Unlocking Growth: Why Strong Operators Build More Valuable Businesses
By Brian Wheeler
On a recent episode of Bosma on Business, Mike Bosma spoke with Derek Fredrickson, CEO of The COO Solution, about a reality many founders quietly face:
At some point, growth demands structure.
The Evolution of the Founder
In the early days, the founder is everything—visionary, rainmaker, problem solver, and culture driver. But as the business grows, complexity increases. What once worked… stops working.
That’s when operational leadership becomes critical.
The COO as the “Air Traffic Controller”
Derek described a strong COO as the air traffic controller of the business.
Not the visionary pilot — but the leader ensuring:
- Roles are clear
- Accountability is defined
- Systems are documented
- Execution happens consistently
Clarity reduces friction. Structure creates scalability. And scalability builds value.
Where Operations Meets Enterprise Value
- Human Capital – the strength of your leadership team
- Structural Capital – systems and operational processes
- Customer Capital – revenue predictability and loyalty
- Social Capital – brand and culture
A strong COO directly strengthens all four. When accountability improves, systems mature, and dependency on the owner decreases, enterprise value rises.
Exit Readiness = Stronger Bottom Line
Owners often tell us: “I can’t step away.” “Everything runs through me.” “I’ll think about an exit later.”
But operational weakness isn’t just an exit issue — it’s a profitability issue. Businesses with strong operational leadership tend to:
- Improve margins
- Reduce risk
- Scale more efficiently
- Command higher valuation multiples
Even if they never sell.
The Wealth Advisory Perspective
For many owners, the business is:
- Their largest asset
- Their retirement plan
- Their legacy
Operational clarity isn’t just about running smoother meetings — it’s about protecting and growing the value of your biggest investment. When leadership depth increases, optionality increases. And optionality is freedom.
A Simple Test of Your Infrastructure
If you stepped away for 30 days: Would the business thrive… or stall?
The answer tells you everything about your intangible capital. If you’d like to explore how operational leadership impacts the value of your business — whether you’re planning to grow, transition, or simply gain more clarity — we’re always happy to have that conversation.
Because building a stronger business today builds stronger wealth tomorrow.