From Setbacks to Success: Lessons from Launching and Scaling Branded Group

Welcome to MasonMade’s Founder Friday series! Every other week we will highlight a founder as they share lessons learned and key takeaways. To be featured in our series or nominate another founder, email jennifer@masonmade.co.

Featured Founder: Michael Kurland, CEO of Branded Group

Starting a business isn’t a straight shot to glory. Just ask Michael Kurland, Founder and CEO of Branded Group, who launched his company after a year of massive personal upheaval - getting fired and divorced in the same year. But what made him different wasn’t just grit.

Before he rented office space or signed his first client, Michael knew one thing: He wanted his new venture to simply be better. This was his heart as a servant leader and what he wanted the heart of Branded Group to be.

Michael shared many of his “Be Better” tips in his book, “Broken to Better: 13 Ways Not to Fail at Life and Leadership,” but we recently caught up with him to learn more about his advice to future founders.

Lesson 1: Know Your Value and Lean into Your Network

When deciding on the type of business to launch, it’s important to know your value. What are you bringing to the table? Because he’d built loyal relationships with his facility management clients, Michael was able to secure their support. Knowing his value and having the backing of his clients gave Michael the confidence to step out and do his part to make the industry better.

Future Founder Takeaway: Don’t ever underestimate your value and the value of client loyalty.

Lesson 2: Diversification Is Not Optional, It’s Survival

One of Branded Group’s first clients accounted for 30-40% of its revenue. When that client was lost, it was a hard wakeup call. Michael’s response? He and his team set out to diversify their client base to avoid being too dependent on one big fish. There’s too much volatility in the market and the geo-political climate to get complacent.

Future Founder Takeaway: Diversifying revenue streams is essential to protect your business from unexpected changes.

Lesson 3: Own The Work—No Matter What

Heavy after-hours demands were the norm for Michael and his team in the early days. They answered calls on nights and weekends, switching shifts to avoid burnout. Michael’s “failure is not an option” mantra wasn’t just a cliché at this time but rather a mindset that drove him and his team to future success whenever they were faced with a challenge.

Future Founder Takeaway: No matter what comes your way, you and your team must have a “never give up” attitude.

Lesson 4: People Over Profits—Being a Servant Leader Pays Off

Branded Group’s company culture was front and center from the onset. Michael believed that developing Branded Group’s vision, mission, and core values would be essential to their future growth and their ability to attract top talent. If he wanted to “be better” for his employees, he knew that a unifying vision would be key. Michael also took the advice from the great Richard Branson: “If you take care of your people, they will take care of your business.”

Future Founder Takeaway: If you want to build a company that lasts, invest in your people.

Lesson 5: Keep Your Finger on the Financial Pulse

An often-overlooked detail when starting a business is setting up your financial house. Hiring the right accountants and lawyers can save you from a lot of sleepless nights. Yet having experts to “run the numbers” doesn’t mean you can take your eye off the ball or become complacent with your service providers. As the needs of Branded Group changed, Michael had to make the decision to hire new providers to better support his growing business.

Future Founder Takeaway: Be as familiar with the intricacies your finances as you are with the rest of your business.

Lesson 6: Self-Care Is More Than a Buzzword

Launching and managing a business is not for the faint of heart. To avoid burnout, Michael implemented several practices that enable him to maintain his physical and mental health. Meditation, reading, and walking in nature with his dog are just a few of the activities he does to ensure a balanced life.

Future Founder Takeaway: Taking care of yourself enables you to take care of your family and your business.

Launching a business is exciting as well as challenging. To be successful, consider these five “be better” tips:

·       Build on your true value and loyal relationships.

·       Be ready to diversify when the ground shifts beneath you.

·       Lead with people first, knowing that business growth is a team sport.

·       Maintain ownership over your company’s finances.

·       Keep evolving your values and culture as your company evolves.

Michael’s journey isn’t just a story about how to run a successful facilities management company, but rather a blueprint for other servant leaders who want to “be better” for their team and their clients.