Many founders start businesses because they are great at the craft. Far fewer understand how to build the systems, people, and culture required to scale that craft into a sustainable company.
In this episode of Harry Handles It, Harry Nalbandyan sits down with Eric Olson, founder and CEO of Olson Superior Plumbing, to discuss the real journey behind building a service business from the ground up. Eric started alone in the field answering his own phones, scheduling jobs, and learning the operational side of business through constant trial and error. Over time, those lessons evolved into a scalable company supported by internal training programs, behavioral hiring frameworks, and a culture designed to prioritize people and long term customer relationships.
Eric explains how Olson Superior Plumbing developed its own training academy, Olson Superior University, to bring new talent into the trades and teach both technical and interpersonal skills. The conversation explores why many companies struggle to grow when founders fail to separate craftsmanship from business infrastructure, and how leadership systems can transform a small operation into a structured organization.
The conversation covers:
This episode is for founders, operators, and business leaders responsible for building teams, developing culture, and sustaining growth over the long term.
For anyone navigating the transition from doing the work to leading the organization behind the work, Eric Olson’s experience offers a practical perspective on scaling a company while keeping people at the center of the business.
"Harry Handles It" is a podcast hosted by Harry Nalbandyan. Each episode explores how top-tier performers navigate pressure, build discipline, and execute at a high level in business and life. Follow the show for direct conversations about performance, leadership, and intentional growth.
