.png)
Nick Huber isn’t interested in flashy business models or billion-dollar tech startups. He’s built wealth the hard way—by doing what he calls “sweaty” work.
In this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, Nick shares lessons from 15+ years of running service businesses, how to build equity by trading time for money, and why the best entrepreneurs are the ones who know how to sell, hire, and fire.
“Most people don’t thrive on chaos. They want certainty. And when you’re an entrepreneur, the phone rarely rings with good news.”
Here’s what we learned from Nick:
1. The Truth About Business: It’s Not All Jets and Lambos
Nick pulls back the curtain on what real business looks like. It’s calling investors for more capital after going $600K over budget.
It’s trucks breaking down, customers complaining, and warehouses flooding.
It’s hard—and not everyone is cut out for it.
2. 80/20 Applies to Customers Too
80% of profits come from 20% of customers—and 80% of stress comes from another 20%.
Nick says one of the most powerful things you can do is fire bad customers.
When you have leverage, you get to choose who you work with.
3. Sales Is Non-Negotiable
If you don’t like selling, entrepreneurship probably isn’t for you.
Nick’s mentor told him straight: “You’re selling 24/7. If that scares you, get a job.”
Every interaction—hiring, pitching, fundraising—is a form of sales. Learn to embrace it.
4. Focus on Reps, Not Results
New business owners often focus on getting a sale instead of putting in the reps.
Nick compares sales to going to the gym: “You don’t build muscle by watching YouTube videos. You get strong by lifting weights.”
5. Hiring Isn’t a Job Board—It’s a Hunt
The best employees aren’t browsing job boards—they’re already working.
Nick found one of his best hires in a Walmart parking lot. Lesson?
Great talent often shows up in unexpected places. Go find them.
6. Build the Business. Then Get Out of the Way.
The moment you’re not spending 25% of your time on strategy and growth is the moment you need to start delegating.
Most entrepreneurs get stuck in the weeds. You have to build systems, hire, and let go—if you want to scale.
7. Fire Fast, Lead Strong
The competence of your company is defined by what you tolerate.
If you keep a C-player on the team, your A-players will walk.
Nick’s approach is simple: believe people when they show you who they are—and make hard decisions fast.
What We’re Taking Action On:
- Spending more time on “important but not urgent” work (strategy, hiring, systems)
- Letting go of poor performers to protect our A-players
- Prioritizing sales activity, not just results
- Getting scrappy with local marketing and recruiting
Bottom Line:
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.
But if you’re wired to hustle, take risks, and lead from the front, there’s never been a better time to build a sweaty startup. Trade time for money. Hire scrappy. Sell hard. Then build the systems to step away.
🎧 Want the full breakdown from Nick Huber?
Listen to the full episode of OWNR OPS now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube for unfiltered, actionable advice on building a sweaty startup, hiring scrappy, and scaling the right way.
📬 Want more wisdom like this in your inbox?
Subscribe to the OWNR OPS newsletter for weekly, no-fluff tips from the top minds in local services and trades.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
