Episode Details

Rich Aston is a true serial entrepreneur with over 45 years of experience acquiring, turning around, and scaling businesses across real estate, construction, rentals, and HVAC.

In this raw and practical conversation, Rich shares his remarkable journey — buying a nearly bankrupt HVAC company 38 years ago and growing it into a thriving business while owning and operating eight companies total. He reveals hard-earned lessons on leadership, employee empowerment, customer service, navigating failure, and why having a clear “why” is essential for long-term success.

Key topics include:

• ​ Turning around failing businesses and the risks involved
• ​ Growing leaders from within instead of hiring outside “stars”
• ​ The power of integrity, faith, and defining success as inner peace
• ​ Lessons for young entrepreneurs in their 20s trying to figure out life
• ​ Why small business often beats chasing big corporate dreams

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who wants real-world wisdom over hype, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Rich Aston is the author of *Growing Your Own* — a leadership guide focused on developing people and building strong internal teams. He is a father, grandfather, and retired entrepreneur who still serves as chairman of his HVAC company.

Connect With Rich Aston

Website:https://www.growingyourown.net/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ashton-397a2b10/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richashtongyo/

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Rich Aston

3:20 - Rich’s Early Entrepreneurial Spark and First Ventures

12:45 - Buying a Nearly Bankrupt HVAC Company 38 Years Ago

22:10 - Lessons from Owning 8 Businesses Across Industries

31:55 - Turning Around Failing Companies: What Actually Works

41:30 - Growing Your Own Leaders Instead of Hiring Stars

50:45 - The Importance of a Clear “Why” and Company Culture

59:20 - Customer Service, Integrity & Faith in Business

1:08:10 - Defining Real Success: Peace Over Money and Status

1:16:50 - Advice for People in Their 20s Figuring Out Life

1:25:15 - Final Thoughts on Failure, Risk & Long-Term Wins