In this episode, hosts Todd Miller and Ryan Bell of Isaiah Industries sit down with Lawrence "Larry" Closs, a renowned leader in the home improvement industry and founder of Closs Coaching. Larry shares insights from his decades-long career, discussing the importance of people, creativity, and culture in building successful businesses. The conversation covers leadership, marketing, preparing a business for private equity, and the evolving landscape of home improvement.
Key Topics & Highlights:
- Larry’s journey: From ad agency owner to founder of multiple successful home improvement companies (New Bath, Max Home, Love Your Bath) and now executive coach.
- The power of people: Why finding, keeping, and motivating the right team is the foundation of business success.
- Creativity in business: Not just for marketing—how creative thinking applies to hiring, pay plans, and growth strategies.
- Building a strong company culture: Why culture “eats strategy for breakfast” and how leaders can foster it from the top down and bottom up.
- Leading with purpose and intentionality: The importance of aligning business goals with personal values and defining what “winning” looks like for you.
- Preparing for private equity: Steps to take if selling your business is the end game, including financial readiness and building a strong team.
- Adapting to change: Thoughts on consumer buying habits, the impact of Amazon culture, and the future role of AI in home improvement.
- Book recommendations: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, and “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni.
- Rapid-fire Q&A: Leadership habits, favorite products, and personal routines.
Final Takeaway
Lead with intention, invest in your people and systems, and always strive for a positive impact—both in business and in life.
Connect with Larry Online
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-closs-976a1a12/
Website: https://www.larryclosscoach.com/
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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.
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