S2 Ep 26 - Business Owners Struggle when Employees Struggle by Scott Mooney

On this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I welcome Scott Mooney to the Buck and Honey’s remote studios. Scott joins the podcast to share a side of business ownership that’s rarely talked about—the emotional weight of caring deeply for the people you employ. As a successful restaurant owner, Scott has built his career on relationships, but with that connection comes a quiet struggle many leaders carry: when employees struggle with life, it can take a real toll on the person leading them.Scott grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, and after high school began working at Big Mike’s Super Subs. What started as a job became a career as he grew alongside the company. In the early 2000s, Big Mike’s began franchising and rebranded as Milio’s Sandwiches, expanding across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Scott was part of that growth, gaining experience not just in operations, but in people.In 2015, Scott took a leap of faith—leaving the corporate side to open his own Milio’s location in Waunakee, a fast-growing community just north of Madison. The store thrived, fueled by strong relationships with employees and a culture built on trust and care. But as years passed, Scott found himself emotionally affected when past and present employees faced personal struggles, hardships, and life-changing challenges.In this conversation, Scott opens up about the mental and emotional strain that can come with compassionate leadership. He shares the coping strategies that help him navigate that pain, the importance of boundaries, and how the support of his wife has been essential in carrying the load. This episode offers honest insight and practical wisdom for any business owner who cares deeply—and sometimes struggles—when their employees do too.