Blog Layout

Why Does Serving Strong Exist?

Scott Couchenour • July 30, 2024

The Why, How, and What

One of the best ways to describe Serving Strong is using Simon Sinek's now famous "golden circles".


WHY


In June 2015, my life was irrevocably changed. I experienced a profound loss that stripped away not only my career but also my very identity. The fallout from this event was devastating, leading me to a dark place that took a considerable amount of time and effort to recover from. Looking back on that tumultuous period, I would have benefited greatly from having a partner who could have guided me through the chaos, someone who had walked this path before and could help me navigate my way out. Today, I have become that partner for others. I am driven by the conviction that if I had the support I needed back then, I would not have sunk as low nor taken as long to rebuild my life. This personal journey has become the foundation of my "why" – the deep-rooted purpose behind what I do.


I work with business owners who are planning their exit, applying the same principles of strategic planning and execution that are prevalent in the business world to their personal lives. The process of crafting a personal strategic plan is not unlike creating a business strategy. It involves setting clear goals, defining actionable steps, and continually assessing and adjusting the plan to ensure success. My framework is built around six hallmarks or pillars that encompass all aspects of a fantastic life: spiritual, physical, relational, emotional, vocational, and financial. These pillars form the bedrock of a strategic plan designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of life transitions.


HOW


The "how" of my approach is rooted in the meticulous application of strategic initiatives to personal development. By systematically addressing each of the six hallmarks, I guide my clients through a comprehensive process of self-discovery, goal setting, and execution. This process ensures that every aspect of their lives is aligned with their core values and long-term vision. It is a holistic approach that goes beyond surface-level changes, digging into the fundamental aspects of what it means to live a fulfilling and balanced life.


WHAT


Ultimately, the outcome of my work is the transformation that occurs when individuals choose to live life by design rather than by default. This intentional approach to living leads to a more fulfilling present and significantly reduces the number of regrets in the future. My clients find themselves not only better prepared for the challenges that come with major life transitions but also more at peace with their decisions and more confident in their ability to achieve their personal and professional goals. By helping business owners create and execute their personal strategic plans, I empower them to take control of their lives and build a legacy they can be proud of. Working together, we craft a scenario where owners have something to run to as they are exiting their business.

STAY INFORMED

Share with others

Man thinking.
By Scott Couchenour January 16, 2025
Retirement can be a challenging transition for business owners. After years of building, managing, and leading their companies, stepping away often brings a mix of emotions, including uncertainty, anxiety, and even fear. As an advisor, your role is to guide clients through this significant life change, helping them reframe retirement not as an ending but as a new chapter filled with possibilities. Managing client expectations involves helping them understand that retirement isn’t just about leaving behind their business. It’s about opening the door to opportunities they may have never explored.
By Scott Couchenour January 10, 2025
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take." – Lewis Carroll
arrows in a circle indicating a cycle
By Scott Couchenour December 17, 2024
You start with a plan. You feel the momentum building. The first few steps feel good, maybe even great. Then, like clockwork, you find yourself right back where you started. It’s frustrating, confusing, and honestly, exhausting. Why does it keep happening? And how do you make progress that sticks this time? Here’s the truth: real change doesn’t happen because you’ve found the perfect strategy. It happens because you finally stop flirting with progress and commit to what’s already within you.
By Scott Couchenour December 13, 2024
Is there a perfect exit?
Sign that reads
By Scott Couchenour December 4, 2024
Conflict within families or stakeholder groups can quietly grow, damaging relationships and disrupting progress if left unchecked. Recognizing the early warning signs of conflict is key to addressing issues before they escalate into larger problems. This is particularly crucial when dealing with high-stakes situations like family businesses, succession planning, or shared financial decisions.
By Scott Couchenour November 27, 2024
For as long as anyone could remember, Charlie was the owner of a local hardware store, Charlie's Fix-It Shop. It wasn’t just any hardware store—it was the place everyone went when they needed something fixed, something built, or simply a friendly chat. For over forty years, Charlie greeted his customers with a smile, offered advice on all things tools and gadgets, and kept the town in tip-top shape. But now, Charlie was getting older.
Show More
Share by: