Business On Purpose Podcast

#25: Building A Legacy, with Cole Barrett

Barry Barrett

Episode 25: Cole Barrett is Barry's 22 y/o nephew; and is the current Sales & Marketing Manager and Integrator at Auto Excel, in which Cole's dad started and owns.

Cole's Leadership Role:

  •  Cole discusses his current leadership roles at Auto Excel.
  •  He serves as the marketing and sales manager, and he is the Integrator involved in implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).
  •  Barry clarifies that Cole is the integrator, responsible for implementing the EOS system.

Parent-Child Dynamic in Business:

  •  Barry and Cole discuss the unique struggles of being the son of a business owner, Mike Barrett.
  •  Cole mentions the challenge of balancing business discussions with family dynamics and the need for unbiased communication.
  •  He shares how he initially faced the perception of being the coach's son who received preferential treatment but worked hard to prove his capabilities.
  •  Barry affirms that their family operates based on meritocracy, emphasizing that coming from the Barrett family means being held to a higher standard.

Working with Family Members:

  •  Cole talks about the complexity of working with family members; including his dad, his uncles and his nana (grandmother).
  •  He acknowledges the need for distinguishing between personal and professional relationships.
  •  Cole explains how his role as a family member in the workplace sometimes requires him to deliver tough feedback and make difficult decisions.
  •  Barry adds that their family excels at maintaining strong relationships while handling tough conversations.

Discipline and Nurturing Relationships:

  •  Barry and Cole highlight the importance of love and nurturing relationships in their family and work environment.

Cole's Leadership Vision:

  •  Barry commends Cole's wisdom and maturity as a young leader.
  •  Cole discusses the current state of the shop and his aspirations for the future.
  •  They mention the setbacks faced by the business and their goal of expanding Auto Excel to other locations.
  •  Cole emphasizes the importance of setting and tracking goals on a daily basis and mentions the overall growth the business has achieved.

Conclusion:

  •  Cole shares his personal focus on self-improvement, including reading books recommended by Barry and Mike.
  •  Barry expresses confidence in Cole's leadership abilities and their potential to work well together.
  •  They conclude with a positive outlook on the future growth of Auto Excel.