In this episode, join Michael in a conversation with Mark Cooper, the visionary Founder of Cooper Automotive. Mark, with a stellar over $10 million revenue and a proven track record of 10 successful stores, offers invaluable insights into data-driven growth strategies in the auto industry. Uncover the secrets behind his remarkable achievements and gain inspiration for your small business journey. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? The hardest thing in growing a small business is the realization that it becomes a lifestyle, not just a job. The constant 24/7 commitment means you're always immersed in it, even when you're not physically there. Additionally, securing the necessary cash flow to fuel business growth presents a significant challenge, especially in the initial stages. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Mark's top two favorite business books are "Losing My Virginity" by Richard Branson and "The E Myth" by Michael E. Gerber. "Losing My Virginity" was incredibly inspiring and motivated me on my entrepreneurial journey, while "The E Myth" helped me understand the fundamentals of business, especially as someone who ventured into entrepreneurship without prior experience. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? I highly recommend the "Take the Lead" podcast and the "Business Buying Strategy" podcast by Jonathan Jay. Both provide valuable insights and strategies for business growth and development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Utilizing a dashboard of key metrics is essential for monitoring business performance. Whether it's through Power BI or any other program, it's crucial to identify and monitor the key drivers of your business consistently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Looking back, I would advise myself to invest time in learning about business fundamentals before diving into entrepreneurship. Understanding basic concepts like reconciling bank accounts can save a lot of hassle in the long run. So, my advice would be to read up on business or take some courses before starting a business venture. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Make decisions based on data and facts, not just gut feelings – Mark Cooper Health comes first; without energy and focus, business suffers – Mark Cooper Invest in personal development; it's a key to success in business – Mark Cooper