How a Former Bank Executive Built a Trusted Toolbox in a Recession and Thrived

Most entrepreneurs face a pivotal moment—do they stay in comfort or leap into the unknown? Chris Lalomia is a masterclass in embracing risk, trading a high-paying corporate career for the wild world of small business during the Great Recession. His bold move from managing geese in corporate america to transforming homes across Atlanta reveals the extraordinary power of passion and resilience.Discover how Chris built a multi-million dollar remodeling empire amidst economic chaos, with strategies that allow him to handle over 2,500 transactions annually—something most remodelers only dream of. We break down his innovative approach to scaled handyman services, using technology and professional branding to exceed customer expectations on half or full-day jobs. You’ll learn the secrets behind reducing friction, setting clear expectations, and creating predictable revenue streams in a business fraught with unpredictable clients and crazy calls, like a blind dog needing a door or a sinking floor.You'll hear about the crucial transitions that allow small startups to scale—shifting from a close-knit team to a systematic operation—plus how mastermind groups and coaching can reshape your journey. Chris shares his lessons on managing growth and resisting shiny object syndrome, with practical frameworks like the "Toolbox of Skills" and his own journey from the "Zoo" of corporate life to the wild terrain of entrepreneurship—the core message of his book, From the Zoo to the Wild.Why does all this matter? Because in a world where economic storms threaten to sink or swim businesses, understanding the entrepreneurial wild is your best survival toolkit. Missing out on these lessons might cost you time, money, or even your business. But tuning in gives you a proven blueprint to thrive when others falter—whether you’re thinking of starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for the spark to keep going.Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone seeking real-world wisdom about navigating uncertainty, this episode will challenge your perspective on risk, passion, and purpose. Get inspired to tame your own wilds and turn chaos into opportunity—because your biggest growth happens outside your comfort zone. Are you ready to go from the zoo to the wild?Where curious people get to glimpse into the stories that crafted Champions. This encouraging channel puts on display that anyone can rise to the top of their game! The host always asks about the road to the top, so you can see the grit, hardships and challenges faced by the people who have won during either long or short careers. People from business, sports, aviation, telecommunications, construction and authors share how the trip to the top affected their lives!Join our Speaker, CEO, Jet Pilot, Best Selling Author and podcaster as he chats with Champions from every walk of life! Jim Tracy, aka "The Grampion" has learned a bunch of crazy cool stuff! He loves to share knowledge with audiences all over North America especially the reasons and ways to help generations work together. With deep experience and relationship building he transform your day into a world class learning experience! Jim loves helping the curious, both young and old!