Apr 01 2025 37 mins
In an industry often dominated by venture-backed startups and high-risk entrepreneurship, Blake Collins - Founder of Armada - offers an alternative perspective on building a business the thoughtful way. As the co-founder and managing director of Armada, a specialized recruiting firm focused on supply chain talent, Blake shares his journey from CH Robinson executive to entrepreneur without sacrificing financial stability or family priorities.
Rather than following the conventional "quit your job and risk everything" startup approach, Blake and his co-founder John created a strategic partnership with longtime friends who had already built a successful staffing business. This alliance allowed them to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions while maintaining financial security—especially important as both founders were building homes and starting families.
The conversation explores how personal experiences shaped Blake's business philosophy, from overcoming health challenges to learning leadership lessons on the golf course. "How do you handle adversity?" Blake asks, drawing parallels between golf and business management. "Are you throwing your club when you hit it out of bounds, or can you maintain your composure and focus on the next shot?"
Demonstrating remarkable self-awareness about leadership development and drawing a thoughtful distinction between leadership ("building the boats") and management ("driving the boats"), his approach to surrounding himself with challenging, positive influences is a clear contributor to his early success as an entrepreneur.
Ready to rethink how you approach entrepreneurship? Listen to Blake's story and discover how building strategic partnerships might be your path to business ownership without unnecessary risk.
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