In this episode, I sit down with consultant Jon Rickards to talk through his unique path—from the Navy’s nuclear program to decades in the wine industry—and how all of that led him into helping small and micro-businesses bring order to their chaos. Jon shares what most business owners struggle with, why understanding your numbers matters so much, and how he’s helping his wife build a community-focused salon business.

• Non-linear paths create powerful skill sets.
• Exposure broadens character and capability.
• Small business owners often lack business foundations.
• Understanding your numbers is essential.
• HR is a major blind spot.
• Chaos is often a systems problem, not a people problem.
• Micro-business owners must learn to give up hats.
• Building simple, maintainable systems matters.
• The salon model Jon and his wife built is about community, not just services.
• Relationships are a business survival tool.

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:05 Jon’s Early Life & Military Path

00:06:40 Lessons & Challenges from the Navy

00:10:55 Discovering a Passion for Finance

00:13:20 Trying Financial Advising & Realizing It Wasn’t a Fit

00:16:45 Entering the Wine Industry

00:21:30 Moving Toward Consulting

00:25:50 What Small Businesses Get Wrong

00:31:40 The Power of Systems & Delegation

00:36:10 Inside the Salon Business Model

00:41:45 Training, Compensation & Team Growth

00:46:30 Relationship Building in an Economic Downturn

00:49:00 Lightning Questions: Books & Billboards

00:51:15 Closing & Where to Find Jon

Jon Rickards – Website

Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Links to all books mentioned on the show

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