Do you know the one acronym that can change your mindset forever? Ed Mylett introduced me to CANI: Constant And Never-ending Improvement. It’s also in Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within. The moment I heard it, I knew it was something I needed to live by. I want to improve…
Change your environment. Change your future. I’ll never forget the day I realized I needed to step back from the crowd I’d always known. It wasn’t easy, but I made a choice: to surround myself with people who lived with purpose—strong marriages, thriving businesses, deep faith. I started asking questions,…
Want to build long-term wealth? It starts with a simple but powerful rule. In The Richest Man in Babylon, the author talks about a timeless strategy: earn 80%, give 10%, and invest 10% to build your wealth. The key is living below your means and resisting lifestyle creep. Instead of…
Exiting your day job to pursue entrepreneurship sounds exciting, but is it the right move for you? I see too many people jumping ship too early, putting all their resources into a business that isn’t ready for full-time commitment. Thankfully, I had mentors who taught me the importance of planning…
In this insightful episode of Own The Exit, Caleb and Aaron sit down with Wayne Courreges III, founder of CREI Partners and a Marine Corps veteran, to explore the art of diversification in real estate and beyond. Wayne shares his journey from military service to building a $50M real estate…
How much of your income is really passive? When people hear "passive income," they often picture sitting back and doing nothing. But that’s not how it works for me. I believe 0% of my income is truly passive because I stay actively involved in everything I do. I’m hands-on, making…
Quitters never win—ask me how I know. When I was younger, I quit too easily. Talent made life feel simple, but that ease became a trap. The moment something got tough, I’d question if it was worth it. One of my biggest regrets? Quitting my high school football team. The…
Ice plunges at -3°F. Would you do it? Over the past few months, I’ve been stepping into freezing cold baths every night. Three minutes in icy water, pushing my limits in the middle of a polar vortex. Sounds extreme? Maybe. But here’s what I’ve learned. That intentional discomfort resets my…
Is freedom the secret to business growth? If you’re building a freedom-first business, the goal isn’t just your own financial and time freedom. It’s about empowering your team with autonomy. Whether that’s offering remote flexibility or trusting them to own their roles, autonomy drives efficiency and productivity. The truth? Trust…
How do you balance structure with freedom in the workplace? Today’s workforce craves autonomy. It’s not just about showing up at the office; it’s about creating a space where people feel valued and inspired—not just clocking in and out. We’re transforming our 8,000-square-foot office into more than just a workspace—it’s…
Starting a business often means doing everything yourself, but real growth happens when you let go. Passing the reins to a capable team can feel scary, but hiring smarter, more skilled people allows your business to thrive in ways you can’t achieve alone. The formula? Dominate less, enrich more, and…
True success isn’t just about financial freedom—it’s about time freedom too. A business that thrives with or without your involvement is the goal for many in the Own the Exit community. Achieving this starts with how you lead your teams. Great leadership isn’t authoritarian or lazy—it’s empowering. By building a…
What if your goals aren’t the key to success? In Atomic Habits, the author explains why goals alone won’t get you where you want to go. Take the NFL as an example: every team starts the season wanting to win the Super Bowl, but only one succeeds. The difference? Habits.…
Struggling with discipline? You’re not alone. What if the problem isn’t your willpower but the way you view discipline? I changed everything by replacing "discipline" with "integrity." Imagine committing to a goal and following through—not because you have to, but because it reflects your integrity. It’s not just about tasks;…
Too many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of chasing quick fixes and flashy opportunities that promise instant riches. In this episode of On the Exit, Aaron and Caleb break down why playing the long game in business and investing is the ultimate strategy for building wealth and lasting success. Drawing…
Did you know Xerox invented the modern computer interface? Back in the 1970s, Xerox had the technology that could’ve changed everything. Instead of pursuing it, they focused on copiers, leaving Apple and Microsoft to dominate a market they could’ve led. This is a powerful reminder: sticking with what’s comfortable can…
What’s the cost of complacency in business? Xerox and McDonald's hit major roadblocks because they stopped innovating. They doubled down on old strategies instead of accepting fresh opportunities, leading to lost growth and relevance. If you want to avoid their mistakes, keep that spark alive—the one that made you dream…
Many entrepreneurs dream of delegating tasks, but challenges like cash flow and finding the right people often hold them back. We end up stuck doing everything ourselves, which limits growth. Here’s the catch: to grow your business enough to bring someone on, you need that growth first. It feels like…
Are you stuck between delegating and doing everything yourself? If you are going to micromanage, why delegate at all? Many business owners get stuck. They want to delegate but hold back because of cash flow worries. The truth is, growth happens when you take the risk and trust others to…
Is your entrepreneurial journey stuck in overdrive, chasing every shiny object? In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron dives into the strategies and mindset needed to move from single-business success to strategic diversification. He shares why timing matters, how to avoid distractions, and what it means to leverage your…
What if the secret to business success isn’t smarter work, but harder work—at least at first? In this solo episode of Own the Exit, Caleb dives into the trap of overthinking and why "done is better than perfect." He challenges the belief that efficiency is always the answer, instead focusing…
What does it take to turn massive losses into massive wins? George Salas shares his journey from losing $300K in a failed partnership to creating a thriving empire through short-term rentals and strategic business acquisitions. In this episode, George breaks down his method for scaling businesses, turning failures into stepping…
Are you drowning in tasks and stuck in the endless grind of running your business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron Leatherdale unpacks the transformative power of delegation and hiring. Learn how to identify the right tasks to delegate, overcome the fear of letting go,…
Welcome to Own The Exit - your roadmap to entrepreneurial mastery and financial freedom! Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking to level up your skills and build a company that serves your life, not the other way around? This podcast is your ultimate resource. Discover expert strategies on:…
