Breaking the $3 Million Ceiling (46)

Breaking the $3 Million Ceiling (46)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston September 4, 2025 Duration: 1:06:36

Are you an entrepreneur stuck in the "messy middle" of growth, hovering around the $3 million revenue mark? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, tackle the infamous "glass ceiling" that many small businesses hit. They discuss why, at this stage of having around 10-15 employees, the owner often becomes the biggest bottleneck to further growth. The conversation delves into the psychology of a business owner who struggles to delegate and trusts others to make decisions, and the detrimental effect this has on team development and morale. The hosts share practical strategies for shifting your mindset, building a capable leadership team, and the "cut the grass" methodology to delegate effectively. Learn why reinvesting in your team and systems is crucial for scaling and how to avoid creating new bottlenecks as you grow.






Tune into Unlocked Podcast for a grounded, cross-border conversation about what it really takes to build a company meant to last. You’ll hear from three practicing business owners, each running their own operations from distinct locations-North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada. They don’t deal in abstract theory; instead, they draw directly from their own evolving playbooks, setbacks, and hard-won victories. The dialogue in this podcast revolves around practical strategies and philosophical shifts necessary for creating enterprises that can thrive beyond a single owner’s tenure. Episodes delve into the nuanced decisions around leadership transition, cultivating a resilient company culture, and implementing systems that ensure stability through market changes. It’s a candid exchange between peers who are in the trenches themselves, offering listeners a rare, ongoing case study from multiple industries and perspectives. If you’re steering a business and thinking about its legacy, this series provides a thoughtful, actionable companion for the long journey ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 82

Unlocked Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Rewarding Your Employees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
How do you truly reward your employees and build a thriving company culture? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the power of recognition and appreciation. They share practical strategies and per…
Best Advice for Business Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:35
What's the best advice you've ever gotten? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they share the most impactful pieces of advice they've received throughout their careers. From leadership and management to personal growth, this ep…
The Future of Retail in the Security Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:26
Is retail still relevant in the security industry? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they discuss the role of retail stores in today's market. They share their experiences, strategies, and predictions for the future of retail…
5 Things To Start Scaling Your Locksmith Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:27
Are you a security business owner with fewer than five employees? This podcast episode is for you! Join industry experts as they share actionable tips and strategies to help you grow your business. From pricing and profi…
Security Specialist vs. Generalist - (Episode 26) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:05
In this episode, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the debate of security specialist versus generalist. They discuss the pros and cons of each approach in the security industry, drawing from their own experiences and insig…
Private Equity in Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
Dive into the world of finance and security! Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they discuss the role of private equity in the security industry. Learn what private equity is, how it works, and why it's becoming a…
ISC West Takeaways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:05
Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they recap their experiences at the ISC West Expo, the largest security expo. They discuss their top takeaways, observations on industry trends, and the best and worst of what they encountere…
Breaking Into A New Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:52
Want to expand your business? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss strategies for successfully breaking into new markets. From geographic expansion to acquisitions, they share their experiences and i…
Customer Service Excellence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:00
Elevate your customer service game! Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they dive into the strategies and best practices for providing exceptional customer service. From building strong relationships to handling dif…
The Power of Peer Groups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:10
Unlock the power of collaboration! In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss the benefits of peer groups for business owners and entrepreneurs. They share their personal experiences with peer groups, the…