I had a great conversation with Susan Kearney on the Growth + Exit Podcast about something I care a lot about: building businesses that can scale without depending on constant founder involvement.There's a moment in scaling where growth starts to feel heavier instead of freer - you're buried in decisions, constantly rescuing your team, and losing sight of the bigger picture. I've lived that, including a near-death business experience that pushed me to shift from hustle to structure.

We get into what it actually takes to build an organization that thrives without you in the middle of everything.A bit about me: I'm the Founder of IT Select, where we're transforming technology procurement with faster, AI-driven models - cutting client cycles from 120 days to as few as 30 across 38 states. Before that, I sold a technology advisory firm in an eight-figure exit.

I've been an entrepreneur since I was 13, with businesses across technology, events, hospitality, and coaching.

Here's a glimpse of what we cover:
[0:00] Introduction
[2:01] The commonalities across my entrepreneurial pursuits
[3:47] Why I started IT Select to fix IT procurement inefficiencies
[4:54] How my coaching platform helps founders remove themselves as bottlenecks
[8:22] Leadership lessons on clarity, restraint, and empowering teams
[9:58] My near-death business experience and the shift from hustle to structure
[12:30] How I hire for ownership and build an accountability-driven culture
[18:03] Practical ways founders can instill clear accountability in teamsThe big idea: long-term scaling comes from structure — defining clear outcomes, assigning ownership, and building systems that let teams move confidently without waiting for permission.

Hire decision-makers, build accountability through measurable expectations, and you replace burnout-driven hustle with sustainable momentum.Huge thanks to Susan Kearney for having me on, and to Newport LLC for sponsoring the episode.

Connect with me:🌐 https://www.jordansolender.com💼 LinkedIn:  / jordansolender  🏢 IT Select: https://www.itselect.ioResources mentioned:Susan Kearney on LinkedIn:  / susanpkearney Newport LLC: https://newportllc.com#entrepreneurship #founder #businessgrowth #scaling #leadership #accountability #ITprocurement #AItransformation #podcast #growthandexit

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