Entrepreneurship often begins where certainty ends. The journey requires taking risks and being resilient, relentless, and determined. Few stories capture the essence of this path like one defined by humble beginnings, calculated pivots, and steadfast principles. Building a business is only one aspect; it’s also about creating something sustainable, impactful, and driven by integrity. Brad W. Burns embodies this narrative. He has seen everything, from managing multiple businesses across the US to economic downturns, and his life is a tribute to an entrepreneur’s tenacity and spirit of competitiveness. He offers an unrivaled strategy for overcoming obstacles and using them to create chances for sustained business success. He also demonstrates how markets work.
From Setbacks to Startups: Building a Business with Grit
Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. It’s a sequence of turns, difficulties, and discoveries that push the boundaries of determination. For Brad, this adventure started out of necessity rather than a distinct vision. “I figured I needed to do something,” he says, recalling his move from commercial real estate to general contracting . He was initially skeptical about his new direction, but his unwavering dedication to perfection pushed him to take on little ventures that eventually led to bigger opportunities.
“We minimized our overhead so we could pay the guys more than any other company would pay them, creating loyalty,” Brad explains, highlighting his innovative team-building approach. Success came not from shortcuts but from showing respect and delivering superior service. “Customer service was always a big component. It was about constantly being available.” His early lessons underline a universal truth: sustainable growth starts with a strong foundation of trust and grit.
Scaling with Strategy: Lessons in Sustainable Growth
More than just ambition is needed to scale a firm; accuracy, delegation, and a well-defined strategy are also necessary. Brad, who has expanded his business to operate in 48 states, is a prime example of these attributes. “We always knew we wanted to go national,” he says. To guarantee consistent outputs, his strategy was to create reliable networks and implement reliable systems. “Having the right layers of delegation in place and a strong sub-network meant we could scale without compromising quality.”
Brad highlights how crucial providing excellent customer service is to reaching a nationwide audience. “Clients with a national presence have high expectations, from project execution to how their store teams are treated,” he says. Professionalism and respect at all levels became cornerstones.”Show everybody respect until they don’t deserve it,” he says, reaffirming his belief that people should come first. Brad’s calculated strategy emphasizes that scaling effectively involves more than just expansion; it also entails upholding integrity and going above and beyond.
Innovating for the Future
Adaptability and the ability to grasp new opportunities are essential for entrepreneurship. Brad’s attitude of accepting measured risks to create and develop is reflected in his statement, “As an entrepreneur, you say, ‘Yeah, we’ll do it and figure it out.'” This strategy encourages self-assurance to identify and capitalize on unrealized potential. He was seriously underestimating his knowledge and abilities. There’s got to be a way to monetize what’s in his head and experience.” As the business expands, strategic structures become essential.
“We use a shared services model, allowing us to scale without substantial overhead while proving the concept,” underscoring the need for flexible frameworks that sustain momentum. Looking ahead, ambitions remain bold. “We’re about ready to take over our first actual site for the QSR company, with the intent to be at six or eight locations by the end of the year,” showing that the company’s goals remain ambitious. By combining vision and action, this leader shows how consistent innovation turns audacious concepts into real accomplishments.
To learn more about his profession and career, check out Brad Burns’s LinkedIn.
