Building a Business Without Burnout: How to Lead, Grow, and Keep Your Team, Relationships and Sanity
Most business owners focus on fast business growth strategies, but they fail to see the bigger picture.
Scaling a business isn’t just about making more money. It’s about building a strong company culture so that growth doesn’t break the business. It's also about not sacrificing what is truly important in life: relationships.
In the most recent episode of the All Things LOCS Podcast, we sat down with Greg Finney, a serial entrepreneur and performance coach who has built and exited 17+ businesses.
He shared hard-earned lessons on scaling a business, retaining top talent, and leading teams that thrive, all without burning out or constantly replacing employees. Greg also described how to build a business without ruining your intimate relationships.
In today’s fast-paced world, where employee turnover is at an all-time high, many leaders struggle to balance growth, culture, and sustainability.
Greg has seen it all—what works, what doesn’t, and how the best leaders play the long game.
Here’s what you’ll learn from his experience.
Empowering employees for business success (so they take ownership of the business)
Building a team that retains top talent (so turnover stays low)
Thinking long-term instead of just chasing revenue (so they don’t sacrifice stability for speed)
Greg Finney’s Journey: From Hustling to High-Performance Coaching
Greg’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a journey of trial, error, and strategic decision-making.
He grew up in a low-income household, watching his mother work three jobs to provide. Left with a lot of free time as a kid, Greg admits to making mistakes along the way.
“I made a lot of mistakes through the years, but they all led me to where I am today—pursuing my passion and doing what actually makes me happy.” – Greg Finney
Over time, he honed his skills, started multiple businesses, and learned the right way to scale, exit, and reinvest. Today, Greg coaches business owners on how to grow without burnout and build companies that last.
How Greg Built & Exited 17 Businesses
From Car Wash to Multi-Million Dollar Exits
Greg’s first business was a simple car wash that evolved into:
➡️ A body shop
➡️ A car dealership
➡️ A profitable exit
That first hands-on experience taught him how to scale, expand offerings, and build value for an eventual sale.
Notable Business Exits
📌 Furniture Chain (Bought by Rent-A-Center in 2000)
📌 Large Waste Management Company (Scaled & Sold)
“One of my best exits was my furniture chain, which Rent-A-Center acquired. But my most recent company in the waste industry gave me the financial freedom to pursue what I truly enjoy.”
While each business was different, the core lessons stayed the same—and that’s what Greg now teaches other entrepreneurs.
What It Takes to Scale a Business Successfully
A lot of people say:
➡️ “I’m going to grow and scale my business in five years.”
➡️ “I’ll build it, sell it, and cash out.”
The problem? Most never even start.
So what does it actually take to scale and sell a business?
“Rome wasn’t built overnight. If you want to grow a business, it all comes down to people. You’re only one person—your team determines how big you can grow.” – Greg Finney
Stop Micromanaging and Start Empowering Your Team
Many businesses overlook the impact of training costs, failing to realize that a well-structured onboarding process reduces long-term expenses and improves retention. It also reduces time spent on reviewing job responsibilities and tasks down the road while improving the customer experience.
High employee turnover rates can be detrimental to growth, making it essential to implement strategies that reduce employee turnover and create a positive workplace culture where team members feel invested in the company's success.
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make? Trying to do it all.
Many entrepreneurs wonder:
❌ “How do I make my employees feel like they own the company?”
❌ “What are the best ways to empower my team and stop micromanaging?”
❌ “Why do employees leave, and how can I stop it?”
🚨 Truth bomb: Micromanagement kills growth.
“By giving some of your power to other people, it gives them a sense of ownership. It makes them feel more important, so they’re going to want to work more for you. And when I did that, things actually ran better because I am only one person.” – Greg Finney
Greg’s Strategy: How to Build a Team That Takes Ownership
🔹 Give real responsibility – Let employees own their work.
🔹 Recognize effort, not just results – People want to feel valued.
🔹 Pay well and create incentives – A high-performing culture starts with appreciation.
🔹 Lead by example – If you expect your team to go the extra mile, you should too.
🚨 Real Example:
When Greg was forced to step away from his waste management company due to an injury, his team ran the business better than he did.
Why? Because he had empowered them to take ownership.
Lesson: The best businesses aren’t dependent on the owner. They function without them.
Build a Company Culture That Retains Employees
Growing a business isn’t just about growth. It is also about how to scale a business without losing employees and ensuring that expansion doesn’t come at the cost of employee engagement or motivation.
A company thrives when it fosters a positive work culture where new employees feel valued, supported, and aligned with the company’s core values.
In reality, we’re in an era where employee retention strategies matter more than ever.
👉 50% of employees are actively looking for new jobs.
👉 46% of workers say they don’t feel valued by their employer.
👉 Poor leadership is the #1 reason employees quit.
Many business owners focus only on profits, but what they don’t realize is that turnover is expensive.
💰 The cost of replacing one employee for Greg? Up to $4,000.
“If you build a family-oriented culture in any business, it’s going to scale and grow despite you.” – Greg Finney
Note: for some employees, the cost of replacing them could be greater than the employee's annual salary
Greg’s Strategy: How to Create a Workplace People Want to Stay In
🔹 Get to know employees personally – Understand their goals, strengths, and struggles.
🔹 Hold company events – Team picnics, offsites, and celebrations build connection.
🔹 Recognize and reward great work – Bonuses, promotions, and appreciation matter.
🔹 Create a culture of loyalty – When people feel valued, they work harder and stay longer.
🚨 Real Example:
Greg held company picnics to meet employees’ families, checked in when employees were struggling, and treated every role as valuable, from the janitor to the CEO.
“Most employers pay you just enough so you don’t quit. Most employees do just enough work so they don’t get fired.” – Greg Finney
The result? His employees were loyal and invested in the company’s success.
The lesson: Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance not only enhances productivity but also attracts new hires who are looking for an environment that supports both professional and personal well-being.
By focusing on these areas, businesses can scale effectively while building a strong, committed workforce that drives sustainable success.
Think Long-Term: Stop Chasing Quick Wins
Many businesses make short-sighted decisions that hurt them down the road. These decisions are usually made in a rush to cut costs, make a quick buck, or achieve a quick win. However, these decisions usually lead to missed opportunities, damaged reputations, or long-term financial setbacks. That is why it is imperative for business owners to take a more strategic and long-term approach, especially if their goal is sustainable growth and success.
🚨 Example: Hiring Too Fast to Meet Demand
✔️ First-Order Consequence: You meet demand, customers are happy.
✔️ Second-Order Consequence: You rush hiring and get misaligned employees.
✔️ Third-Order Consequence: Culture suffers, turnover increases, and you waste money.
“Most businesses play checkers. The best play chess.” – Greg Finney
How Business Owners Can Build Success Without Ruining Their Relationships
One of the biggest struggles entrepreneurs face isn’t just scaling their business, but maintaining healthy relationships while doing it.
Greg Finney has worked with countless business owners who, on the outside, look like they have it all:
✅ The money
✅ The house
✅ The Lamborghini
✅ The “Instagram-worthy” life
But behind closed doors?
🚨 Their marriage is falling apart.
🚨 They’re emotionally disconnected from their partner.
🚨 They feel like their business is consuming them.
“I’ve worked with so many entrepreneurs who, from the outside, look like they have the perfect life—nice house, nice cars, beautiful family. But inside, they’re miserable. Their marriage is crumbling, they barely talk to their spouse, and they’ve completely lost connection. What’s the point of building an empire if you have no one to share it with?” – Greg Finney
Why Business Owners Struggle in Relationships
Many business owners have the wrong mindset when it comes to balancing work and relationships.
Here’s what Greg has observed:
🚩 They prioritize business over connection.
🚩 They assume their partner will “understand” the long hours.
🚩 They make money the focus instead of emotional investment.
🚩 They treat their partner like an employee instead of a teammate.
The problem? No matter how much money you make, it won’t fix a broken relationship.
📌 If you neglect your partner, resentment builds.
📌 If you don’t prioritize time together, emotional distance grows.
📌 If you don’t show appreciation, they’ll start looking for it elsewhere.
“The same way you invest in your business, you need to invest in your relationship. If your business falls apart, you can rebuild it. But when your marriage falls apart, it’s a lot harder to put it back together.” – Greg Finney
How to Run a Business Without Ruining Your Relationship
Greg believes that success and love can co-exist but the key is that it requires intentional effort.
1. Schedule Time for Your Partner (Just Like a Business Meeting)
📌 Your partner should never feel like they’re competing with your business.
✅ Set non-negotiable time together every week.
✅ Put date nights on your calendar just like business meetings.
✅ Be fully present (no phone, no emails, no “just one more thing”).
“If your partner only gets your leftover energy after you’ve given everything to your business, your relationship will suffer.”
2. Stop Treating Your Partner Like an Employee
📌 Your partner isn’t your business partner. They are your life partner.
🚫 Don’t bring the CEO mindset into your marriage.
🚫 Don’t give them “performance reviews” or expect them to operate like your employees.
🚫 Don’t bark orders or assume they should “fall in line” like your team.
✅ Instead, listen to their needs.
✅ Appreciate their emotional labor.
✅ Support their goals the way they support yours.
“A relationship isn’t a business transaction. If you treat your partner like an employee, don’t be surprised when they quit.” – Greg Finney
3. Success Means Nothing If You Lose Your Family
Many business owners say:
➡️ “I’m doing all this for my family.”
➡️ “Once I hit X revenue, then I’ll slow down.”
🚨 The problem? By the time they "slow down," their family is already gone.
📌 Kids grow up fast. Don’t miss their childhood.
📌 Your spouse won’t wait forever.
📌 Money can’t replace emotional connection.
“I’ve met millionaires who would trade everything to have their family back. Don’t let that be your story.”
Final Takeaway: Build a Business That Thrives Without Losing What Matters Most
Greg Finney’s journey proves one thing: success isn’t just about scaling your business. It’s about building a life that’s fulfilling in every way.
Too many entrepreneurs chase money, growth, and influence, only to realize they’ve sacrificed their health, relationships, and personal happiness in the process. Greg’s approach is different.
✅ Scaling a business is about working smarter, not doing more.
✅ Retention isn’t just about paying people more. It’s about building a culture where they want to stay.
✅ Being successful shouldn’t come at the cost of your marriage, family, or personal well-being.
“Most people spend years chasing the ‘next level’ of success, only to realize they were climbing the wrong ladder. Make sure the business you’re building supports the life you actually want—not one that leaves you exhausted, alone, and disconnected.” – Greg Finney
If there’s one lesson to take away, it’s this:
📌 Invest in your team. They are the foundation of your company.
📌 Invest in your relationship. No amount of success can replace a strong partnership.
📌 Invest in mentorship. The fastest way to scale is to learn from someone who’s already done it.
💡 Your business, your relationships, and your success are all in your hands. The question is: Will you build them intentionally or let them slip away?
Want to Learn More? Connect with Greg
Greg Finney has built, scaled, and exited 17+ businesses—and now, he helps other entrepreneurs do the same.
📍 Follow Greg on Instagram: @GregFinneyfpa
📍 You can also connect with Greg at his website.
🎙️ Don’t Just Read About It — Listen to the Full Episode on All Things LOCS Podcast!
Greg Finney’s journey from hustling entrepreneur to high-performance coach is packed with real-life lessons on leadership, company culture, and sustainable growth. In this episode of the All Things LOCS Podcast, he shares exactly how to grow a thriving business without burning out, constantly replacing employees, or ruining your relationships.
🎧 Listen now on:
🔹 Spotify
🔹 Apple Podcasts
🔹 YouTube
Want to Build a Thriving Business Without Burning Out?
If you’re ready to:
✅ Empower your team so they take ownership
✅ Retain top talent and stop the cycle of constant turnover
✅ Build a business that works for you—not one that consumes you
✅ Succeed without destroying your relationships
👉 Then don’t just read about it—implement it! Visit tbpstrategies.com now to learn proven strategies that help business owners lead, grow, and thrive.
💡 Your business should fuel your life—not take it over. Go to tbpstrategies.com and start building a business that lasts!
