In this conversation, Kirk explains why he believes entrepreneurial success comes from adaptability, salesmanship, coachability, and frontline experience, not spreadsheets and analysis paralysis. He shares stories about growing businesses from the loading docks up, surviving major legal battles, pivoting his company during COVID in less than a day, and why he’d take a gritty former athlete over a polished Ivy League MBA in a hiring interview almost every time.

Whether you agree with him or not, this episode will absolutely make you think differently about leadership, education, and what actually prepares people for success.

The Worst Advice I Ever Got is brought to you by Smith + Howard.