Game Theory, Growth, and Getting Unstuck: How EOS Transforms Stagnant Businesses With Jeff Starin

Jeff Starin is a Professional EOS Implementer and executive coach who helps entrepreneurial leaders build stronger, scalable businesses. A lifelong entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience spanning manufacturing, coaching, and game theory, he has founded and scaled three companies, achieved two exits, and grown a manufacturing business to eight figures while leading hundreds of employees. Jeff is also a former professional pool and poker player, a nationally recognized yoga teacher, and an active contributor to industry boards and advocacy groups.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[5:55] Jeff Starin highlights how game theory shapes his approach to business coaching
[7:32] Why many entrepreneurs feel trapped by traditional schooling
[13:47] How EOS helped Jeff double business sales and boost profit by 480%
[17:31] The key to selling yourself authentically in professional services
[23:05] How Jeff’s coaching created breakthrough honesty on leadership teams
[26:07] Why structure sets entrepreneurs free from daily chaos
[31:25] Secrets to resolving people problems using clear core values
[38:05] Recognize the signs that you need a coach
[43:47] Why Jeff dedicates his career to coaching entrepreneurs and helping them gain freedom

In this episode…

Many entrepreneurs hit a point where their business stalls despite hard work, long hours, and strong intentions. Growth flattens, teams feel misaligned, and the founder becomes buried in day-to-day tasks that drain energy rather than create momentum. How do leaders break through this ceiling and transform both the business and their quality of life?

Jeff Starin brings significant expertise in helping entrepreneurs improve structure, gain clarity, and take accountability to unlock notable growth. The practical steps Jeff shares include adopting a proven operating framework, delegating responsibilities that weigh leaders down, and shifting from tactical problem-solving to coaching and leading. He also highlights the value of understanding personal tendencies, using game theory to make better decisions, and embracing community support to find alignment and traction.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Jeff Starin, Professional EOS Implementer and executive coach, about the power of systemizing a business for long-term success. Jeff discusses overcoming stagnation, finding the right role as a leader, and building teams that execute with consistency. He also explores personal growth, lessons from entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that create freedom.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“I loved the game. I love game theory. I love the theoretics behind those things.”
“We were stuck. We had hit the ceiling so hard I didn’t know what to do.”
“I ended up hiring an EOS coach to help, to help implement the system, and it just, it changed everything.”
“Our sales more than doubled. Profit was up over 480%.”
“I became coach, teacher, mentor to my people… that’s what I love to do”

Action Steps:

Adopt a clear operating framework like EOS: A structured system aligns your team around shared goals and reduces organizational chaos.
Delegate tasks that slow you down: Letting go of day-to-day responsibilities frees you to focus on strategy and long-term growth.
Use data-driven thinking and game theory: Making decisions based on patterns rather than emotions leads to more consistent and predictable outcomes.
Develop leaders through coaching and mentorship: Strengthening your team’s capabilities creates a business that can scale without relying solely on you.
Join communities of like-minded entrepreneurs: Surrounding yourself with peers provides accountability, perspective, and support that accelerates personal and business growth.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is sponsored by Avalan, a wealth management firm dedicated to personalized financial, business, and investment planning.

We work with select high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and trusts, providing guidance tailored to their unique needs.

From supercar entrepreneurs to music industry entrepreneurs, our team employs proven investment strategies to help them preserve wealth, protect assets, and plan charitable giving.

With an unwavering focus on world-class service, our relationships are built to last generations, helping clients achieve lifelong goals through a thoughtful, consultative approach.

To learn how Avalan can empower you to reach your goals, visit https://www.avalanwealth.com/contact/.