Larry Wright is the owner of The Green Pet Shop, a company he leads alongside his son, Brian. With a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Denver and two decades of experience as a commodities trader on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Larry brings a breadth of knowledge and a grounded leadership style to his work. He doesn’t claim expertise, preferring instead to stay curious, learn continuously, and guide his team by motivating them to be their best. Outside of business, Larry’s passions include animals, martial arts, golf, reading, history, sports, and philanthropy, reflecting a life rooted in discipline, generosity, and lifelong growth.

In this episode, Brad and Larry discuss:

• Larry’s journey from commodities trading to building a family-run business
• Transitioning from solo entrepreneur to leading a growing team
• Balancing family relationships and business dynamics
• Overcoming setbacks, including betrayal and financial risk
• Building trust, delegating, and empowering team members

Key Takeaways: 

• True leadership requires humility, a willingness to delegate, and surrounding yourself with people who have strengths you lack. Larry emphasized the importance of learning from others and letting go of ego to build an effective team.
• Building a successful business is as much about overcoming setbacks and adapting as it is about initial ideas. The conversation highlighted how perseverance through challenges shapes long-term success.
• Navigating the complexities of working with family requires patience, communication, and separating personal from professional roles. Larry shared how balancing being a father and a business partner demanded mutual respect and clear boundaries.
• Long-term success comes from trusting and empowering your team and letting go of micromanagement. By creating an environment where people feel ownership and responsibility, the company has been able to grow and thrive.
• Carefully managing risk, being properly capitalized, and working harder than your competitors are critical for new entrepreneurs. Larry stressed the value of calculated risk-taking and relentless effort as foundations for sustained business growth.

“Surround yourself first of all with people who are smarter than you. Get rid of your ego. Surround yourself with people who've done it, who are smarter than you, and who could teach you.” - Larry Wright

Connect with Larry Wright: 

Website: http://Thegreenpetshop.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wright-22099520/ 

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

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

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

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

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

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.