Cameron Bawden: How to Scale and Exit a Successful Service Business?

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Cameron Bawden is a seasoned entrepreneur who built the largest pest control company in Arizona, scaling it from a single truck to over 100 vehicles in less than 14 years. We spoke about his journey of creating and scaling multiple service-based businesses, the systems and processes that fueled his success, and his recent $60 million exit that transformed the trajectory of his career.

One of the key highlights of Cameron’s approach is the importance of staying consistent and showing up every day: “That's the thing that I preach now—stay consistent. You got to show up every single day and do those little things that matter.” He emphasized how crucial it is for business owners to wear multiple hats in the beginning but to eventually delegate and build a strong leadership team. Cameron shared insights on the 'rule of seven,' explaining that no manager should have more than seven direct reports to ensure employees feel valued and appreciated.

We also dove into his experience with mergers and acquisitions, where he revealed the steps entrepreneurs can take to maximize their company’s value: “I saw how important it was—how they wanted the books, the leadership team, the organization, the systems, the processes.” His transparency with employees about company goals, such as EBITDA margins, has been a game-changer in aligning his team with the company’s vision: "When I was fully transparent... I got so many ideas from people on the front line."

Finally, Cameron discussed his personal philosophy on balance—financially, professionally, and personally. For him, giving back to the community through service work, like his annual food drive and helicopter ride giveaways, is a cornerstone of his balanced life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Systems and Processes: How establishing scalable systems and empowering the right people can help you scale faster and exit profitably.
2. Consistent Growth: The importance of consistent effort and culture in overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship.
3. Leadership and Delegation: Why building the right leadership team using the 'rule of seven' is key to business success.
4. Customer Referrals: “We've generated over 25,000 customer referrals.” Learn why customer referrals are invaluable and how to drive them.
5. Community Impact: How giving back through community service and personal involvement creates lasting fulfillment and reinforces company culture.

This episode offers real-world insights into scaling service businesses and achieving massive exits while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.