THE DISCIPLINE TO ENDURE

Years ago, I had this old camouflage truck on my farm in Georgia. The paint was faded, the dash was cracked, and the engine made a different sound every time I turned the key. It wasn’t pretty, but it always started. And as time went on, I learned to listen for things like a change in the steering or something that just felt off.

That truck taught me that it's one thing to build something from nothing, but it's another to keep it running when it’s old and familiar and still needs your attention.

The same is true for companies. In the early days, everything moves fast. You’re solving problems, building systems, chasing opportunity. But eventually, you're not just building anymore. You're maintaining. And that takes a different kind of discipline.

Read more in From Building to Maintaining: The Discipline Behind Enduring Companies.

Now ask yourself this (and be honest): Am I leading my company with that kind of care? Or am I just waiting for something to break before I give it my full attention?

PERSPECTIVES

“It doesn’t make sense to continue wanting something if you’re not willing to do what it takes to get it." — James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

MARK MY WORDS

My old truck taught me more than I ever expected it would. There was no computer system telling me what needed fixing. Just a machine I had to stay close to if I wanted it to keep working. You learn to pay attention in that kind of environment.

That lesson has shaped how I lead. The more distance I have from the work, the easier it is to miss the small signals. I’ve made the mistake of stepping back too far. I’ve also learned how valuable it is to stay close, even when things seem fine. Especially when they seem fine.

Leadership isn’t about fixing everything yourself. But it is about staying present enough to know when something’s off and responding before it breaks.

GOT A MINUTE?

The day after Hurricane Andrew, Adrian Capote from J&C Tropicals could barely speak. The damage was overwhelming. Most people assumed it was the end. But his dad didn’t freeze.

“Go to North Carolina. Get the generator” he said.

One week later, they were harvesting and selling again, while most of the region was still frozen in the aftermath.

[Watch Now]

ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD

In case you missed it, here’s more from Founder’s Framework:

From the Inside Out: How Culture Shapes Your Brand

Your brand isn’t just what you say. It’s how you operate when no one’s watching. This piece explores how culture shapes everything your company puts into the world.

[Read Now]

Some things aren’t built in a flash. This one’s for the founders who stick with it, stay present, and lead with patience and care.