I will never forget my last day of work before I started Nspire2Gro. I was serving as the COO for a private equity-backed direct mail company. I loved my work. I was responsible for Operations and Technology, and we had a number of exciting initiatives in motion. I worked with an incredible team and a fantastic group of employees across the organization. Initially, I had been brought on to round out the management team in order to prepare the company to take to market and recapitalize the business. We achieved that goal, and I stayed on post-transaction to help continue growing the business and execute on the new company vision.
However, on a personal level, I was struggling. With three kids in middle school and a corporate office over an hour away from home, my daily routine meant leaving the house before they woke up and returning just in time to tuck them into bed. This schedule persisted for about three years. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I needed a change.
My Aha Moment
On my last day, I came home and ran into my 10-year-old daughter in the kitchen. She seemed surprised to see me there at that hour. I said, “Emerson, guess what I did today?” She replied, “I don’t know.” I told her, “I quit my job.” I was intentionally abrupt to gauge her reaction. Without missing a beat, Emerson stepped forward, wrapped her arms around my waist, and said, “Thank you, Daddy.” She held onto me for what felt like an eternity, as if she were relieved to have me back. That moment moved me deeply, and it’s a memory I cherish to this day.
Nspire2Gro: Ready or Not
The seed for Nspire2Gro was planted during those early days of the pandemic when I found myself at the crossroads.
With a background in operations and technology, I’ve always been passionate about building business systems and teams. Combining that with a newfound desire to make a tangible impact on smaller, dynamic organizations, I realized I could help businesses thrive by aligning their vision with executable strategies.
I planned to take six months off to reflect and figure out my next steps. It only lasted three months. A CEO who had interviewed me years prior heard I was available and called to see if I would join him to help run his company. Since I was supposed to be taking a break, I agreed to a fractional role.
On January 21, 2020 Nspire2Gro was launched, whether I was ready or not.
Celebrating Nspire2Gro’s Five-year Anniversary
Over the past five years, Nspire2Gro has worked with the Founders and CEOS of multiple organizations, to help them navigate growth, change, and challenges. I’ve dedicated over 8,000 hours to guiding leaders as they adopt Business Operating Systems. From developing strategic plans to executing them, I’ve had the honor of partnering with teams to align their operations with their visions.
Reflecting on this journey fills me with pride and gratitude. What began as a desire to explore new opportunities and be more present for my family has evolved into a thriving business.
This 5-year milestone is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the people and lessons that have shaped Nspire2Gro.
Realizing My Vision and the Lessons Learned
Nspire2Gro has grown into more than just a business—it’s become a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and purpose. When I began this work, I was driven by a desire to help businesses achieve their goals. But along the way, I’ve learned just as much about myself as I have about the companies I’ve partnered with. I’ve come to realize how much I truly love helping others build their businesses. There’s something profoundly rewarding about working alongside founders, understanding their visions, and aligning their organizations to achieve those goals.
I’ve also found great satisfaction in creating order out of chaos. Whether it’s implementing business operating systems, bringing clarity to disjointed processes, or helping a team find its rhythm, I thrive in those moments when everything comes together. It’s about more than just solving problems; it’s about empowering people and building structures that allow them to succeed. And at the heart of it all is alignment—connecting a founder’s vision with the actions of their team to ensure everyone is working toward the same destination. When that happens, it’s like watching an orchestra play in perfect harmony or a crew rowing in unison. It’s powerful, and it’s transformative.
This journey has also taught me the power of listening. I’ve learned that the answers to most challenges are already within the team—they just need to be uncovered. By taking the time to listen, ask the right questions, and piece together the patterns, I’ve been able to help businesses achieve clarity and move forward with confidence. And in today’s world, where small businesses face greater challenges than ever, that alignment and clarity have become even more critical.
Perhaps one of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been building lasting relationships with my clients. Whether leading a team or supporting as a member, I’ve found immense joy in collaborating with driven individuals to create meaningful change.
Looking ahead, my vision for Nspire2Gro is grounded in these lessons. I want to continue stepping into moments of uncertainty and helping founders and their teams find their way forward. It’s not just about meeting goals—it’s about creating sustainable systems, fostering growth, and empowering people to achieve more than they thought possible. Nspire2Gro is about transformation—not only for the organizations I serve but for the people who make them thrive.
If you would like to talk about what is going on with your company and your unique challenges, reach out to me here. I’m ready to help.