Entrepreneurs barge into the world of business-to-business software with all the expectations society expects of them.
Twelve-hour workdays. Immediate and boundless growth. Bowing to the altar of buzzwords like “hustle” and “grind.”
Jason Pearl wants them to know there’s a better way. The son of two solo-preneurs moved back to his hometown in 2010 as he cycled through roles in the financial industry, including Wells Fargo, HSBC and Complete Payroll, until deciding in 2017 to start Nacre Consulting, his own growth and consulting firm.
Pearl now specializes in helping technology companies scale, with a roster of successful local clients that includes Mongoose, Bariatric Fusion and LenderLogix, among other entrepreneurs.
He does that by helping them heed his own lessons in life and business.
“Everyone wants to hustle hard and chase growth and money,” Pearl said. “I say, ‘Let’s slow down a minute. What are we chasing? What is the problem we’re solving? How can we make sure we get the most of ourselves and our people to help our clients?”
Taking a moment to sort out these questions is key to sustainable growth, Pearl says. In the meantime, the top of the organization needs to have personal balance before it can create a positive business experience.
“My message as a leader is that, if you can make sure you are balanced, you have other places where you can go to fill your cup,” Pearl said. “You can’t pour out on a daily basis if you are empty. Everyone needs to be recharged and refilled.”
Mongoose has gone from three employees to more than 50 in six years. Bariatric Fusion is growing at an average rate of 50% to 60% a year. LenderLogix is growing rapidly from its new headquarters in Larkinville.
Pearl, meanwhile, is not only growing his formal consulting company under the Nacre banner but also his personal brand where he does business coaching emerging entrepreneurs. He also hosts a podcast that focuses on everyday business leaders.
Pearl’s personal story – including his faith and his family – are a big part of the narrative he wants to build for others. A few years ago, he stopped working 80 hours a week and sought to instill a better balance.
“Since the light went off, my life has been amazing,” he said. “I’m not the guy who is out there networking at every single happy hour. My job in life is to take care of my wife and children. If I can do that, then I can pour out in sprints instead of marathons.”
