Think Like an Owner

Alex Bridgeman
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Exploring how the most ambitious CEOs grow great companies, with a focus in garage door and home services. Hosted by Alex Bridgeman, Co-Owner of Durable Trades Collective.

  1. 4 days ago

    Building the AI-Native Enterprise: Leadership, Software, and Compounding with Mahesh Rajasekharan - EP.286

    Mahesh Rajasekharan has spent over twenty-five years in supply chain and leads Cleo, a category leader in AI-driven supply chain orchestration serving more than five thousand customers globally. In this episode of Think Like an Owner, Alex Bridgeman, Rob Southern, and Mahesh explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping enterprise software and what it means to build an AI-native company. Mahesh shares how Cleo combines powerful intelligence with accumulated data, context, and domain expertise to close the gap between planning and execution in complex supply chain environments. They discuss: - Why AI amplifies existing strengths rather than creating value from weak foundations - How software production has shifted from humans writing code to humans defining problems while agents participate in building - The economic discipline required when allocating capital across frontier models, open-source alternatives, and purpose-built solutions - Why supply chain orchestration represents a structural opportunity to coordinate action across multi-enterprise ecosystems - How clarity of purpose, exceptional talent, and leading transformation from the front become even more critical in the AI era This episode offers practical insight for software leaders and business owners navigating technology transitions while maintaining long-term compounding growth. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:57) - Mahesh's background and Cleo's mission (00:03:20) - What AI-first actually means (00:07:21) - How AI transforms software development (00:11:01) - Enterprise software's shift to systems of action (00:13:41) - What executives misunderstand about AI (00:16:12) - From software features to business outcomes (00:19:10) - Supply chain orchestration as a category (00:24:31) - AI economics and smart capital allocation (00:29:55) - Leadership principles in the AI era (00:32:44) - Capital allocation across growth initiatives (00:37:09) - Building for the next decade (00:41:13) - Final thoughts on CEO leadership in AI Links: Mahesh Rajasekharan     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshrajasekharan/     Cleo — https://www.cleo.com/home

    Building the AI-Native Enterprise: Leadership, Software, and Compounding with Mahesh Rajasekharan - EP.286

  2. 18 Aug

    Crafting an Enduring Team with Dustin Winter - Ep.285

    Alex Bridgeman and Dustin Winter explore the realities of building and scaling a garage door business in Minneapolis. Dustin shares how he transitioned from fifteen years in commercial banking to buying Metro Garage Door in 2020, drawn by the industry's stability, low cyclicality, and strong pricing control. The conversation covers how Metro has grown from 18 to 30 employees while more than doubling revenue and shifting from 12% to 52% commercial work. They discuss: - Why Metro moved away from commission-based pay to build customer trust and improve the technician experience - How cross-training all technicians on both residential and commercial work creates flexibility and compresses the cash conversion cycle - The strategy of scheduling preventative maintenance appointments at job completion to smooth revenue and retain customers - Why smaller tuck-in acquisitions offer better risk-adjusted returns than larger platform deals - How delivering materials to job sites early and billing immediately shortens working capital cycles on commercial projects This episode offers a practical look at service business economics for operators managing seasonal work, long sales cycles, and the tension between growth and leverage. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:17) - How Dustin bought Metro Garage Door (00:04:28) - Service vs sales revenue and seasonality (00:07:59) - Growing from 18 to 30 employees (00:09:04) - Shifting to 52% commercial work (00:10:01) - Working capital as a competitive moat (00:13:01) - Converting projects into service contracts (00:16:26) - Cross-training all technicians (00:23:34) - Eliminating commission-based pay (00:30:56) - Building a preventative maintenance program (00:38:00) - Benefits of scale and deeper teams (00:41:06) - Fast iteration with daily customer feedback (00:45:12) - Accelerating cash conversion cycles (00:53:36) - Tuck-in acquisition strategy (00:59:50) - Software implementation challenges Links: Dustin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-garage-door-mn/ Metro Garage Door - https://www.metrogaragedoor.com/

  3. 11 Aug

    Right to Win EP.6: Building an Edge in Multi-Site Healthcare with Zach Jones - EP.284

    Zach Jones discusses his experience acquiring and growing a gastroenterology practice in the Washington, DC area as the final episode of Think Like an Owner's Right to Win series. Alex Bridgeman and Zach explore how search entrepreneurs can build successful healthcare platforms through organic growth rather than M&A, and why this strategy creates unique competitive advantages against both physician-owned groups and private equity platforms. They discuss: - Why organic growth works better than acquisitions in provider-based healthcare businesses - How searchers can position themselves as credible partners to physician sellers who must stay post-transaction - The supply-demand imbalance in specialty care that makes physician recruitment more important than competing for patients - Why provider retention depends on preserving clinical independence and treating physicians as true partners - How private credit funds that focus on enterprise value creation enable more aggressive expansion than traditional bank lenders This episode offers practical insights for search entrepreneurs evaluating healthcare opportunities, particularly those interested in specialty care, ABA therapy, ambulatory infusion centers, or behavioral health. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:42) - Why physicians resist private equity partnerships (00:04:36) - From finance to healthcare entrepreneurship (00:06:19) - Why healthcare fits the search model (00:08:08) - Playing a different game than private equity (00:10:13) - Building trust with physician sellers (00:14:07) - Organic growth as competitive advantage (00:15:58) - Why M&A doesn't work in healthcare (00:18:11) - The supply-demand imbalance driving growth (00:20:04) - Capital efficient center expansion (00:29:11) - Hiring and retaining top physicians (00:34:33) - Learning the clinical business as CEO (00:39:09) - Expanding across multiple states (00:40:40) - Best healthcare subsectors for searchers Links: Zach on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharydjones/ Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners

    Right to Win EP.6: Building an Edge in Multi-Site Healthcare with Zach Jones - EP.284

  4. 4 Aug

    Trevor Nix on Growing Multi-Gen Family Garage Business in Portland - EP.283

    Alex Bridgeman and Rob Southern sit down with Trevor Nix, a third-generation garage door business owner in Portland, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a multi-generational family company. Trevor shares how his grandfather nearly quit after the first difficult year—until his grandmother convinced him to give it one more shot—and how that decision shaped nearly four decades of business. The conversation covers the evolution of the company through three name changes, the challenge of modernizing operations inherited from previous generations, and the strategic rebrand that cut down on costly misdirected leads. They discuss: - Why his grandfather almost walked away after year one and what changed his mind - How each generation pushed the business forward through technology adoption and fresh ideas - The expensive but essential rebrand from All About Doors to All About Garage Doors - Training technicians to balance technical skill with genuine customer service - Why he prioritizes employees who connect well with people over those who already know garage doors Trevor explains his incentive-based pay structure designed to reward quality work without commission pitfalls, the value of building team camaraderie through company-sponsored events, and why supporting his employees' families drives much of his daily work. This episode offers practical insights for anyone running or considering a service-based business where customer relationships and employee culture define long-term success. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:09) - How the family got into garage doors (00:03:37) - Starting the business and year one struggles (00:06:09) - Dad joins and business phases begin (00:08:09) - Business name changes and phone book to digital (00:10:30) - Rebranding with Kickcharge Creative (00:12:00) - Modernizing technology and multi-gen advantages (00:14:03) - Big decisions and working with family (00:19:21) - Implementing new systems and efficiency focus (00:23:28) - Training techs and customer interactions (00:46:01) - Tech compensation and incentive structure (00:56:51) - Why Portland's market supports many garage door companies (01:04:12) - Building company culture and employee events Show Platforms:   YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66QVDcbPlPO4IDG6eXbk1Q   Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-like-an-owner/id1445929750?uo=4   Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fbv9d4HpDwuO4MOPvgdvO Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Rob Southern     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsouthern/ Companies:   All About Garage Doors - https://callallabout.com/

    Trevor Nix on Growing Multi-Gen Family Garage Business in Portland - EP.283

  5. 28 Jul

    Andy Felice on Garage Door Marketing for Ambitious Owners - EP.282

    Alex Bridgeman and Andy Felice explore the nuances of marketing in the garage door industry on Think Like an Owner. Felice explains how he transitioned from working with hundreds of clients across various industries to specializing exclusively in garage door companies after a consulting engagement with Tommy Mello's A1 Garage Doors. The conversation examines the operational realities of home service businesses and why specialization allows marketing agencies to deliver deeper value by understanding not just marketing tactics, but the underlying business mechanics that drive profitability. They discuss: - Why repair and replacement marketing require fundamentally different psychological approaches - How rising lead costs from private equity competition force businesses to increase average repair tickets above $1,000 - The database reactivation system that triggers outbound calls when past customers open emails - Why every technician should join a separate BNI chapter to generate consistent referral business - What makes a garage door company valuable for acquisition beyond revenue numbers This episode offers practical insight for anyone operating or investing in home service businesses where marketing success depends on operational excellence. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - From door-knocking to garage door consulting (00:02:32) - Learning the industry through A1 Garage Doors (00:03:49) - The case for vertical specialization (00:07:23) - Understanding repair vs. replacement psychology (00:09:04) - Beyond marketing: Operations and consulting (00:12:20) - Sales training as lead conversion insurance (00:14:57) - Deep dive: Marketing rabbit holes (00:17:53) - Tommy Mello's sales process and recommended books (00:18:46) - Books every garage door owner should read (00:23:05) - The harsh truth about changing business models (00:26:17) - Market dynamics and geographic differences (00:30:40) - Evaluating acquisition targets (00:34:06) - Database reactivation and retention systems (00:38:37) - Join BNI: Andy's top advice Speaker Profiles:   Alex Bridgeman     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-e-bridgeman/     Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/aebridgeman     Website — https://tlaopodcast.com/about/   Andy Felice     LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-felice-7a38ba57/     Website — https://gdmarketinglab.com/ People:   Tommy Mello — https://www.tommymello.com/ Organizations:   BNI — https://www.bni.com/

    Andy Felice on Garage Door Marketing for Ambitious Owners - EP.282

  6. 31 Mar

    Connecting the PNW at SeaPort Airlines with Kent Craford - EP.281

    In this episode, Alex Bridgeman sits down with Kent Craford to unpack the evolution of SeaPort Airlines and the lessons learned from building and rebuilding a regional aviation business. Kent shares how a simple frustration with travel time between Portland and Seattle sparked the original idea, and how early missteps, capital constraints, and strategic pivots shaped the company's trajectory. The conversation explores the realities of operating in niche aviation markets, the pitfalls of government-subsidized routes, and how Kent applied hard-earned lessons from Alaska to relaunch SeaPort with a stronger foundation. Throughout, Kent offers a candid look at what it takes to build a durable transportation business in a challenging and highly operational industry. We discuss: How a commuter pain point led to the founding of SeaPort Airlines Why the Essential Air Service program often leads operators astray Lessons from scaling a regional airline in Alaska and rebuilding with better systems and capital The operational and cultural advantages of small aircraft and localized air travel What it takes to change customer behavior and build a new travel habit Links: Kent on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-craford-2b070332/ SeaPort Airlines - https://flyseaportair.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - Kent's background and career (00:10:53) - The Essential Air Service Program (00:15:02) - Kent's experiences in Alaska (00:18:58) - Applying learnings to SeaPort in it's second iteration (00:26:27) - Customer feedback (00:30:41) - Developing route design (00:36:41) - The vision for SeaPort

    Connecting the PNW at SeaPort Airlines with Kent Craford - EP.281

  7. 24 Mar

    Right to Win EP.5: Better Boards with Chris Hendriksen and Aaron Perrine - EP.280

    In this episode, Alex Bridgeman is joined by Aaron Perrine and Chris Hendriksen to explore how boards can become a true competitive advantage for entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into the evolving role of boards within the ETA ecosystem, highlighting the growing demand for strong governance as the space expands. Drawing from recent industry discussions and their own experience, Aaron and Chris break down what separates high-performing boards from dysfunctional ones. They also share practical frameworks for building, managing, and evolving boards to better support CEOs over time. They discuss: Why board quality and CEO relationships are declining and how to fix it What a high-performing board actually feels like in practice How to think about board composition, roles, and timing during formation The importance of trust, chemistry, and engagement between CEOs and directors Why board evolution, feedback, and executive sessions are critical for long-term success Links: Boardroom Toolkit Pacific Lake Partners Trilogy Search Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:11) - Conference feedback and the state of Boards (00:07:19) - What are your goals for the next year regarding Boards? (00:12:36) - What does a well functioning board look like? (00:18:00) - How can Searchers effectively form a board? (00:25:27) - Best practices for forming a Board (00:35:34) - What are the personal reasons that you'd be excited to join a board? (00:43:20) - Recruiting new board members (00:45:57) - Closing thoughts

    Right to Win EP.5: Better Boards with Chris Hendriksen and Aaron Perrine - EP.280

  8. 10 Mar

    Crafting your Life and Business with Matt Kuehlhorn - EP.279

    Matt Kuehlhorn joins Alex Bridgeman to share the unconventional journey behind building Kooler Garage Doors and the lessons he has learned about focus, leadership, and craftsmanship along the way. Matt explains how a business that started almost by accident evolved into a disciplined operation centered around service, systems, and intentional growth. The conversation explores how entrepreneurs mature alongside their companies, why focus can unlock new opportunities, and how communication and leadership shape both teams and customer experiences. Matt also reflects on the personal mindset shifts required to move from chaotic growth to sustainable profitability. They discuss: • How Matt used podcasting as a networking tool to build relationships in a new market • The accidental start of Kooler Garage Doors and the early years juggling multiple service lines • Why focusing on one core service unlocked growth, better culture, and operational clarity • The difference between "old school" contractor models and a homeowner focused service business • Communication frameworks Matt teaches his team to build trust and deliver better customer outcomes Links: The Kraft Your Life Radio Show - https://www.craftyourliferadio.com/ Matt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkuehlhorn/ Kooler Garage Doors - https://koolergaragedoors.com/grand-junction Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:48) - Matt on his podcast backstory (00:03:47) - Crafting is Intention and attention (00:06:59) - Pivoting to garage doors (00:15:16) - Becoming laser-focused on one service (00:22:49) - Seasons in the life of a company (00:31:52) - V 1.0 of the company vs. today (00:38:49) - Strategic problem solving (00:40:57) - Customer service training and improvments (00:54:00) - Final thoughts

    Crafting your Life and Business with Matt Kuehlhorn - EP.279
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Exploring how the most ambitious CEOs grow great companies, with a focus in garage door and home services. Hosted by Alex Bridgeman, Co-Owner of Durable Trades Collective.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Bridgeman
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    294
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Think Like an Owner

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