Ep. 25 - From Survival Mode to Scalable Growth: Chris Riggins on Building Systems, Teams, and Trust

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is you? In this episode of The Growth-Minded Marketing Podcast, Steve Phipps and AnnieLaurie Walters sit down with Chris Riggins, founder of Riggins Painting, to explore what it takes to grow from a one-person operation to a scalable business. Starting with a high-mileage truck and a set of hand tools in 2009, Chris built a thriving company by learning how to delegate, develop leaders, and get out of his own way. He shares the leadership lessons, mindset shifts, and hard-earned insights that helped transform his business—and himself.About Chris Chris Riggins is the founder of Riggins Painting, a Memphis-area residential and commercial painting company. He started the business in 2009 after the company he worked for shut down during the housing crash. With deep roots in the painting industry and a willingness to learn the hard way, Chris grew Riggins Painting from a one-man operation into a company with a full management team and a much larger vision for the future. Learn more about Riggins Painting at rigginspainting.com. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.In this episode, we discuss:How Chris launched Riggins Painting during the 2009 housing crashWhat every business owner learns while wearing every hatWhy founders often become the biggest bottleneck to growthHow to delegate without sacrificing qualityThe difference between personal preferences and business requirementsHow building a leadership team creates scalable growthWhy stepping away from the business revealed new opportunitiesHow coaches, mentors, and industry peers can accelerate growthWhy understanding your numbers improves decision-makingHow clear messaging and strategic focus drive business growthWhat it takes to evolve as a leader through every stage of growthKey Moments & Timestamps00:00 The Growth Challenge Most Founders Face02:29 Starting a Business During a Recession06:49 Lessons From the Early Years08:50 Letting Go of Control13:22 How Coaching Accelerates Growth15:42 Building a Business That Doesn't Depend on You23:05 Leadership Lessons for Growth-Minded Businesses