Heavy is the Crown
- mike6357
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
The Truth About Owning a Business
So—you want to be the boss. Call the shots. Ditch the 9-to-5. Build something real that’s yours. Honestly? That’s a great dream. Independence, control, legacy—it’s the stuff entrepreneurs dream of.
But here’s the part nobody really talks about: Owning a business isn’t just about freedom. It’s a heavy responsibility. A beautiful one, yeah. But still heavy.
When you step into ownership, you’re not just chasing income or setting your own schedule. You’re taking on a whole ecosystem of lives that now depend on your decisions. Your team. Your community. Their families. The ripple effect is real—and so is the weight. Let’s talk about that.
You Are the Payroll
The moment you hire your first employee, something shifts. You’re no longer just hustling for yourself—you’re responsible for someone else’s rent, groceries, car payment, and peace of mind. That Friday direct deposit? That’s you making good on a promise. And trust me, the first time you cut checks? It hits different.
You realize real fast that payroll isn’t just math—it’s trust. It’s security. It’s stability. Which means reckless decisions, ego trips, and knee-jerk reactions? You can’t afford them. Leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about being steady. Your calm is their calm. Your plan is their lifeline.
Employees Don’t Just Want a Paycheck
This one’s big. When someone signs on to work for your company, they’re not just trading time for money. They’re betting on you. They’re saying, “I believe this place will be good for me.” That’s no small thing. So how do you keep that trust? It’s not grand gestures. It’s the little moments.
Do you support them when a client’s upset—or throw them under the bus?
Do you coach after a mistake—or criticize?
Do you resent them needing time for family—or understand?
Trust builds, or breaks, in the day-to-day. And if they trust you? They’ll go all-in. They’ll care. They’ll give you the kind of loyalty you can’t buy.
Culture Happens—Whether You Plan for It or Not
Every business has a culture. Some owners design it. Others just kinda just let it happen. But here’s the truth, your people are taking cues from you. If you’re calm in a crisis, they’ll stay grounded. If you blame others, they’ll start hiding mistakes. If you show up with integrity, they will too.
Culture isn’t about a foosball table or “grind harder” posters. It’s about how your people feel at work. Do they feel heard? Safe? Valued? That’s on you. Know your team’s names. Their kid’s name. Their goals. You do this with clients—why wouldn’t you do it with the folks who keep your business running?
In a Shaky World, You Can Be the Rock
Let’s face it—life is chaotic. People are stressed, systems feel broken, and stability is rare. You, as a small business owner, have the chance to build something better. A place with dignity. A place that feels good. Where people aren’t just clocking in—they’re belonging.
That kind of business becomes a magnet. For customers. For great employees. For loyalty. And it all starts with you showing up—consistently and human.
You’re Not Just a Business—You’re a Cornerstone
Small businesses don’t just make money—they make communities. Your presence matters, whether you see it or not. And your success? It lifts others up, too.
Giving teens their first job
Donating to local fundraisers
Sponsoring Little League teams
Smiling at people on the sidewalk
You’re the First In, Last Out
Nobody warns you how lonely this can get. The quiet nights stressing over cash flow. The panic when a big deal falls through. The pressure to keep everything standing—even when you’re falling apart inside. There’s pressure you keep inside and don’t share with your spouse to avoid causing concern.
You can delegate tasks. But you can’t delegate ownership. That weight? It’s yours. And it’s heavy. But here’s the flip side. It grows you. It gives you purpose. It molds you into someone stronger than you thought you could be.
Take Away: If you’re going to wear the crown, wear it well. This isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. A contract, not just with clients, but with every life your business touches. You’re the roof they stand under. The calm in their storm. The leader they follow, even when it’s hard.
So if you’re going to wear the crown, do it with humility. With intention. With care. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just your dream anymore—it’s a whole lot of people’s futures.
Mike Warren
President