Success in business isn’t about doing more. It is about doing what matters and knowing when to get out of your own way.
That was one of the biggest takeaways from a candid and insightful conversation between CMDS CEO Chris Mulvaney and entrepreneur-turned-coach Dan Sachkowsky on a recent episode of The Arrow Podcast. Dan unpacked how business coaching doesn’t start with spreadsheets or software. It starts with the owner of the business, because nine times out of ten, that’s where the blockage begins.
In this blog, we break down the real truths behind Dan’s philosophy, what makes his coaching style effective, and why CMDS believes that true brand growth begins with internal transformation.
Purpose Before Profit: A New Way to Grow
Dan’s path starts with determination. At 24, he had a successful construction company with over $600,000 in yearly revenue. Then came the 2007 economic recession. Like many business owners at the time, he lost everything. Instead of folding, Dan redefined his mission.
“I realized I was chasing money, not purpose. When purpose became a priority, the money followed.”
This mindset shift was the foundation of his coaching business and one of the continuities throughout the podcast: when you get your “why” in alignment, your business isn’t a job anymore. It’s a mission.
The Real Bottleneck? You.
Many entrepreneurs think they need more leads, better marketing, or new tools to scale. But according to Dan, most founders hit a growth ceiling because they’re trying to do it all. It’s a hard truth, but it’s a predictable trend. Entrepreneurs become stuck on doing every part of their business—estimates to invoices—rather than outsourcing tasks to build true scale.
Business coaching reconditions that mindset. Dan’s approach starts with seeing these patterns and eliminating control issues so business leaders can focus on strategic growth.
Fail Often, Grow Faster
Dan’s upcoming book, Failing Your Way Uphill, chronicles 14 personal and professional failures that propelled him forward. His message is clear: failure isn’t the end—it’s the process.
“If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. You’ve got to suck before you’re great.”
This type of coaching moves individuals to go deep into the mindset of leadership, helping clients see setbacks as setups for bigger wins.
Coaching Beyond the Call
Unlike most other programs, Dan’s business growth coaching program is centered on access. Clients get:
- A half-day in-person intensive
- Monthly strategy calls
- Unlimited voice message support
This structure gives entrepreneurs live help as they work through day-to-day challenges. Because growth doesn’t happen in one-hour Zoom calls. It happens in between, when life becomes crazy and fast decisions need to be made.
“Coaching is about access, real talk, and accountability. Life comes at you hard. You need somebody in your corner.”
Proximity is Power
One of the underappreciated benefits of top-tier coaching? Proximity. Dan emphasized the value of being in the appropriate rooms with the appropriate people.
“If your coach has connections, you’re not paying for advice—you’re paying for access.”
Business coaching stresses the importance of building your network, gaining access to decision-makers, and building relationships that lead to opportunity.
This is especially true for B2B companies trying to penetrate bigger deals or emerging markets. The right champion can open doors no cold call ever will.
Mindset Over Metrics
Dan and Chris spoke also of morning rituals, self-improvement, and the importance of how being successful is a full-body experience. From journaling to spirituality, mindset needs to be cultivated to find balance.
“Most people allow the world to dictate their thinking. But growth begins when you reclaim your time, your mind, and your habits.”
Coaching generates these habits by holding business owners accountable to themselves. When personal growth is top priority, business results follow.
Who Business Coaching is For
Dan coaches owners of service-based companies, ones generating around $1M in revenue and having plateaued. His dream clients are:
- Taking on too many hats
- Having trouble scaling past a plateau
- Ready to face uncomfortable realities
- Can and will delegate and lead from the top
Regardless of industry, Dan’s coaching helps you get yourself out of the bottleneck and build systems that support long-term growth.
ROI-Producing Coaching
Many executives are hesitant to invest in coaching because they can’t quantify the return. As Dan is so quick to tell you:
“Spend $15,000 on yourself, and you can make $75,000 more. Spend $50K and unlock half a million. That’s the value of guidance.”
CMDS believes in this model, too. Business development happens from the inside out. If you’re investing in marketing but not investing in mindset, you are solving half of the problem.
The Cost of Staying Stuck
There is no shortcut to business success. Yet there is a certain place to start: being truthful with oneself about what’s holding you stuck.
Dan Sachkowsky’s coaching helps founders cut through distractions, shatter self-imposed limits, and begin anew on a foundation of clarity, systems, and purpose. True brand growth happens where leadership development meets marketing innovation.
If you’d like to connect with Dan, follow him on Instagram @_big_dan_official or check out dansachkowsky.com for coaching information and complimentary resources.
Take Your B2B Marketing Strategy to the Next Level
At CMDS, we believe in data-driven marketing strategies that prioritize long-term success. Whether you’re struggling with client acquisition, social media strategy, or brand building, our team is here to help.
Ready to elevate your marketing strategy? Visit cmdsonline.com to learn more!
Listen to The Arrow Podcast for more insights and life lessons that can challenge you to drive innovation and growth in your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can business coaching help my company scale?
Business coaching is a strategic partnership that helps business owners overcome operational bottlenecks, improve leadership, and build systems for sustainable scaling. It’s especially effective for B2B companies struggling to grow beyond $1M in annual revenue.
How do I know if I’m bottlenecking in my own business growth?
If you’re managing most day-to-day operations, struggling to delegate, or constantly working without measurable progress, you’re likely the bottleneck. A business coach helps identify these patterns and redirect your focus toward high-impact leadership activities.
What should I look for in a B2B business coach?
Look for a coach with real-world entrepreneurial experience, proven results in service-based industries, and a structure that includes access, accountability, and strategic planning. Proximity to valuable networks is also a major bonus.
How is business growth coaching different from traditional consulting?
Unlike consulting, which often delivers one-time recommendations, business coaching is ongoing and focuses on personal development, mindset, and leadership execution. It helps business owners build internal capabilities, not just external solutions.