How Do You Let the Right Person Go When You Can't Find the Right Seat?

How Hands-On Operational Deep Dives Accelerate Business Scale

How can spending time on the front lines uncover hidden business opportunities? In this episode, Rich and Jason report live from their recent acquisition in Redmond, Oregon, alongside their new Chief Operating Officer, Bryce Esplin, to talk about the transformative power of hands-on operational leadership. They discuss how rolling up their sleeves on the production floor uncovered simple, high-impact efficiencies and fostered vital trust with frontline employees. They also share about an unexpected acquisition opportunity that came from a routine meeting with a customer, and how strategic alignment and elite talent acquisition can exponentially fast-track business growth and investor returns. About Bryce Esplin: Bryce Esplin serves as the Chief Operating Officer for both Impact Equity Partners and Epic Capital Funds. He brings extensive professional experience in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, specializing in optimization, procedure standardization, and automation. Passionate about driving growth, Bryce focuses on understanding the granular details of operations to implement effective metrics and scale businesses efficiently. What you’ll learn in this episode: (03:22) Why diving deep into the granular details of daily business operations is essential for setting effective metrics and KPIs. (07:59) Why rolling up your sleeves alongside frontline process owners builds mutual trust and unlocks the best operational answers. (11:40) How simple operational improvements can save time, increase efficiency, and create measurable value. (16:36) How a routine customer conversation unexpectedly developed into a significant acquisition opportunity. (20:21) Why acquiring expertise, leadership talent, and industry knowledge can sometimes be more valuable than acquiring revenue alone. (26:41) The dangerous operational risks, quality drops, and employee burnout that happen when a company expands without standard procedures. (40:09) Final key takeaways Connect with your hosts: * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/] * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/] Subscribe to "The Epic Investor": * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN [https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1] Learn more about Epic Capital Funds: * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com [https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/ [https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/] "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

How Do You Let the Right Person Go When You Can't Find the Right Seat?

How have you had to handle a situation with having the right person, but not able to find the right seat, or fit, in your company? This is a tough episode topic-wise. Rich and Jason share a recent decision that had to be made. Not an easy decision. They discuss the difficult reality of having a team member who aligns with company values and culture, but struggles to thrive in a role that doesn't match their strengths. They talk about how to handle transitions with integrity, supporting employees through change, and maintaining company culture even during difficult decisions. The conversation offers practical lessons for business owners, operators, and investors on balancing organizational needs with genuine care for people. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:47) The importance of defining core values and accountability charts using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). (05:16) How to use weekly scorecard data to diagnose operational problems and guide underperforming employees. (07:51) What distinguishes the right person in the wrong seat from the wrong person altogether. (17:39) The best practices for providing an off-ramp and ongoing transition support for exiting staff members. (25:24) How investors can apply empathy and clear communication when letting go of mismatched sponsor partnerships. Connect with your hosts: * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/] * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/] Subscribe to "The Epic Investor": * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN [https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1] Learn more about Epic Capital Funds: * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com [https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/ [https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/] "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

Radical Honesty, Leadership Blind Spots, and More Valuable Acquisitions | EOS Conference Takeaways

Why do blind spots create hidden bottlenecks inside growing organizations? In this episode, Rich and Jason share their core takeaways from attending the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) conference in Kansas City. They discuss lessons learned from keynote presentations, the critical importance of radical honesty, uncovering leadership blind spots, and creating cultures built on openness, honesty, and human connection. They also emphasize how implementing solid operational systems like EOS can increase both business performance and long-term enterprise value. It was a great conference, and Rich and Jason have many good insights and stories we hope benefit you. What you’ll learn in this episode: (00:39) Rich and Jason are at the EOS Conference and share what EOS is and why it has become transformational inside their businesses. (02:25) Why immersing in the EOS community creates renewed excitement and clarity for business leaders. (05:11) Radical honesty and direct feedback prevent toxicity and resolve underlying team issues rapidly. (08:14) How identifying hidden leadership blind spots protects your team and company from unintentional operational bottlenecks. (09:29) Methods for structuring employee incentive plans lower on the P&L to directly drive company profitability and healthy culture. (12:28) The importance of blending passion and a human element into otherwise transactional business operations. (17:20) Why companies operating with EOS are often significantly more valuable acquisitions. (21:19) Avoiding self-implementation and hiring an expert EOS implementer massively accelerates organizational growth. Connect with your hosts: * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/] * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/] Subscribe to "The Epic Investor": * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN [https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1] Learn more about Epic Capital Funds: * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com [https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/ [https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/] "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

The First 90 Days After Closing

What kind of leadership do you implement in the first 90 days after closing? In this episode, Rich and Jason discuss why the first 90 days after acquisition are critical, and some of the most important moments in the investment process. They share a six-stage framework that’s essential to implement in the first 90-days: Stabilize before you optimize; Create clarity for calm and peace; Culture is the real asset; Find the real bottleneck; Install rhythms and not chaos; and Protect the downside. Intentional leadership during transition periods can create long-term momentum and protect the value of the business. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:36) The first stage is to stabilize before trying to optimize. (05:14) Listening and communicating with the new team helps build trust, peace, and calm during ownership transitions. (10:56) Why company culture is often the most valuable asset acquired in a transaction. (15:04) The episode explores how purpose-driven leadership creates stronger engagement and reduces burnout inside organizations. (19:17) How to identify operational bottlenecks and create quick wins after an acquisition. (21:28) Why establishing rhythms, structure, and communication cadence prevents unnecessary chaos. (27:05) How protecting the “downside” (the bottom line) like key employees, customers, vendors, and processes preserves the value of a business acquisition. Connect with your hosts: * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/] * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/] Subscribe to "The Epic Investor": * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN [https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1] Learn more about Epic Capital Funds: * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com [https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/ [https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/] "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

Distributors, Trade Shows, and Relationships | Europe Debrief

What opportunities are missed when business stays purely transactional? In this episode, Rich and Jason reflect on their recent business trip to Europe to connect with newly acquired customers and distributors. They share how intentional relationship-building, attending a major international trade show, and creating space for authentic conversations uncovered valuable growth opportunities and strengthened long-term partnerships. They discuss all of the experiences and specific interactions that created opportunities that would not have happened through transactional communication alone. We hope you can show up in person for your customers and distributors, and build powerful relationships and growth opportunities as well. Share your experiences with us! What you’ll learn in this episode: (01:12) Why prioritizing face-to-face global travel establishes a stronger relational foundation than just transactional. (04:20) How integrating your family into business travel can build trust and foster authenticity with partners. (11:02) Approach newly acquired business relationships with a fresh perspective, which prevents you from projecting inherited biases. (17:45) Encouraging honest customer feedback creates opportunities for stronger business alignment. (22:55) The value of attending trade shows to better understand competitors, trends, and market positioning. (31:47) Best practices for intentionally balancing high-stakes business obligations with personal downtime while working abroad. Connect with your hosts: * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/] * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/] Subscribe to "The Epic Investor": * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN [https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1] Learn more about Epic Capital Funds: * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com [https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/ [https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/] "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]