Our Insights
Why Our Opinion Matters
Most business advice is written by people who have never actually built anything.
This section is different.
Insights is where we share observations from the real world — building businesses, buying and selling companies, making decisions with real money on the line, and navigating the leadership side of growth.
- Some posts will be practical.
- Some will challenge conventional thinking.
- Some will simply be lessons learned the hard way.
Ron’s Field Notes — grounded observations from decades spent evaluating, building, buying, and investing in businesses.
Nicole’s Reflections — perspectives on leadership, alignment, decision-making, and the internal side of building a meaningful life and business.
Different angles. Same principle.
Because the best lessons in business and leadership are usually forged under pressure — not written in textbooks.
Real World Experience
Ron's Field Notes
These aren’t “articles.”
They’re field notes.
Short observations from years spent building businesses, evaluating acquisitions, negotiating transactions, and investing capital in the real world.
Some of these notes come from deals that worked.
Some come from deals that didn’t.
Others come from watching the same mistakes repeat themselves across different industries and different companies.
Topics will often include things like:
- buying and selling businesses
- what actually makes a company valuable
- evaluating opportunities and acquisitions
- financing and deal structure
- mistakes owners make when preparing to sell
Sometimes the conclusions will be unconventional.
That’s because most conventional business advice is written by people who have never actually had to make these decisions themselves.
Practical
Insightful
Authentic
Providing Small Business Insight
Ron and Nicole offer unique perspectives on business and leadership, which is the key to their success. Ron provides the structure, while Nicole brings the perspective.
Beyond their professional lives, they embody the values they promote. They live on an acreage with horses, explore back roads on motorcycles, and prioritize travel, valuing experiences over material possessions. Grounded Growth is a reflection of these values, dedicated to helping people build businesses and lives filled with clarity, freedom, and meaningful work.
REcalibrate & Reconnect
Nicole's Reflections
Business is rarely just a strategy problem.
More often, it’s an alignment problem.
People are capable, driven, and full of ideas — but pulled in too many directions, carrying too much pressure, and trying to make important decisions when they’re already at capacity.
Nicole’s Reflections explores the side of leadership that doesn’t show up in spreadsheets.
These posts look at things like:
- finding balance in work and life
- making decisions when everything feels unclear
- rebuilding focus when energy is scattered
- navigating transitions and major life chapters
- reconnecting with what actually matters
Nicole works with people who are building meaningful work — entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who are capable but sometimes feel stuck, stretched thin, or unsure of the next move.
Because strong leadership isn’t just about strategy.
It’s about having the
clarity and internal capacity to actually move forward.
Clarity
Leadership
Balance
Details
FAQs about small business coaching
How is Grounded Growth different from other small business coaching?
Most coaching programs focus on quick fixes and standard playbooks. We focus on building a strong, lasting foundation for your business. When you work with us, we dig deep into what makes your vision unique rather than handing you a generic checklist. We help you grow at a steady, authentic pace so your success feels sustainable, deeply rooted, and true to who you are.
How do I know if my business is ready for coaching, and how do I choose the right fit?
You are likely ready for a coach if you are capable and driven, but currently feel stretched thin, stuck, or unsure of your next move. If your business has hit a plateau or you are facing a major transition (like expanding or prepping for a transaction), external eyes are incredibly valuable.
When choosing a coach in Canada, look for two key things:
- Real-World Experience: Avoid theorists. Look for coaches who have actually built, bought, or sold businesses themselves and understand the pressure of making decisions with real money.
- The Right Balance: The best coaching combines sharp, grounded business strategy (the structure) with personal alignment and leadership development (the human side). You need systems that work, but you also need the internal capacity to execute them without losing your mind.
What does a small business coach in Canada actually do?
A small business coach acts as a strategic partner who helps you step back from the daily grind to look at your company through a wider lens. Unlike a traditional consultant who might just hand you a generic playbook and leave, a coach works with you to build sustainable roots.
In Canada’s unique market, this usually involves:
- Structuring for Growth: Developing clear business systems so the company can scale without you burning out.
- Financial & Profit Performance: Looking at margins, cash flow, and pricing strategies to make sure you are actually keeping real money on the line.
- Owner Independence: Creating frameworks that allow the business to run smoothly even when you aren't there, which is essential if you ever want to prepare your business for a future sale.
If selling your business is even a remote possibility in the next few years, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the company through a buyer’s lens.
Sometimes a few strategic changes made early can make a meaningful difference when the time comes to sell.