Michael Girdley discusses the operations of his diverse holding company, Girdley Enterprises, which generates over $100 million in revenue across industries like fireworks, software, and coffee. The conversation explores the 'non-operator' mindset required to manage multiple ventures, the logistics of the high-stakes fireworks business, and how to use personal branding quirks to stand out in the business community.
Scale a holding company by adopting a 'non-operator' mindset, which involves resisting the urge to fix problems yourself and instead forcing CEOs to develop their own solutions.
Launch new ventures through an 'Associate Program' by hiring young entrepreneurs, paying them a salary to vet ideas, and then providing the capital to co-found the best one.
Own 'mental real estate' by consistently associating your personal brand with specific, non-trendy interests (like Chili's or Cinnabon) to become humanized and memorable to your audience.