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: 76

Unlocked Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Security Industry Trends and Opportunities (4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Join three business owners from across North America on the Unlock Podcast as they share hard-earned insights from the security industry.In this episode, recorded live in Orlando, they dissect the hottest trends: Automat…
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(Episode 2) "Hiring the right people is crucial for any locksmith business. On this episode of Unlocked, we discuss strategies for attracting, interviewing, and hiring top talent. Plus, we delve into the importance of on…
KPIs: The Numbers that Matter (1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:04
(Episode 1)🔒 Are you a locksmith or security pro who feels like you're running your business on gut feeling alone?🔑 Unlock the secrets to success with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)!In this episode of the Unlocked Pod…
Unlocked Podcast - Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18
Chad Lingafelt, Lars Johnston, and Tony Hokanson are unlocking a whole new level of locksmith knowledge with their brand new podcast, "Unlocked". 🗝️ Each episode dives deep into the real-world challenges and triumphs of…