Palmer Higgins joins co-hosts Kaustubh Deo and Sam Rosati to discuss building Chenmark, lessons from operating small businesses, and maintaining a long-term approach to leadership. Palmer shares his early career in finance and a startup, the path to acquiring multiple companies with family members, and the importance of agency in shaping his career decisions. He reflects on the challenges of hiring operators, stepping into a CEO role without prior management experience, and the operational intensity of turnaround situations. The discussion also covers Chenmark’s philosophy on growth, capital allocation, and supporting CEOs for sustainable success. They discuss: • How Palmer transitioned from finance to entrepreneurship through small business acquisitions • Lessons learned from failed operator hires and the value of developing leaders internally • The challenges and rewards of running a company without prior industry experience • Why Chenmark prioritizes long-term orientation over aggressive short-term growth targets • Strategies for blending work and personal life to maintain balance and sustainability This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners and operators who want to build enduring companies while preserving quality of life. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - Work-life balance and office chaos 04:26 - Palmer Higgins' background and career journey 04:54 - The genesis of Chenmark 07:26 - Challenges and realities of small business ownership 09:12 - First acquisitions and operational hurdles 36:21 - Hiring and managing business operations 46:09 - First 100 days as CEO 47:45 - Balancing work and personal life 49:24 - Sustaining the intensity 53:05 - The importance of first impressions 56:16 - Evolving roles and responsibilities 01:05:54 - The long-term vision and financial independence 01:17:18 - Work-life blending 01:19:22 - Fitness challenge updates!