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898: Mike McFall – Brewing Success: Advice for Scaling and Growth


Here on “The Self-Employed Life,” we often focus on businesses with under five team members, and even one-person businesses. Consequently, we don't often talk about scaling. However, regardless of your business's current size, I want to provide you with the opportunity to think big – evenBiggby.” Today, I'm joined by Mike McFall as we delve into essential insights from his book Grow, exploring crucial facets of business leadership and growth. Mike's journey of co-founding Biggby Coffee reveals the power of practical experience and people-centric approaches over rigid business norms. Together, we unpack the significance of leadership consistency, nurturing a unified workplace culture, and mastering effective communication.


Mike McFall is the co-founder and co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, one of the fastest-growing coffee franchises in the United States. Despite not having an MBA or being a workaholic, McFall has built his career through hard work and real-world experience. He prioritizes people and purpose over business jargon and fancy presentations, and his pragmatic solutions are forged from this philosophy. McFall understands that people are the most important ingredient to any successful enterprise, and he helps employers create a purpose-driven business that will transform the world and improve people’s lives. McFall is the author of Grind (2019) and Grow (2023), the first two books in a three-book series, which offer practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to turn their business concepts into successful ventures. He is also a Public Speaker, and teaches a class on entrepreneurialism at The University of Michigan Center of Entrepreneurship. In his free time, McFall plays and coaches hockey and has a Moonshot to one day own the Detroit Red Wings.


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Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.


Mike McFall, thank you so much for being here!


Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself.

Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world.


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Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

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