By: Joshua Finlay

Hailing from humble beginnings on a small farm in rural Missouri, Brad Burns has carved out an inspirational path to success. Now leading several multi-million dollar companies, Brad credits his relentless work ethic and commitment to outworking the competition.

Creating Opportunity for Future Generations

When asked about his motivation to expand his business ventures, Brad points to the legacy he wants to leave behind. As the first in his family to graduate college and have entrepreneurial success, he aims to blaze a trail for future generations.

“I kind of decided at a young age I wanted to be the person that kind of set the path for the generations behind me,” Brad shares. “To shift the paradigm a little bit and leave a legacy that people could be proud of and grab onto.”

This mindset propels Brad to ensure his companies implement the right systems and plans to facilitate scaling. He stays involved to provide oversight and make sure the businesses keep moving in the right strategic direction.

Leading Through Action

Brad believes leading by example has been pivotal to earning his team’s trust and commitment. He is willing to work significantly longer hours than employees on projects to demonstrate his dedication.

“If the guys are on a job for 10 hours, I’ll work 16 just to show I’m willing to do way more to make this project successful,” Brad explains. “You don’t have to ask people to step up when they see you already doing it.”

By modeling sheer determination, he motivates team members to push themselves without mandates or pressure. Workers gravitate to his leadership style built on outworking the competition.

Overcoming Early Capital Challenges

In the early chaotic days of rapid expansion, Brad vividly recalls an urgent financial fire drill. With hundreds of thousands owed to workers completing projects nationwide, he suddenly faced a cash flow crisis.

“I had to pay out about $300K for guys across the country for recent work we had completed. I didn’t have the money and knew that if they didn’t get paid, all work would halt until they did,” he remembers.

After nervous days waiting, his client wired funds just hours before the deadline. While stressful in the moment, Brad gained lifelong lessons on managing cash flow during hypergrowth.

When outside investors courted his business, Brad refused to give up equity or control. This advice from an early peer proved prescient. “Don’t ever give up equity if you don’t have to,” the mentor told Brad. He believes maintaining full ownership positioned his companies for much greater long-term success.

Capitalizing on a Seafood Opportunity

With an eye for marketplace gaps, Brad launched a seafood distribution company after a longtime local player unexpectedly shut down. Seizing this opening, he leveraged an experienced new partner’s connections and experience in the industry.

“We bought all his coolers, trucks, and employees followed him to us,” Brad explains. “We were able to hit the ground running.” Now on pace to generate $3 million in its first year, expansion into additional Midwest markets is already in the works.

Gratitude for a Dedicated Team

When asked what he is grateful for, Brad points to the talented team members who have joined him on this journey. He compares building a successful business to paddling a boat. “I knew enough to push the boat off the shore and am just praying people swim out to help me keep paddling,” Brad remarks. He is humbled by the support from those who have jumped into the boat with him. Their shared commitment and belief in the vision keeps the companies powered in the right direction.

Brad Burns has navigated an against-the-odds rise from rural Missouri farm boy to leading multiple companies on the path to millions and beyond. Along the way, he overcame early capital challenges, acquired wisdom from mentors, and built an empowered team around his collaborative leadership approach. Brad sets the pace through sheer determination, modeling the relentlessly focused work ethic that drives his organizations forward.

Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn more about Brad Burns and his approach.

Published by: Holy Minoza