colorado. That’s where I was exposed to a greater group of residential painters who were all in for learning. It was there too, that I noticed Kevin Nolan was always one step ahead.

When Brian Nolan and Kevin Nolan started Nolan Consulting Group, it just felt natural to join a like minded group. I was excited over learning about new systems and new technology - technology was rapidly changing the way we could do business back in 2005. Overally, I felt a sense of family, sharing and excitement. I want to be around people who think on the next level and are eager to improve. Eagerness to learn and share and implement.

In 2015 - I saw there was still a large NCG client base who had survived the economic downturn - they survived it and came back stronger. For me, it was the right time to come back. Brian came up to visit my office and teased me “aren’t you lonely?” I wanted more wisdom and I missed the group.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

I’ve implemented many, many systems over the last 15 years, but there are a few that really stand out. The most important one I believe is the monthly review of the financials - the budget vs. actuals, the KPIs, understanding the FOS (feet on the street). These reviews are consistent and detailed. The forecasting, strategic analysis and the SWOT, they give you direction!

Other game changers include the access to the Summit Library and resources, especially during the 2008 economic downturn and more recently with the COVID-19 situation. There are resources, urgency when needed, there is follow up and powerful adaptability among the NCG staff.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

Small businesses tend to be self reliant - it’s a big mistake - you need others! I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have received the PPP Funding from the SBA without implementing communication and joining NCG. I am now more prepared to handle challenges that come my way because of the systems I’ve put in place, the foundation for what this business is built upon, the network of owners and my Coach who I can trust to advise me.

Where has NCG had the most impact in the development and growth of your business?

There has undoubtedly been a positive ripple effect of working with my Coach and NCG into all areas of my life - my business, my family and faith. When I first came on board, “I thought I knew everything”. Over time , I’ve become more teachable, I am now always ready to listen… This has changed my life.

15 years ago I was in the painting business, but I’ve now made a dynamic shift to the CEO business. NCG cultivates people to become the best version of themselves.

What have you learned about your leadership style since working with NCG?

I’ve learned to let go - that took a long time to grasp and accept. But once I began to let go and focus on positive self talk, I began to notice a real difference.I am no longer trying to manage the outside world, I am now changing how I think. Remember, you don't have to have all the answers, but surround yourself with those that can get them and build you up.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

I’ve been involved with Summit for a long time and have seen great value in so many different aspects. For example, I’ve taken advantage of NCG’s training and leadership workshops and focused on the development of my employees. By investing in my team’s development and sending them to attend workshops, I am empowering them. I don’t have to have all the answers, I can utilize the strengths of my team.

It goes without saying the networking opportunity and culture of the larger Summit group is priceless. This a culture of inspiring, powerful business owners - they are genuinely kind folks who want to both learn, teach and share. It’s this culture that continues to attract more like minded business owners and we’re only getting stronger.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join NCG for Business Coaching and the Summit Peer Group?

I would first ask any potential business owner looking to join: “What you’re doing now, how’s it working for you?” Remove the ego, get it out of the way. Be transparent, be honest, be vulnerable. Give your coach the opportunity to help you - they need to truly understand your visions and fears to get you to the next level.

You have to be willing to take action on your vision and you have to trust that you can afford and need to invest in yourself and business. It's 100% possible to get your desired results because NCG gives you a realistic path to get there through guidance, tools and resources.

Over the last 15 years I have seen several “one man shops” join Nolan Consulting Group who knew nothing about business - they just loved their trade. These companies have now transformed into million dollar organizations. There are amazing stories of growth within the NCG network.

Lastly, if you sign up, do not think about quitting...ever. Keep your action items simple, a lot might get thrown at you - but you will be guided along the way.

- Chuck Fitzgerald

www.fitzgeraldpainting.com

Member since: 2005-2010, Rejoined in 2015

Rev Growth: Doubled Growth over the first several years working together. Now, we are focusing on the next chapters of my business and finishing strong into retirement.

Industry: Residential Painting

What were some of the main issues you faced or areas of focus you were needing to break through before joining NCG and specifically, The Summit Group?

In 2009 when we were looking to work with a Coach, our biggest challenge was that Gavin and I were starting to be ineffective in all areas. We were working so many hours and were completely tapped out. We were great painters trying to grow a business and we couldn’t handle juggling it all - Sales, Marketing, Bookkeeping - we couldn’t be great at everything because we were spread too thin. We didn’t know how to break the cycle.

We recognized that there have been people who have done this before - someone has hired 50 painters and grown a business and stopped being a painter themselves. So we went to the PDCA to learn from others and seek out leaders and that’s when we were first introduced to Kevin and Brian Nolan.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

We’ve implemented so many systems over the last 11 years, but there have been some game changers of course that have completely altered how we operate. In the very beginning, the main areas of change included:

• Implementing hours for jobs helped us correct our bidding process and production. We had more information to accurately bid on projects and produce.
• Job costing system - understanding what we were making on certain jobs. Working with builders vs homeowners proved to be a very drastic difference in picture and now we could see this in real time. Instead of going off a “feeling”, we could now make decisions based on reality. After this analysis, we changed who our primary customer was. In the year we stopped working with builders and ditched 30% of revenue from this source - our business grew 80%. We simplified the business greatly and as a result, saw an impact of growth!
• We also learned how to create and implement a crew leader training system - allowing other leaders to step up, lead the jobs and ourselves to step back.

In the more recent past:

• We began recognizing the need for a management team and understanding that although we had managers, we did not have a management team. We didn’t have a team of core executives working closely together to steer the business.
• We were stuck in our Org structure - we couldn’t see that the org structure had to completely change as you grow. We were stuck trying to operate a growing $6-8M business within an organizational structure meant for a $4M company. It was broken and we were fighting it… It took an outside eye to see this was the issue. We had to break the current structure - and that one break fixed 40 problems. It was a relief to be able to dial in on the main issue and rework it. We now have a current quarterly review that looks at the org structure scale.

Where has NCG had the most impact in the development and growth of your business?

I think where they have helped us most is with learning how to scale our operations. We’re in a market where we have a strong brand so lead generation has been fairly easy for us. But keeping up with all that, producing the work, and adding 35% growth every year can be challenging. NCG has helped us scale our systems and operations to allow us to continue to grow and be able to produce the work coming our way.

What have you learned about your leadership style since working with NCG?

I’ve learned that my leadership style is imperfect. Some of my strengths can work against me if I am not actively aware. It’s worth learning and examining other leadership styles to add to my skill set with a little bit more finesse.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

The coaching - Someone coming in with fresh eyes who isn’t as close to the day to day like we are. They have the 30,000 foot view which is a hard perspective to get when you’re in it. They’re also working with so many other companies in different growth areas that they have the unique ability to see all the different ways we might change something or could restructure.

WIth that coaching comes accountability on the numbers. It’s easy for us to get excited about top line growth or fun operational changes, but they don’t let us forget about the KPI’s - GP per hour, Overhead Ratios, Sales Efficiency Rations, Current ratios. Also the importance of the balance sheet - holy cow, now we know the importance of a balance sheet.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join NCG for Business Coaching and the Summit Peer Group?

NCG will give you the tools you need to achieve what you need to achieve - whether it’s growth or development, making your business sellable, helping you achieve better balance - your Coach works one on one with you to understand your needs. It’s not a one size fits all approach. It’s tools, advice, peer group resources and more.

One of the things that really appealed to us when we first started was listening to Kevin Nolan talking about his start and challenges - being stuck at $2M, getting up at 3AM and working more hours to fix the problems. And then Brian came in and brought a corporate mindset to help navigate. These guys worked through issues and coached clients through for years, why wouldn't I take advantage of that experience? Why wouldn't I invest in that? Why would I waste 20 years of trying to solve problems on my own to learn what I need to learn to make it happen now?

It’s like compounding interest, the sooner I start putting knowledge in, the sooner I can start putting it to work for me. I would recommend making that investment early, early and often. Investing in Kevin, Brian Nolan and the NCG team is a no brainer for us.

Let me just finish with this - we have more net profit now then revenue than when we joined.

- Gavin Hepp & Travis Ulrich

www.webfootpainting.com

Member since: 2009

Rev Growth: 1,700% Rev Growth from 2009 to 2020

Industry: Painting, Deck Finishing & Flooring

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining NCG and specifically, The Summit Group?

I am a big believer in education, but we were primarily looking for assistance in adding structure and support to our business operations. As I tell my Coach, Kathryn Freeman, all the time, I do well with structure and accountability - and Kathryn is someone I have to be accountable to. Working with an outside Coach also helps to balance the relationship of working with my wife. We both work in the business and with Kathryn’s guidance and next steps, we can clearly operate within our roles. The relationship remains healthy.

I also just love to learn and always want to be a sponge for more information.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining? What have been the results of implementing those systems?

Organizational structure and understanding of our numbers is taking us to the next level, but I know I have so much more to explore and still need to tap into the Summit Library Resources!

With added structure, I can now run much more efficient meetings. I work with a lot of sub contractors in my industry, but we’ve recently hired more full time staff. Running efficient meetings with my salesperson over the last year has changed- we now utilize our tools and reporting features from our CRM (Salesforce, which was also implemented) and can have productive conversations.

As we continue to grow and need to implement new systems, I can learn from the resources NCG has, as well as all of the other clients, regardless of industry. There are shared strategies, interpersonal relationships and the human element that Under the Sun will benefit from as a result of being a part of this group.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

There are many things but two specifically -

1. My relationship with my coach, Kathryn Freeman. Accountability is a necessity for growth. We’re all our toughest critics and having someone there who you trust and can bounce ideas off of helps to reinforce the next steps.
2. Peer Groups, especially the Mastermind Accountability Groups. I am a sponge when I attend these calls and I come away with something that I can implement or learn from. But more recently, the presence of Mastermind Groups through the COVID-19 situation have been extremely helpful and my core group will continue to be extremely helpful moving forward. I am really pleased with how they are going.

Where has NCG had the most impact in the development and growth of your business?

Working with Kathryn has helped me tremendously, but what stands out in this moment is how NCG stepped up to assist their clients during the COVID-19 crisis. Brian Nolan and the NCG team showed great urgency in pulling together professional advisors, critical information and a network of peer groups that helped us and others get through. We had access to information so quickly.

I’ve been working with NCG for the past two years, but even just the little time I’ve worked with NCG and my Peer group in the last month through the COVID-19 situation has far exceeded my expectations. The investment in working with this group is worth every penny.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join NCG for Business Coaching and the Summit Peer Group?

You must invest in yourself to be successful.
You must invest to move forward to grow, both internally and externally.
When we invest in ourselves, the circle of who we are starts to become more complete.

Important: You must have an understanding that you don’t know everything. Be open to learning - I love to learn.

The NCG Team & the Coaches are genuine and sincere. As much as I want to grow, I want to see NCG continue to grow as well. And I know Brian Nolan and the team are not afraid of that - they continue to develop and research new ideas and to strengthen the network of peer sharing. There is so much we can all help each other with.

- James Hughes

www.underthesunimprovements.com

Member since: 2018, Referral from Brothers that Just do Gutters

Industry: Contractor- Sunrooms, Pool & Outdoor Living Spaces

What were some areas of focus you were looking at when deciding to hire a business coach?

We needed to be able to watch our numbers, and have a vision of the organization and structure. Before joining NCG we were working with a local business coach and things were far too general. NCG was able to take us to the next level by having more industry specific knowledge that other companies had not been able to match before.

What are some of the systems you have implemented since joining?

I can’t think of anything we haven’t implemented! I feel like every time we attend an event, whether it be a conference or a workshop, we come back and implement something to our business. We’ve been able to get our financials in order and organize our teams and crews. We’ve been able to be much more intentional with our meetings and our ability to stay organized as a company. We cut out time to self audit our numbers and create structure. We’re able to be comfortable in knowing that our team will continue to do the things they need to, no matter how busy they are.

What about NCG has been the most impactful to your business?
It is so hard to narrow it down to just one thing! NCG has helped us across the board from financials to field training. NCG has helped us learn different key performance indicators for every aspect of our business. The spreadsheets to track sales and things of that sort are not something we would have been able to organize properly on our own.

What have you learned about your leadership style over the last 8 years?

I went to the Integrator Boot Camp a few years ago and it really opened my eyes up to what kind of leader I am. It’s helped me and Mike (co-owner) be able to learn about where each of our strengths are and how we can best optimize our skills.

What parts of the Summit Group have been most valuable?

I feel like all of the aspects of Summit have been so valuable to us! Being able to be in contact with other business owners from around the country, hearing what they’re doing. We reach out to each other to learn more about and from each other. Especially with Covid-19 - connecting with similar size businesses and utilizing each other for best practices. It’s really cool to feel like you’re working with people from other companies that are similar to yours. I also love the conferences, I feel like I always come back with a take away from every event.

What would you tell a business owner who is considering joining Summit?

Why not do it? It’s something that has helped us in countless ways, I can’t even tell you how much you guys have helped us. I couldn’t imagine why somebody wouldn’t want to be a part of Summit. You’d be crazy not to join!

- Mike & Miriam Freeman

www.mikesqualitypainting.com

Member since: 2013

Rev Growth: Our revenue growth has more than tripled since we began working together in 2013.

Industry: Residential Painting

What were some of the main issues you faced before joining NCG and specifically, The Summit Group?

In my first month, I was sort of asking “What do I do now?” I felt like I was wearing all of the hats, flying by the seat of my pants. I was doing payroll, scheduling, selling, coordinating and painting. We were also struggling with understanding the numbers, getting our jobs in, understanding job costing, figuring out whether or not we were profitable on a month to month basis.

What are some of the systems have you implemented since joining?

Once we joined, I scratched everything that was already in place and just started utilizing Nolan’s systems. I was able to wrap my head around what an Organizational Structure should look like and how to plan for growth. My approach to prospecting and relationship development was totally fresh which really helped us build. We changed everything from the call script to what it looks like to finish a job. I would say, at this point, every system in our business is a Nolan Consulting Group system from your Library.

What have been the results of implementing those systems?

NCG helped me put the right people into the right roles, which gave me more time to concentrate on sales and then eventually fly at 10,000 feet. I can now spend my time looking at processes and procedures, evaluating our technology and prospecting.

We’ve been able to get a hold of our numbers. I’m always excited to take a look at the numbers from a month before and study them and talk to the coaches about them. It feels like a roadmap now, and now I can read the roadmap. If they don't look as good as they should, I always feel like I understand why.

Where has NCG had the most impact in the development and growth of your business?

Being a leader: Being a business owner can bring a lot of stress and anxiety, and I think a lot of that stress and anxiety can be hard to talk to my friends and family about because it can be hard for them to relate. Brian Nolan has given me the tools to be able to work through this stress and anxiety through our conversations, reading materials, journaling, and talking to other businesses on Peer Groups.

Peer Groups: Getting together with some of the people that I’ve gotten to know over the years, being able to talk on the phone when things are tough, and knowing that I’m not alone when things are going bad. I’m able to be vulnerable and talk about my struggles with other business owners and start talking the same language.

Getting systems in place: We tore everything down and rebuilt all of our systems with NCG. The library has been awesome!

What have you learned about your leadership style since working with NCG?

Personally, the leadership aspect of being involved with NCG has been the most beneficial.

I’ve become more comfortable in the way that I lead. I’ve taken a ton of what Brian has told me, especially when he encourages me to be who I am, not someone else. There’s no question I’ve grown as a leader and I’m still growing. I’ve learned to change my perspective about leadership without losing sight of who I am.

What part(s) of Summit have you found to be most valuable? (conferences, individual coaching, knowing other business owners, etc)

Being able to share stories, bounce ideas off of one another, hanging out with other people that are in the same boat as you are. I started to realize pretty quickly that these are some of the most genuine people you’ll ever get to know, everyone’s willing to open up and talk about whatever. The business part is so invaluable but the relationship part is huge, too. I’ve been able to grow on so many different levels. I’m able to look at other companies’ numbers and ask “how did you lower these costs?” and “how are you able to save this much money?” and “what’s your sales process like?” which has all been so huge for us.

What recommendation would you have for a business owner looking to join NCG for Business Coaching and the Summit Peer Group?

If you want to grow as a person and a CEO, this would be the consulting group to go to. Growth is important, but this goes beyond the numbers and your financial growth. There are the tools here to grow as a person and as a CEO along with the size of your company. I’ve seen other members join who are sick of running in circles and seen them transform their business into a model company.

The number one piece of advice for new members; be coachable. If you aren’t coachable and willing to get better, it won’t work for you. The people that enter with their guard down, vulnerable, ready to take the next step are the people that end up being the most successful. The ego won’t work in a group like this. You have to be willing to get slightly uncomfortable to change and grow.

- Noah Winkles

www.newlifepainting.com

Member since: 2013
Previously joined in 2005 then came back in 2013

Rev Growth: 300%+ growth since year 1 of working together
Constant growth every year, 10% -15 %

Industry: Painting, Kitchen & Bath - Restoration - Emergency Services