Running an architecture firm can feel like being stuck—overwhelmed, overworked, and unsure how to get free. In this episode, Geoff Hoover, principal at Business of Architecture, shares what’s really holding firms back. Geoff’s path from engineering to sales and lifeguarding has given him a unique ability to spot the hidden issues firm owners often miss.

You’ll hear powerful stories that reveal why great design isn’t enough to build a successful business. Geoff shares the mindset shifts and leadership patterns that separate the firms that thrive from the ones that merely survive. This episode is packed with insights that could unlock a whole new way of working without giving up your weekends.

What you’ll discover:

• What a lifeguard can teach you about running a business
• Why “delegation” isn’t as easy as you think
• The silent trap many successful firm owners fall into
• A single sentence that could change your firm for the next 10 years

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/84J4DHRLa20Gw8sgCjKCPkVPmQI?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Architecture firm owners are increasingly burdened by succession planning, talent shortages, and the pressure to scale in a competitive market. Many are unsure how to exit gracefully, grow beyond 50 people, or prepare their business for long-term success, let alone navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this eye-opening episode, Rion Willard sits down with the founders of Stone Mill Partners, a specialist M&A firm serving the AEC industry. They peel back the curtain on how architectural firms are being bought, sold, and merged—often with surprising motivations behind each move.

The conversation reveals how cultural fit is the secret weapon in a successful acquisition—and how missing it can spell disaster. You’ll also hear about the rise of private equity in architecture and what that might mean for your firm’s future. Whether you're building for legacy, scaling fast, or preparing for exit, this episode gives you a glimpse of what’s possible.

• Why senior staff shortages are now one of the biggest drivers of firm acquisitions
• The “Tinder for businesses” method of matching architecture firms with the right buyer
• What really happens when private equity steps into the design world

To learn more about Stonemill Partners, visit their:

Website: https://stonemillpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-neal-b6417857/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonemillprtnrs

Instagram: ers/https://www.instagram.com/stonemillpartn

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/0NbjDwcotXBJas9bRCt_cAs1Cug?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!

Most architects start their own firms for more freedom. But too many end up overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid. Why does this happen, and how can you break free?

In this episode, Enoch Sears speaks with architect and developer Zeke Freeman about the unseen barriers that hold back small firm owners. They uncover the surprising mindset shifts that can unlock real profitability. Plus, they explore the key difference between struggling firms and those that scale beyond $1M.

You'll also hear why some firms hit a ceiling while others break through. And if you’ve ever wondered whether outsourcing is the future, this episode might change how you think about remote teams.

• The costly mistake most architects don’t realize they’re making
• Why pricing your services like everyone else is a dangerous trap
• The hidden fear stopping firm owners from delegating
• What it really takes to go from $1M to $10M (hint: it's not what you think)

To learn more about Zeke, visit his:

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/zfreeman1?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab33UMAna1cq9m3n-cF7T9PYyFtIDL9LJJnjicA5QQDWW7ZX5YCl7g8qWU_aem_J8cHlehc-BEHqPCEu7Q0_g

► Transcription: https://otter.ai/u/F2LPis8AojDlLrfM5oeucoGe9xY?utm_source=copy_url

► Feedback? Email us at podcast@businessofarchitecture.com

► Access your free training at http://SmartPracticeMethod.com/

► If you want to speak directly to our advisors, book a call at https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/call

► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates:

https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture

*******

For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful, and fulfilling practice, connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofarch/

Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/yt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch

Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/show

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926

Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9idXNpbmVzc29mYXJjaGl0ZWN0dXJlLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz

*******

Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com

Carpe Diem!