Jeremy Jensen: How to Scale, Top-Grade Talent, and Thrive in Down Markets

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Jeremy Jensen is the founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners, a direct hire recruiting firm, and we spoke about the journey of scaling his business while maintaining balance and purpose. Jeremy openly shares the challenges he faced as an entrepreneur, from struggling to grow without sacrificing family life to navigating economic shifts that tested his leadership and strategy.

One of Jeremy's turning points came in 2017 when he implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and brought in an integrator. "I had to get out of my own way," he admits, acknowledging the impact of relinquishing control to drive growth. With EOS, his business achieved 10x growth by establishing clear mission, vision, and core values, which helped align his team and attract top talent.

We explore the mindset shifts required to thrive during economic downturns, where Jeremy emphasizes the importance of hiring A players who can self-generate business. He shares, "If we capitalize on a slow and depressed economic market... that's going to allow us to steal a tremendous amount of market share." Jeremy also discusses his approach to 'top-grading' his team, seeking professionals who bring fresh ideas and can evolve the company’s culture and capabilities.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

1. Scaling with EOS: How implementing EOS and hiring an integrator transformed Jeremy’s business, allowing him to work less while increasing revenue.
2. Top-Grading Talent: Jeremy explains why entrepreneurs should constantly bring in new talent with "a fresh set of ideas, right? New processes, new skills," and not rely solely on existing employees for growth.
3. Building a Performance Culture: By fostering a sports-team mindset, Jeremy ensures his team stays competitive and avoids complacency. "If you've been on the team for five years and you're not focused on growth... some new guy is going to come in and steal your starting spot."
4. Navigating Down Markets: Jeremy's strategy for turning economic slowdowns into opportunities by hiring top talent from competitors, preparing for the next market upswing with a stronger team.
5. Leading with Authenticity: The value of vulnerability and transparency in leadership. Jeremy discloses challenges, such as financial downturns or difficult decisions, to his team, which he says builds "tremendous trust and rapport with our high performers."

Jeremy’s insights offer a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to not only grow their businesses but also foster a resilient and high-performing team. This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders aiming to scale without sacrificing their values or personal lives.