#22 – Systems, Structure, and Surviving Growth

Summary In this episode, I sit down with consultant Jon Rickards to talk through his unique path—from the Navy’s nuclear program to decades in the wine industry—and how all of that led him into helping small and micro-businesses bring order to their chaos. Jon shares what most business owners struggle with, why understanding your numbers matters so much, and how he’s helping his wife build a community-focused salon business. Takeaways Non-linear paths create powerful skill sets. Exposure broadens character and capability. Small business owners often lack business foundations. Understanding your numbers is essential. HR is a major blind spot. Chaos is often a systems problem, not a people problem. Micro-business owners must learn to give up hats. Building simple, maintainable systems matters. The salon model Jon and his wife built is about community, not just services. Relationships are a business survival tool. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:05 Jon’s Early Life & Military Path 00:06:40 Lessons & Challenges from the Navy 00:10:55 Discovering a Passion for Finance 00:13:20 Trying Financial Advising & Realizing It Wasn’t a Fit 00:16:45 Entering the Wine Industry 00:21:30 Moving Toward Consulting 00:25:50 What Small Businesses Get Wrong 00:31:40 The Power of Systems & Delegation 00:36:10 Inside the Salon Business Model 00:41:45 Training, Compensation & Team Growth 00:46:30 Relationship Building in an Economic Downturn 00:49:00 Lightning Questions: Books & Billboards 00:51:15 Closing & Where to Find Jon Links Jon Rickards – Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!