Collin Hathaway - Big Ambition, Dogged Simplicity - EP.244

Think Like an Owner

Ep.244: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Collin Hathaway (@CollinHathaway).

I'm excited to welcome Collin Hathaway back for his third appearance on the podcast. Collin has a wealth of experience in the home services industry and company operations, and today we dive into his recent exit from Flint Group, which he sold to General Atlantic.

We get into what he might have done differently, his belief that "good is usually enough," and the deeply personal process of exiting businesses. We also chat about long-term hold strategies and how they play into the bigger picture.

Plus, this is a special episode for me—it's my first time recording in person with Collin, right at his office in Seattle.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Collin on LinkedIn

Flint Group

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:05:31) - Exits are personal

(00:14:49) - Bringing on a COO to become CEO

(00:18:11) - Aligning incentives

(00:24:02) - Keeping a sense of urgency

(00:27:31) - Pretty good vs. Perfect

(00:30:47) - Hiring styles

(00:38:59) - Maintaining culture and values

(00:44:43) - What would you change if you were starting the company today?

(00:49:26) - What are you working on today that gives you energy?

(00:52:33) - How have your views on a long-term hold changed?

(01:04:06) - Misplaced CEO advice