In today’s episode, Sean O’Hara sits down with Chris Adams, founder and CEO of Adams Engineering Solutions and Adams Business Coaching. Chris shares his journey from being a computer technician in the U.S. Air Force to launching his own successful IT services firm that supports federal agencies and private sector clients. He discusses the challenges he faced in building his business, the importance of mentorship, and the strategic decisions that led to his success, including the significance of having an exit strategy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having a mentor can significantly impact an entrepreneur’s journey. A mentor can provide guidance, inspiration, and valuable insights, but it’s crucial to ensure that the mentor is actively engaged and aligned with the mentee’s goals.

• Building relationships and partnerships with established companies is essential for new businesses looking to enter the government contracting space. Utilising certifications, such as being a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, can open doors to set-aside contracts.

• Effective time management is critical for entrepreneurs. Utilising a calendar to block out time for specific tasks, including personal and family time, helps maintain a balance between work and life, ensuring that business owners do not neglect their personal lives.

• Entrepreneurs should consider their exit strategy early in their business journey. Whether planning to sell the business or pass it on to family or employees, having a clear exit strategy can help maximise the business’s value and ensure a smooth transition.

• Conducting a thorough analysis of a business’s finances, operations, and customer relationships can reveal hidden revenue losses and inefficiencies. This analysis serves as a foundation for developing tailored strategies to improve business performance and profitability.

BEST MOMENTS

“The first five years are the most important years when you’re starting a business.”

“It sounds like you had a mentor who, looking back, was great because he gave you the inspiration to take those first steps.”

“You don’t fail until you quit. You might have some setbacks, but you didn’t fail until you quit.”

“A lot of times when you’re a business starting out, the government wants you to have past performance.”

“You have to have a dream board and say, ‘Hey, if you want a summer home, that’s what I’m working for.'”

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/