From Garage Startup to Nine-Figure Exit: Kevin Rice on Leadership, Burnout, and Showing Up at Home

  Episode Summary In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin Green talks with entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host Kevin Rice about the journey from starting a business in a garage to building a 250-person company and achieving a nine-figure exit. But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. Kevin shares the hard lessons behind growth, including layoffs, reinvention, focus, and what it really takes to create meaningful differentiation in the marketplace. He also opens up about the personal cost of high performance, describing the "robot mode" many leaders fall into when work consumes everything. The conversation then turns to Kevin's current passion: helping executives lead effectively at work while still being present at home. Drawing from his own experience as a full-time single father, Kevin explains how he began applying business frameworks to family life, creating practical systems and rituals designed to foster deeper connection with his kids. They also explore the growing impact of AI on leadership, sales, and entrepreneurship, including why AI will likely reward adaptable, high-agency professionals rather than simply replace them. What You'll Hear in This Episode Kevin's founder story: from humble beginnings to a nine-figure exit The hardest phase of scaling a business and what most outsiders never see Why many founders struggle when hiring salespeople too early The difference between generic marketing claims and true differentiation How focus and industry specialization helped drive an 80% win rate What "robot mode" looks like for high-performing leaders Why success can still feel empty when you are emotionally disconnected The shift from living by default to living by design How Kevin uses business frameworks to create structure and connection at home Rituals, presence, and intentionality in parenting Kevin's thoughts on AI, work, sales, and the future of entrepreneurship About Kevin Rice Kevin Rice is an entrepreneur, advisor, investor, and host of the podcast CEOs and ABCs. After helping build and scale a company from a garage startup to a 250-employee business with a nine-figure exit, he has turned his attention to a new mission: helping leaders succeed at work without losing what matters most at home. He is also writing a book currently titled The Executive's Guide to Parenting. Connect with Kevin Rice Website: CEOs and ABCs Podcast: CEOs and ABCs LinkedIn: Kevin Rice You can reach Robin Green at [email protected].