9 Unconventional Rules I Followed to Build a $1B Company

My last company sold for a billion dollars.

Here’s what I learned that will help you:

1. You can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with absolute ninjas.

You need a team of experts. People who are at the top of their game. 

I used to have a huge ego. I wanted to be the smartest person in the room because it made me feel superior. Only when I got over that did my life start to change for the better.

Today, I surround myself with people who are better than me in every area possible. I suggest you do the same.

2. You have to set the pace – outwork everyone.

I remember countless nights when I was the last one in the office at night and the first one there in the morning. 

Your team takes cues from you. If they see you grinding, they’ll push themselves harder.

Leadership isn’t about barking orders. It’s about setting an example that others aspire to follow

When you give people the freedom to run with their ideas, they invest more of themselves into the work. 

At Quest, we encouraged everyone to bring their best ideas forward and take ownership. The result? A culture of innovation and relentless improvement.

4. You need to intoxicate people with certainty.
   

People want to follow leaders who know where they’re going.

When I started Quest, I was certain we could revolutionize the food industry. That certainty was infectious. If you believe in your mission with unshakeable confidence, others will too.

5. People will only follow you if you’re the right person to lead.

At Quest, I had to prove myself every single day. 

Your team needs to see that you’re the person who can take them to the promised land. Earn their trust by being competent, reliable, and unwavering in your vision.

6. You have to hunger for people to challenge you and your ideas.
   

Complacency is the enemy of success. 

At Quest, we fostered a culture where challenging the status quo was encouraged. 

The best ideas often come from the harshest critiques. Embrace them. 

Seek out those who will push you to be better, who will tear your ideas apart so you can rebuild them stronger.

7. You need to push yourself to get better every day.

If you’re not growing, you’re dying. 

I make it a point to learn something new every day. To constantly push my boundaries. 

Whether it’s reading, watching informative YouTube videos, or learning from my team, I’m forever committed to relentless self-improvement.

8. Only the paranoid survive.
   

Success breeds competition. 

I never allow myself to get comfortable. I’m always looking ahead, anticipating the next challenge. This mindset keeps me sharp and ready to pivot when necessary. 

Stay hungry. Stay paranoid. Stay ahead.

9. You can get so good, your competitors can’t stop you.
   

In the end, the best defense is a good offense. 

People literally couldn’t believe we made a protein bar – without sugar – that actually tasted good. We obsessed over every detail until we had a product that was unparalleled in the market. 

If you commit to being the best, to relentlessly improving every aspect of your business, you will become undeniable.