Harry Handles It

From Teamster to Titan: The 35 Year Journey of Glen Lerner

Key Takeaways * Scaling is no longer just about head count; efficiency and technology are the real drivers of profit in the modern era. * Client acquisition costs have skyrocketed from $166 per case to over $3,000 or $4,000 in just a few decades. * The legal industry is facing a massive wave of consolidation that requires firms to focus on their unique business models to survive. * A blue-collar work ethic, rooted in experience like hauling trash as a Teamster, provides a foundation for building a national powerhouse. * The shift from "Budget Legal" to the "Lerner and Rowe" brand demonstrates the power of consistent, large-scale advertising and finding a message that sticks. * True success comes from the relationships you build with people and a commitment to personal values. "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.

Fighting the Giants: 30 Years of Investment Fraud Law

You spend 30, 40, or 50 years building your retirement. You do everything right. You save, you work hard, and then you trust an "expert" to protect that nest egg. But what happens when that trust is betrayed? I recently sat down with David Meyer, a powerhouse in securities litigation, to talk about the reality of investment fraud. We see it all too often: an advisor tells a client to "go to the beach" and enjoy their grandkids, while they quietly implement a portfolio that is way too risky for the client's needs. The scams are getting more sophisticated, and the stakes couldn't be higher. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of Wall Street justice and how to hold big banks accountable for their mistakes. Your livelihood shouldn't be a gamble. "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.

Harry Handles It: Episode 38 with David Kolbe

Most hiring decisions focus on experience, intelligence, or personality, but even when all three look right on paper, teams still struggle with execution, communication, and alignment. In this episode of Harry Handles It, Harry Nalbandyan sits down with David Kolbe to break down the missing piece that most organizations overlook: how people actually take action. The conversation centers around the Kolbe Index and its focus on the conative part of the mind, which measures instinctive strengths and the natural way individuals approach problem solving and execution.  David explains why understanding how someone operates is just as important as what they know or how they behave. The discussion highlights how misalignment in these instinctive strengths often leads to friction inside teams, especially as organizations scale and leaders attempt to move faster than their teams can execute. The episode also explores how leaders can use these insights to improve hiring, team structure, and communication. Rather than forcing individuals to operate outside their natural strengths, the focus shifts toward placing people in roles where they can perform at their highest level while building systems that account for differences in how work gets done. The conversation covers: * The difference between cognitive, affective, and conative strengths *  How the Kolbe Index measures instinctive ways of taking action *  Why execution breakdowns often come from misalignment, not capability *  The four action modes: fact finder, follow through, quick start, and implementer *  How leaders can reduce friction by aligning roles with natural strengths *  Why diverse thinking styles create stronger teams and better outcomes *  How communication changes when leaders understand how people operate This episode is for founders, executives, and operators who are responsible for building teams, hiring effectively, and improving execution across their organization. "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.

Harry Handles It: Episode 37 with Eric Olson

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: * The leadership shift required to move from technician to business owner * Why hiring for character matters more than hiring for technical skills * How behavioral interviews reveal real decision making patterns * The development of Olson Superior University and its hands on training model * The early compensation mistake that created major operational challenges * How empathy and communication training improves customer service * Why trades businesses can remain resilient during economic uncertainty 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.

Harry Handles It: Episode 36 with Robin Kencel

Successful careers do not always stay fulfilling. Many leaders eventually reach a moment when the work still looks successful from the outside, but the energy behind it has disappeared. In this episode of Harry Handles It, Harry Nalbandyan sits down with Robin Kencel to discuss what reinvention actually looks like for high performers who refuse to stay stuck. Robin explains why curiosity is often the earliest signal that a career is reaching its natural end, how leaders can recognize when fulfillment has faded, and why reinvention rarely requires burning down what you have already built. Instead, she shares the strategic approach that allowed her to pivot industries while maintaining stability and momentum. The discussion also explores the internal challenges behind major life transitions. Identity, reputation, financial responsibility, and fear of judgment all shape the decisions people make when considering a new direction. Robin outlines the mindset shifts that allow leaders to move toward something meaningful rather than simply walking away from something familiar. The conversation covers: * The framework for changing careers without abandoning stability * Why curiosity is often the first signal that it is time for a new direction * How contingency planning helps leaders navigate unexpected setbacks * The role mindset plays in turning disruption into opportunity * Why mentorship and habits compound over decades of growth * How leaders redefine success as their priorities evolve This episode is for founders, executives, and professionals who have achieved success but sense that their next chapter may look different from the one they originally planned. If you have ever wondered how high performers reinvent themselves without losing momentum, this conversation offers a practical perspective on navigating change with intention. "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.