EPISODE · Apr 15, 2026 · 31 MIN
Ep. 145 | Pivotal Moments to Entrepreneurship
from SuccessFlow Podcast · host Phil Crawford and Steven Harris
In a face-to-face interview, the Steven reflects on learning responsibility and adaptability through service work at Oregano’s, arguing hospitality should be a rite of passage because it builds confidence with strangers and sales skills. He describes moving from ASU to ITT Tech for computer drafting, working in AutoCAD at Fitch, and realizing the “CAD monkey” desk life lacked the people-focused creativity he wanted. Encouraged by Kimberly, he joined his father’s company MasterTax, then transitioned through ADP’s acquisition, using training and certifications to grow as a salesperson and leader while recognizing the value of human connection with business owners. He shares early interest in starting a payroll company, a 15-month family move to Denver, and eventually buying into a payroll franchise with longtime colleague Jaime, highlighting hard lessons in managing people. He also explains creating the OPPO FLOW framework - open mind, purpose, preparation, opportunity awareness - and sharing it with other entrepreneurs and solopreneurs through writing, workshops, podcasting, and speaking as a creative outlet to keep the momentum, and create future opportunities.00:00 Earn Your Spot00:39 Service Industry Rite01:40 Oreganos Lessons03:28 Tipping And Incentives05:10 Finding Drafting Path08:04 Cad Monkey Reality09:33 Architecture Vision Board11:22 Master Tax Leap14:45 ADP Transition16:46 ADP Learning Sprint17:36 Payroll Idea Sparks18:32 Dad’s Acquisition Advice19:58 Denver Family Detour21:52 Go Time Entrepreneurship22:46 Starting the PHX Franchise24:55 Hard Truths Leadership26:58 OPPO FLOW Framework30:54 Closing ReflectionsFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on Instagram: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:Founder/Creator: www.oppoflowmindset.com Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: wwww.journeypayrollhr.com Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: https://phillipcrawford.com/ X: https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at www.DolphinPodcasting.com
What this episode covers
In a face-to-face interview, the Steven reflects on learning responsibility and adaptability through service work at Oregano’s, arguing hospitality should be a rite of passage because it builds confidence with strangers and sales skills. He describes moving from ASU to ITT Tech for computer drafting, working in AutoCAD at Fitch, and realizing the “CAD monkey” desk life lacked the people-focused creativity he wanted. Encouraged by Kimberly, he joined his father’s company MasterTax, then transitioned through ADP’s acquisition, using training and certifications to grow as a salesperson and leader while recognizing the value of human connection with business owners. He shares early interest in starting a payroll company, a 15-month family move to Denver, and eventually buying into a payroll franchise with longtime colleague Jaime, highlighting hard lessons in managing people. He also explains creating the OPPO FLOW framework - open mind, purpose, preparation, opportunity awareness - and sharing it with other entrepreneurs and solopreneurs through writing, workshops, podcasting, and speaking as a creative outlet to keep the momentum, and create future opportunities.00:00 Earn Your Spot00:39 Service Industry Rite01:40 Oreganos Lessons03:28 Tipping And Incentives05:10 Finding Drafting Path08:04 Cad Monkey Reality09:33 Architecture Vision Board11:22 Master Tax Leap14:45 ADP Transition16:46 ADP Learning Sprint17:36 Payroll Idea Sparks18:32 Dad’s Acquisition Advice19:58 Denver Family Detour21:52 Go Time Entrepreneurship22:46 Starting the PHX Franchise24:55 Hard Truths Leadership26:58 OPPO FLOW Framework30:54 Closing ReflectionsFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on Instagram: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:Founder/Creator: www.oppoflowmindset.com Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: wwww.journeypayrollhr.com Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: https://phillipcrawford.com/ X: https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at www.DolphinPodcasting.com
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Ep. 145 | Pivotal Moments to Entrepreneurship
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