Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast.
In this episode, host Derek Fredrickson sits down with client Larry G. Dix II, founder of Apex, a multimillion-dollar company he built from the ground up.
Larry started working in a lumberyard as a teenager. Today, he is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, podcast host, rancher, real estate investor, marathon runner, and mentor.
But this conversation is about more than Larry's success.
It is about what happened when he realized he was trying to carry too much of the business himself.
For years, Larry handled everything from CEO and CFO responsibilities to sales, management, and purchasing. He knew he wanted to grow, but he also knew something had to change.
Then he realized something important: He wasn't broken. He just didn't have the right pieces.
Larry shares what changed after bringing the right operating people around him, including our fractional COO, Warren. He talks about finding his role as a visionary, building systems around his ideas, making better decisions through healthy pushback, and creating a business that can grow without depending on him every day.
In This Episode:
[01:18] Lessons From the Lumberyard
The early work experiences that shaped Larry’s approach to business, work, and leadership.
[03:18] Turning Negative Energy Into Positive Energy
Larry shares how criticism and setbacks fueled his growth and motivation.
[05:22] The "Do What's Right" Philosophy
The story behind Larry’s guiding principle and its role in his business and life.
[07:49] Why Larry Felt Stuck
After years of building a successful business, Larry reflects on what kept him from reaching the next level.
[08:32] "I'm Not Broken. I'm Just Different."
Larry realizes he was a visionary who needed the right people and structure around him.
[09:06] Finding the Right Integrator
The impact of bringing in an Integrator, from better processes and data to greater freedom for Larry.
[20:49] Building a Business Beyond the Founder
Creating systems and a sustainable business that can support Larry’s family and future.
[22:30] Getting Business Knowledge Out of Your Head
Why relying on what you know instead of documenting it can leave a business vulnerable.
[24:59] The Freedom That Comes From the Right Support
Larry talks about the relief, focus, and energy that came from having the right people around him.
[28:16] Making a Virtual Team Work
Larry shares what makes remote collaboration work across his business, team, and fractional COO.
[34:00] Larry’s Advice to Founders Who Need Help
His message to founders who know they need support: stop waiting and take the first step.
[36:03] Where to Find Larry
Where listeners can connect with Larry and learn more about Apex, his coaching, podcast, and books.
Action Steps for Listeners:
- Identify what only you should own as the founder.
- Look at the responsibilities you are still carrying that someone else could own.
- Find the operating support you need to turn your vision into execution.
- Build systems that make your knowledge transferable.
- Choose the one or two priorities that will move the business forward.
- Define your North Star beyond revenue and growth.
- Stop waiting for the perfect time to get the support you need.
Resources & Links:
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👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a founder or CEO who has been carrying too much of the business for too long. It may be the conversation they need to build a leadership life they can actually sustain.
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