logo
episode-header-image
May 15
53m 48s

1130. From Drowning CEO to Visionary Lea...

KELLY ROACH
About this episode

What does it really take to scale a business from 7 to 8 figures – without sacrificing your family, faith, or sanity?

In today’s powerful case study, Kelly sits down with longtime Legacy Leaders client, John Briggs, founder of a tax and accounting firm with over 250 team members. 

John opens up about his journey from overwhelmed entrepreneur to visionary CEO, how he grew his firm from $2.7M to $30M+, and how he used a combination of mindset shifts, strategic hiring, and unwavering values to build a thriving team-led company.

This episode is a masterclass in legacy-driven leadership for anyone who’s tired of being the bottleneck and ready to rise.

 


 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why John was “drowning” at $2.7M—and the moment he knew something had to change

  • The single tool that changed everything (hint: it’s not flashy, but it’s foundational)

  • How John built a 250-person firm without becoming the golden handcuff boss

  • The power of letting go of control (without losing your vision)

  • Why every core hire might take 3-5 tries—and why that’s normal, not failure

  • How John shifted from technician to leader and built a faith-and-family-first empire

  • The importance of locking into your own vision—not the industry’s default model

  • How Legacy Leaders helped John move from fire-fighting to long-term focus

 


 

Timestamps:


02:30 - From private practice to 250+ team members
05:45 - The breaking point: working with a business psychologist
08:15 - Why success means nothing if you fail at home
11:20 - Drowning at $2.7M and not seeing a path forward
13:10 - Discovering the power of the 10x org chart
16:40 - Learning to trust others and delegate with confidence
20:55 - Letting go of guilt around failed hires
23:50 - Why most entrepreneurs quit right before the breakthrough
26:30 - Reframing success: It’s not about ease, it’s about capacity
29:00 - Advice for entrepreneurs at every level: it all starts with vision

Resources:

The Kelly Roach Show is your business podcast that gives you quick, actionable trainings for business growth, sales growth, and leadership. Kelly teaches about the entrepreneurial mindset and how to leverage building an unstoppable team with high performance strategies for rapid and sustainable business growth.

 

Up next
Today
1149. When Burnout Signals It's Time for a Business Model Revolution
In this candid episode, Kelly shares a behind-the-scenes story about how a string of mismanaged logistics, broken agreements, and skyrocketing costs at a luxury hotel led to a major shift in her business model - and a powerful lesson about burnout, boundaries, and making executiv ... Show More
21m 16s
Jul 7
1148. Why Every Business Needs a PR Strategy in 2025 (And How to Build Yours for Free)
In today’s saturated, AI-driven, trust-recession market, your brand’s reputation is either happening by default, or by design. In this episode, Kelly walks you through the critical importance of building a proactive, intentional PR strategy to grow your credibility, authority, an ... Show More
17m 49s
Jul 3
1147. How to Attract Ideal Clients Through Podcasting (Without Relying on Big Name Guests)
If you’re creating consistent content but not seeing high-quality leads convert from your podcast, this episode will show you why—and what to do about it. Kelly shares how to turn your podcast or long-form content into a high-converting tool that attracts your most aligned, best- ... Show More
20m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
The TRUTH About Video Podcasting - Watch Before You Start a Video Podcast | Omar Elattar
Omar Elattar is the host of "The Passionate Few" podcast, where he shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, including notable figures like Grant Cardone and Gary Vee. Watch our full interview from September 2022! --- Want to be coached by me on real estate investing? Join our W ... Show More
47m 34s
Jun 2024
297 - From Hesitation to Passion: Chris Do on Podcasting
A Journey of Unexpected GrowthIn this episode, host Chris Do shares his journey from a reluctance to engage in media to embracing the power of podcasts. Chris recounts how he initially resisted creating podcast content and how he overcame his hesitation, realizing the intimate an ... Show More
7m 45s
Oct 2024
It’s a Matter of Taste: Part One with Jeff Goins
Bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and my friend Jeff Goins, recently brought me along on a creative journey called Hey, Creator! We’re back with another episode from the second season titled “It’s a Matter of Taste.” This is part one of a two-part conversation. Jef ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2024
Rose Ann Garza on Practical Strategies for Talent Acquisition and Retention
If your organization is open for business, acquiring and retaining talent is a perpetual concern, and the benefits, resources and experiences available to your employees all play a part determining whether they stay or go. In this episode of Honest HR, host Amber Clayton speaks w ... Show More
47m 46s
Oct 2023
Getting Old with Mark Manson
Today, we're talking with my long time friend and renowned author and blogger Mark Manson. Mark Manson has authored several New York Times best selling books. Notably, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," &  "Everything Is F*cked”. 📚 Become part of the pre-launch team for my n ... Show More
51m 51s
Dec 2024
John Lee Dumas: Unlock Explosive Practice Growth with AI & Content Creation
Many audiologists struggle to define their niche and stand out in a competitive market. But by embracing AI and content creation, they can differentiate themselves as forward-thinking, tech-savvy professionals. John Lee Dumas, after an eight-year military career, found his true c ... Show More
36m 43s
Jan 2024
#641: Podcasting Secrets & Strategies For Dominating The Charts with Hala Taha, Founder Of YAP Media
How LinkedIn can elevate your podcast and your business with Hala Taha. If you're listening to the Online Marketing Made Easy show, I'm guessing you're a fan of podcasts, right? If you've ever thought about starting a podcast or wanted to leverage LinkedIn to grow your podcast an ... Show More
43m 58s
Feb 2025
Jay Shetty on Life, Love, and the Business of Podcasting
Jay Shetty, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, and purpose-driven entrepreneur, joins Scott to discuss his journey from monk to media mogul, the business of podcasting, and the key to successful relatio ... Show More
1h 7m
May 2024
Jason Cohen's Startup Koans (Bonus)
Two-time unicorn founder Jason Cohen (WP Engine, Smart Bear) returns to discuss his Twitter 'koans', exploring their implications for founders. In this bonus episode, Yaniv Bernstein, Chris Saad, and Jason Cohen discuss: Half-Baked Ideas: The pitfalls of working on too ma ... Show More
18m 17s
Sep 2024
Passion and Purpose (with Andy Slavitt)
On today's episode, Laurie talks purpose-driven businesses with Andy Slavitt. Andy’s been a White House advisor, crisis response leader, health and technology business leader and investor with Town Hall Ventures. He was also the host of Lemonada’s hit podcast In the Bubble. He’s ... Show More
35m 45s