Ep 59 | Turning Competitors into Customers: Dave Walens' Journey From Trade Shows to the Digital Frontier

The line between competitors and customers is often quite distinct, yet Dave Walens, CEO of Exploring Digital, has managed to blur this boundary, turning his rivals into his clients. With roots in the trade show industry, Dave has taken a visionary leap through acquisition. After purchasing Brumark, a flooring solutions company, David set out to expand the business to include other related industries, such as fabrication and graphics. Now, his company provides clients with an array of design solutions for their needs.

On this Best Places to Lead episode, I sit down with Dave to dive into his fascinating journey from starting his own design-build firm in the '80s to acquiring a flooring company and subsequently expanding it into an industry-leading brand. His foresight demonstrates his prowess as a seasoned entrepreneur and forward-thinker.

In this episode, we discussed:

 💡 How Dave transformed competitors into customers and navigated the potential friction this created.
 💡 The importance of assembling the right team and the impact of hiring decisions on business growth.
 💡 The transitions in leadership as the company grew and why defining clear roles and responsibilities is essential for business success.

If you are curious about how to navigate the fine line between competition and collaboration, or if you're seeking insights into the unique challenges and rewards of scaling a business, this week's episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Dave:

On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-walens-3bb35a9
 On his Company Website: https://exploringdig.com/

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