The Garden Of Growth...
"A well-scaled business is one that can grow even when you’re not in the room."
When we look at successful people, it’s easy to get mesmerized by the end result — the flash, the reputation, the numbers. But for me, it’s never just about where they ended up; it’s the journey that got them there. The true roadmap to greatness is often hiding in plain sight, laid out by people who’ve been through the grind and come out stronger on the other side. And if you’re willing to listen, the wisdom you need is often just a book, a conversation away.
Most success stories start from somewhere humble. I’m always fascinated by how people make that leap from surviving to truly thriving. There’s a quote that goes something like... “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” But the difference with people who really make it big is that they don’t stop at that first step... they take it over and over, consistently and relentlessly. Because each step, no matter how small, gets them closer to where they want to be...
Mpire was built from day one with the mindset of scaling, and that meant we needed a rock-solid foundation. My first big move was hiring a strong operations team, people who could grow with us. Even before I could comfortably pay myself, I made sure my team was supported, because I knew that when the busy times hit, we’d need that stability. It wasn’t just meeting today’s demands... it was setting ourselves up for tomorrow’s challenges.
Scaling isn’t just adding more to the pile. It requires balance. There’s a fine line between bold moves and recklessness. Risk is essential, but it’s a tool, not a crutch. You want to take chances, but you don’t want to jeopardize everything with one over-the-top move. Scaling is a long game , one that requires patience and strategy. If you’re in it for the long haul, you’ve got to take each step as if you’re building a staircase. You’re always climbing, but you stay steady and grounded. Bold moves build empires, but patience and persistence hold them together.
Look at someone like Shant Banosian. He is Michael Jordan of this industry, closing more loans solo than Mpire does in a year. That level of success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of superhuman effort, daily sacrifices, and grinding through the process. The struggle of the journey is what makes the victory that much sweeter. (And if anyone knows Shant, tell him I’ve got a mortgage brokerage that would knock his socks off!)
So here are my golden rules: Lay your foundation first. Consistency and routine are key. Take calculated risks. Automate, automate, automate. And finally... build relationships, not transactions. Think about why that matters. Watch how much that consistency compounds over time.
P.S. — Keep an eye out for the first episode of Brokering Bad podcast, featuring Kelly Gomez. She took a modest FHA loan and turned it into 74 rental units in under seven years. Now that’s scaling done right.
Happy Friday - Hope everyone is safe after the Hurricane. We are all good here!
Cheers!
John
