Great companies aren't built on ideas alone—they're built on execution. As Karl Alomar aptly said, "You don't need innovation to build a great company, but you must have operational excellence." Innovation is a powerful catalyst, but without exceptional execution, even the best ideas will fall flat.

This perspective resonates deeply with my journey. Building a nearly nine-figure company from scratch taught me that success hinges on operational excellence, culture, and disciplined execution.

Here are three key takeaways for anyone striving to build not just a good company, but a great one:

- Execution beats Ideas: A groundbreaking idea without execution is just a dream. Focus on operational discipline to turn innovation into impact.

- Culture is the Catalyst: Great culture attracts A+ players, and A+ players drive excellence. Prioritize creating an environment where your team thrives.

- Continuous Improvement: Success isn't a one-time event. It's a daily commitment to learning, adapting, and optimizing every aspect of the business.

Innovation might open the door, but operational excellence is what ensures you walk through it.