Business can be about more than what you make. For Paul Gardner, it’s about the lives you elevate along the way. His company may produce vanities, but the real product is happiness.

In this episode, Paul reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped him: the grit forged through sports, the lessons (and mistakes) of stepping into a family business, and the decision to build a company rooted in purpose after toxic experiences nearly derailed him. His story is a reminder that clarity, values, and the willingness to simply say “yes” can change everything.

Paul Gardner is the owner and visionary behind Rock Solid Vanities, a fast-growing manufacturer serving the North American market. From restructuring his company around self-managing teams to embedding values that guide every decision, Paul has built more than a business. He’s created a culture where growth and purpose are non-negotiable.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How early lessons from sports shaped Paul’s discipline and love for practice.
• The challenges of joining a family business and why he encourages his kids to take a different path.
• The turning point that led him to reimagine work as a vehicle for elevating lives.
• How Rock Solid Vanities scaled through self-managing teams and a culture of “delivering happiness.”
• Why saying “yes” and building resilience can open doors you never imagined.

Resources:

• Strategic Coach – Tools and frameworks that shaped Paul’s thinking on unique ability and leadership. (Link)
• Tony Robbins – Coaching and principles that influenced Rock Solid’s shift to self-managing teams. (Link)
• Angela Duckworth, Grit – A book Paul references when talking about building resilience. (Link)
• Dan Sullivan’s R-Factor Question - Video
• Howard Schultz on Acquired Podcast - Link

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