What happens when a founder hits the point where hustle alone isn’t enough?

For Forrest Derr, it starts with a simple shift: structure doesn’t slow a company down—it helps it run further and faster.

In this episode of The Hatch Podcast: Founders Series, Forrest shares how nearly three decades inside growing companies led him to become a fractional COO and EOS® Integrator, working alongside founders at critical inflection points.

Through Derr Consulting, Forrest helps visionary leaders move from chaos to clarity—installing structure, defining accountability, and building the foundation required to scale. He also leads ENRG (Entrepreneurial Networking Resource Group) in partnership with Hatch, bringing founders and operators together to collaborate and grow with intention.

This episode explores what founders often miss, why accountability is misunderstood, and how the right operational guardrails create real freedom inside a business.

💡 In this episode:

• The inflection point when founders realize they need operational leadership
• Why accountability—not effort—is the most common blind spot
• The difference between an organizational chart and an accountability chart
• How EOS® helps founders think long-term instead of surviving short-term
• Why building in community accelerates growth
• The dynamic between visionary founders and operational “fixers”

About the Guest

Forrest Derr is the founder of Derr Consulting, where he serves as a fractional Chief Operating Officer and EOS® Integrator for growing companies. He works alongside visionary founders to install structure, clarify ownership, and position businesses for sustainable scale.

He also co-hosts the podcast Fixers & Founders, exploring the relationship between entrepreneurs and the operational leaders who help them execute.

Derr Consulting: https://derrconsulting.com

Fixers & Founders Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@fixersandfounders

ENRG Fairhope: https://hatchfairhope.com/events/enrg-fairhope-chapter

About The Hatch Podcast

At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

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🔗 Learn more: hatchfairhope.com

📩 Contact: [email protected]

Produced by Tim Scott for The Hatch Podcast Network.