Pivot or Perish? How to Adapt and Thrive in a Changing Market
If you've been in business long enough, you've probably had that moment—the one where you realize the way you're working isn’t sustainable. Maybe you’re stretched too thin, maybe the market’s shifting beneath your feet, or maybe you’re just tired of feeling like an employee in your own company.
I’ve been there. More than once.
Here’s what I know for sure: Your business should work for you—not the other way around.
The Perfect Storm
It was 2008. The financial crisis was in full swing, and I was running a full-scale retail meat market. Long hours, constant fires to put out, and no real way to step back without everything falling apart. Meanwhile, my wife’s career was taking off, and my kids were growing up fast.
I was stuck. I wanted to be there for my family, but I had built a business that couldn’t function without me. Sound familiar?
So, I did what I had to do—I pivoted.
First Pivot: From Retail to Catering
Shutting down wasn’t an option. I had loans, debts, and responsibilities. But I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was. So, I took what I already knew—meat, food, and service—and shifted the business into full-time catering.
It wasn’t easy, but it was manageable. Suddenly, I wasn’t waiting for customers to walk through the door—I was bringing the business to them. It gave me more control, more stability, and most importantly, more freedom.
Second Act: Specializing in Contract Catering
One pivot wasn’t enough. I kept refining, narrowing my focus to contract catering. Instead of chasing individual event bookings, I secured long-term contracts that brought predictable revenue and a schedule I could plan around.
This was the real game-changer. For the first time, I had a business that didn’t require me to be there 24/7. I could finally step back—coach my kids’ teams, be home for dinner, support my wife’s career. The business was working for me, not the other way around.
Final Play: Selling at the Right Time
By 2019, I had built a business that could run without me. And that meant one very important thing—it was sellable.
I made the decision to exit, selling my business while it was in peak condition. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made. COVID hit shortly after, and the catering industry was flipped on its head.
Had I waited, my business might have suffered. But because I had built something sustainable, I was able to exit on my own terms.
Lessons from Entrepreneurs on the TrustBuilt Podcast
I’ve had the chance to talk with some incredible entrepreneurs on the TrustBuilt Podcast, and one thing is clear: the most successful business owners aren’t afraid to pivot.
From shifting business models to adapting to industry trends, every entrepreneur I’ve spoken with has faced moments where they had to evolve or get left behind. And the ones who made it? They embraced change head-on.
If you want to hear their full stories, check out the episodes on my YouTube channel.
Your Business Shouldn’t Control Your Life
So, what’s the takeaway?
If you feel stuck, it’s time to reassess.
If your business can’t run without you, it’s time to create systems.
If you’re constantly reacting instead of planning, it’s time to pivot.
Building a business that runs without you isn’t just about working less—it’s about creating real value. A business that can function without you is a business that can grow, a business that can sell, and a business that truly serves your life goals.
If you’re nodding your head right now, thinking, “That’s exactly what I need,” let’s talk.
Because here’s the truth: You don’t have to do this alone. And you sure as hell don’t have to settle for a business that owns you.
