Mike Feazel
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Articles by Mike Feazel
Raising Your Prices Can Help You Fight Rising Customer Acquisition Costs (But Only If You're Careful)
Acquiring new customers costs more than ever. But you can only raise your prices if the value you're offering is clear. Key Takeaways As I've written about in other articles, AI and other factors are currently driving customer acquisition costs (CACs) through the roof . When that happens, the natural instinct for most businesses is to simply compensate by raising their prices.
Business Security Is a Myth. Here's Why Only the Paranoid Survive.
Stasis is the single greatest threat to a business. Here's why agility, not security, should be your goal. Key Takeaways In the seminal American novel Infinite Jest , one character hangs a poster on his wall that depicts a king sitting on his throne with an expression of deep concern. The text on the poster reads: “Yes, I'm paranoid … but am I paranoid enough?” You don't have to be an actual king for this to resonate with you.
Business Security Is a Myth. Here’s Why Only the Paranoid Survive.
Ekaterina Goncharova | Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Chasing security is a losing strategy in an AI-disrupted landscape. When familiar systems and processes are at risk of becoming obsolete practically overnight, a little paranoia might save your business. Technology is advancing faster than ever, so there's no such thing as a set-and-forget strategy for business growth anymore.
How to Know When Feedback Deserves Your Attention — and When It’s Just Noise Original
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I try to maintain a growth mindset. That means taking constructive criticism seriously, because I want to properly consider every opportunity to learn how I can improve my business. But not all criticism is constructive. Sometimes, unsolicited opinions are intentionally shared to disrupt or distract you. And sometimes, advice is simply bad — no matter how good the intentions behind it may be.
Lake Advisory Group Offers Discounted Membership, Beginner-Friendly Play
By Mike Feazel Lake Monticello is offering a half-price semi-annual membership to use its Ashlawn racquet courts starting Sept. 1, and the Pickleball Advisory Group (PAG) will offer new ways for new people to try out the fast-growing sport. Among other offerings, certified pickleball coach Glen Mead will offer a free class for new pickleball players at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Ashlawn courts.
New Playground Shelter Opens at Central Elementary
By Mike Feazel A ribbon cutting for a new playground shelter at Central Elementary School was held on Wednesday, Aug. 5, a week before students returned to classes. The new 24×25-foot shelter was a result of a project by a group of five graduates of the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program.
I Started My Career With a Borrowed Ladder. Here’s How That Shaped the Way I Evaluate My Business Partners.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I’ve been in the home services industry since I was 21 years old, but I didn’t run a national roof restoration brand right away. In fact, I was in my fifties before Roof Maxx was an eight-figure company with dealers in all 50 states. My career started with a single extension ladder, and I didn’t even own it. I borrowed it from my dad. It was 1988, and I had decided to become a roofer.
Las 4 estaciones del viaje de un emprendedor y cómo cada una transforma tus prioridades
Estoy entrando en la temporada final de mi carrera como director general de una marca nacional de servicios para el hogar. Así es como la edad y la experiencia han moldeado mis prioridades. Conclusiones Clave La primavera de tu carrera abarca esos primeros años en los que te dedicas a sembrar nuevas ideas y a soñar con el futuro. Todo gira en torno al potencial.
I Created This Scorecard to Measure Accountability at My Company. What Would Your Business Score?
Roof Maxx treatments come with a warranty guaranteeing that treated asphalt shingles will remain flexible for five years from the service date. If a customer ever reports that their treated shingles are losing flexibility during the warranty period, our dealers are trained to respond as quickly as possible and document the response — including how long it took — in their CRM. Then they assess the area and re-treat any shingles that need it.
The 4 seasons of an entrepreneur's journey — and how each one changes your priorities
Key Takeaways The springtime of your career encompasses those early years when you're busy planting the seeds of new ideas and dreaming of the future. It's all about potential. The summer of your career is when you start making investments, cultivating the seeds you planted years ago, then carefully pruning and protecting your business ideas so they can grow. Autumn is harvesting season — you're reaping what you've sown.
I created this scorecard to measure accountability at my company. What would your business score?
Key Takeaways Accountability is just a buzzword unless you can actually demonstrate how your business is becoming more accountable. Real accountability covers three groups: customers, talent and the public. I created a scorecard that breaks into 10 yes-or-no questions across these three areas. A low score isn't a failure — it's a roadmap for making changes. Make any question you answered “no” to your priority when moving forward.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Learn to Restore Before They Replace
Image Credit: Addicted2success Every entrepreneur obsesses over the metrics that drive growth revenue, retention, margins, momentum. Far fewer spend any real time thinking about the floor their customers walk on, the stairwell in the back office, or the parking lot lighting outside their storefront. That blind spot has a name: premises liability. And it’s one of the few risks in business that can undo years of hard-won success in a single afternoon.
New Fluvanna Action Fund to boost community groups
By Mike Feazel In an effort to support community service organizations across Fluvanna County, the Lake Monticello Community Foundation is launching the Fluvanna Action Fund. The goal is to help ensure that nonprofits and community service groups serving the entire county have the resources they need to continue their work. Since its founding, the Lake Monticello Community Foundation has been an active contributor to organizations that benefit people throughout Fluvanna.
3 Lessons From Mountain Biking That Helped Me Build an 8-Figure Business
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The Mohican State Park trail in Ohio is nearly 25 miles long. As the only trail in the entire state to hold an Epic designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), it offers a true backcountry riding experience, with steep single-track trails that abruptly plunge into sweeping river valleys and densely wooded patches alike. This is not a trail for casual riders.
What I Learned About Tenacity From an Entrepreneur Who Had Every Reason to Quit — But Didn’t
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I’ve traveled to over a hundred different countries in my life. Many of these places lack the relative comfort and safety of North America. But I’ve also seen this lack of a social safety net drive people to accomplish amazing things. Nearly everyone in the developing world is an entrepreneur — because they have to be. The problems they deal with on a daily basis are more immediate, so they’re under greater pressure to innovate solutions.
3 Lessons From Mountain Biking That Helped Me Build an 8-Figure Business
photoschmidt | Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Know the difference between persistence and stubbornness. Persistence is a commitment to dealing with a challenge. Stubbornness is trying the same tactic over and over again until it finally works. Going too fast is a recipe for disaster. Take time to plan, and understand that long-term success means working at a sustainable pace.
What I Learned About Tenacity From an Entrepreneur Who Had Every Reason to Quit — But Didn’t
Powered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Key takeaways Powered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
New sign, clearer message
Contributed by Mike Feazel Drivers traveling along South Boston Road are likely to notice something new outside Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire & Rescue. The department recently installed a modern electronic sign, replacing a decrepit wooden sign that had been removed several years ago. “Basically, we needed another way to communicate with the community that we are a part of,” said LMVFR President John Lye.
I spent years in survival mode — that's why I champion other entrepreneurs now. Here's how I invest in their success.
Mike Feazel Key Takeaways When my brother and I created our roofing business, we discovered an opportunity to educate other members of the industry and provide resources to help them improve their services — a dealer network. Establishing this dealer network helped us give back to our community and taught us valuable lessons about empowerment.
I Spent Years in Survival Mode — That’s Why I Champion Other Entrepreneurs Now. Here’s How I Invest in Their Success.
Roof Maxx isn't built that way. Our dealership model means the roofers who carry our product are independent contractors who purchase it from us so they can sell restoration services to their customers. They're not on our payroll, but we still have a responsibility to help them succeed because they're our most effective brand ambassadors. So for us, resourcing looks like investing in training and support.
Signups begin for Fluvanna leadership development program
Contributed by Mike Feazel Registration for the 24th class of the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program begins July 1, and the class typically fills quickly. The program is open to any county resident interested in learning more about how Fluvanna County works and how to more effectively get things done here. In-person classes are held every other Thursday from Aug.
The Simplest Way to Turn One-Time Buyers Into Repeat Customers — and It Won’t Cost You a Dime
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You can’t take it for granted that one-time customers will come back, but there are certain things you can do to make it more likely. No, I’m not talking about loyalty programs or giveaways. There’s an easier method, and it won’t cost you anything. I’m talking about becoming more transparent. Some brands treat honesty like a vulnerability.
The Hidden Cost of Chasing Quick Profits (and How to Avoid It)
Andriy Onufriyenko | Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Key Takeaways Not every tactic that pays the bills now is a safe long-term strategy. It's not about making more sales at all costs — it's about selling more to the people who need you. Smart marketing improves ROI now — but trust and goodwill pay long-term dividends. I write a lot about building trust with your customers.
The Hidden Cost of Chasing Quick Profits (and How to Avoid It)
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I write a lot about building trust with your customers. That means providing reliable products and services that they’ll keep using and recommend to others. Roof Maxx, the company I founded with my brother Todd, has become highly regarded among North American homeowners as a solution for restoring the flexibility and extending the lifespan of asphalt shingle rooftops. But building that kind of acclaim didn’t happen overnight.
Why the Best Startup Ideas Often Start with a ‘No’
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. A lot of would-be entrepreneurs limit themselves by waiting for permission. They want investors or industry authorities to give them an undeniable green flag to proceed because they’re worried about risk. It’s understandable for startups to proceed with caution, and it’s admirable for founders to choose responsibility over recklessness.
Cómo 15 años de casi fracasar me ayudaron a encontrar el camino hacia el éxito
Podrías suponer que las grandes ideas de negocio tienen éxito de inmediato pero, eso no es cierto. La gente no reconoce mágicamente el valor de un producto o servicio: tienes que presentarlo de manera correcta y en el momento adecuado. Para complicar más las cosas, no siempre vas a saber cuándo es ese momento o qué enfoque será el más efectivo cuando llegue.
What Scalable Service Businesses Get Right Early in Operations
My brother Todd and I spent 25 years running a roofing contracting business before we sold it in 2012 and built Roof Maxx. We also nearly lost it twice, both times for the same reason: the business outgrew the way we ran it, and our operations just didn’t have what it took to keep up yet. What I realized over the years is that our experience was far from unique.
Moss book details a life spanning Fluvanna, Washington, and the world
By Mike Feazel Marvin Moss has been well known as one of Fluvanna County’s most active and generous residents for the last 30 years.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Most founders obsess over growth — and they're sacrificing the 1 thing that makes it sustainable
Mike Feazel Key Takeaways Chasing growth at all costs leads to betraying customers. Some of the most well-known companies siphon value from their customers while gradually letting their original product degrade. Loyalty comes from offering long-term solutions. We stop being valuable the moment what we sell stops working as advertised. Sustainable growth requires you to maintain the quality of your product, but it also requires you to maintain goodwill with your existing customers.
Controversial Lake Intersection Work Likely Delayed
By Mike Feazel, Lake Monticello News Work on the intersection of Lake Monticello Road and South Boston Road probably won’t start this year, but widening Route. 15 near the new Amazon facility probably will, said Cole Mastin, superintendent of the Fluvanna district for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Speaking at the Silver and Gold group meeting on Wednesday at the Ashlawn Clubhouse, Mastin said work on the intersection was to have begun in December 2026, “but I think that has changed.
The Secret to Scaling a Physical Service Business Without Burning Out
How physical service businesses can overcome logistical constraints and scale sustainably with smarter systems. Key Takeaways Scaling a SaaS company might seem a lot easier than scaling a physical service business. Once you have a software platform, you can essentially sell it to as many customers as you have.
The Secret to Scaling a Physical Service Business Without Burning Out
vitranc | Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Key Takeaways Tangible goods or services require consistency and structure. Dramatic expansion demands scalable systems. Leverage beats hustle every time. Scaling a SaaS company might seem a lot easier than scaling a physical service business. Once you have a software platform, you can essentially sell it to as many customers as you have.
5 principios para construir un negocio que prospere incluso en incertidumbre económica
Con Roof Maxx, ofrecimos a los propietarios de viviendas una forma de mantener sus tejas asfálticas actuales en buen estado en lugar de pagar por un reemplazo completo del techo. No solo se ahorraban en promedio 3.8 toneladas de residuos de vertedero por hogar, sino que también costaba hasta un 80% menos. El hecho de que fuéramos ecológicos no era un plus; era una parte clave del valor que ofrecíamos en un momento en que cada teja (y cada dólar) contaba.
AI Is Driving Customer Acquisition Costs Through the Roof. Here’s How to Get Around It.
Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Key Takeaways AI is driving up customer acquisition costs by intercepting search traffic through AI Overviews, meaning fewer people reach your website even after seeing your ads. To fight back, always include links and QR codes in ads, optimize for AI citations alongside traditional SEO, and explore OTT/streaming ad formats.
AI Is Driving Customer Acquisition Costs Through the Roof. Here's How to Get Around It.
AI has unexpectedly increased the cost of acquiring new leads. Here's how we've shifted our strategy to protect ourselves. Key Takeaways You're not imagining things. Lead acquisition costs more than it used to. And AI is both part of the problem and part of the solution. Yes, it can make targeting more efficient so that your ads and content are getting in front of the right potential customers. But it's also changing the way people engage with brands online.
The Right Way to Build an Online Community Around Your Brand
Public online communities are risky for your brand. Here's an alternative that gives you the benefits of online communication while avoiding some of its biggest pitfalls. Key Takeaways The internet can be a wonderful tool, but it can also be a scary place. That's at least as true for business owners as it is for individual users.
The Right Way to Build an Online Community Around Your Brand
We Are | Getty Images Entrepreneur Media LLC and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some products and services through the links below. Businesses need control over their online spaces. Public or unmoderated online communities carry legal, ethical and reputational risks. We created our own internal platform that allows us to enjoy the benefits of online communities while avoiding the risks. Your company culture should extend to your online communities.
When Customers Cut Back on Spending, You Have to Reframe Your Value. Here's How.
If you want customers to choose you when money is tight, you need to make your value obvious. Key Takeaways There's a simple rule for B2C companies that I see lots of founders forget: Anything that affects your customers also affects you. When they stop spending, you stop earning. With more Americans concerned about the cost of living than at any time since the 2008 financial crisis, that means businesses need to work overtime to ensure their value is still obvious to the people they serve.
Why ‘Boring' Businesses Can Be the Smartest Investments
You don't need a flashy idea to build a successful business. The most practical ones are often the most profitable. Key Takeaways I love roofing, but home services isn't everyone's idea of an exciting niche. In fact, most people tend to think of my sector as a fairly slow-moving sector. That's part of why Roof Maxx has been so successful.
Why 'boring' businesses can be the smartest investments
Mike Feazel Key Takeaways A business doesn't need to be flashy or novel to be profitable. Focus on recurring revenue instead of impressing investors. The best way to generate it is with products and services that solve common problems for large audiences. Leaders should understand that specialized niches mean smaller audiences and that a fresh twist and good messaging beat reinventing the wheel. I love roofing, but home services isn't everyone's idea of an exciting niche.
ჩვენ ნდობის რეცესიაში ვართ და ამის საპასუხოდ თქვენი საიდუმლო იარაღი ბრენდის ელჩები არიან
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
We’re in a Trust Recession — and Brand Ambassadors Are Your Secret Weapon for Surviving It
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Tech is amazing at getting attention. But building trust is still a job for humans. Consider how AI has changed marketing: analytics, targeting and follow-up are exponentially faster than they used to be just a few short years ago. But while these tasks are vital parts of keeping your company’s outreach efficient, none of them change the actual decision point where a prospective customer decides to give you their business.
The Overlooked Advantage of Starting a Company Later in Life
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. How old is too old to start a business? You’ve read the title of this article, so you already know that’s a trick question. Colonel Sanders was 62 when he opened the first KFC franchise. Laura Ingalls Wilder had her first Little House novel published at 65. The more meaningful your life’s work is, the less likely it is to conform to a predictable timeline.
The Move Young Workers Are Making As AI Upends Career Paths
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I have to start this article by clarifying that I’m not against AI. In fact, I’ve written before for this site about how AI can be used to support your employees instead of becoming a threat to their jobs. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, hopefully no one will misunderstand my next point — which is that irresponsible AI use has demonstrably made the internet worse for a lot of people.
Think you can't grow without a high-profile investor? Here's how I built an 8-figure business without one.
Mike Feazel I've met lots of entrepreneurs who were dejected when their pitches to investors didn't net them a deal. And while rejection can be crushing, I want to offer some words of encouragement to anyone in a similar position: Your company isn't doomed to fail without a high-profile investor. If I built Roof Maxx into an eight-figure national brand without one, what's to stop you from doing the same?
You can't do it all forever. Here's how to know when it's time to bring in outside help.
Early-stage business growth is a wonderful thing, but it can also be misleading. It can also be addictive. Given both of those things, it's easy to see why some founders assume they can keep running their company forever without ever bringing in new talent.
How we out-innovated industry giants on a modest budget and how you can do the same
Most startups are budget-conscious by necessity in the early days, if not totally strapped for cash. That's certainly what I remember when Roof Maxx was getting off the ground. We just couldn't afford to outspend the biggest companies in our industry when it came to product or business development.So we didn't try.
How I built a nationally recognized brand in a niche market by welcoming competition, not fighting it
If you've ever owned a pet, you know they're different from animals that live in the wild. Out there, competition is fierce because every day is life or death. But at home, everyone has to play nice and get along.Running a business in a niche market is a bit like being an indoor cat.
Don't ignore skeptics here's how you can make them your biggest brand advocates
Not everyone is going to love your business right away. That's just a fact of life. But the way you engage with people who are initially skeptical can have a major impact on your eventual success.This is especially true if you're doing something relatively unprecedented, like pioneering a brand new category within an established industry. When I started Roof Maxx with my brother Todd, no one else had an eco-friendly roof restoration product for residential properties.
We Could've Franchised Our Business. Here's Why We Didn't.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Congratulations, founder. You’ve just successfully achieved product-market fit, and things are going well for the business you started. Now it’s time to expand. How are you going to do it? Opening new locations is often beyond startups because it requires resources that might not be available. Franchising often seems like an easier way to scale.
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