Akshat Biyani
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In this episode of Built By Me, we sit down with Caleb Wininger, an entrepreneur turned mentor for home service businesses, to discuss how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can be the key to scaling your business.
From his journey of building Lake State Cleaning into a multi-million-dollar enterprise to coaching others through the CONQUER program, Caleb shares insights into the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that allow businesses to scale sustainably.
Caleb’s story began with a realization: "I thought I knew about the business I was in, but I realized I knew about the trade, not the business."
This revelation set him on a path of learning—through books, mentors, and experience—that laid the foundation for his success. Today, Caleb helps business owners implement the same tools that turned his journey around. He stresses the importance of delegation. "Scaling up means finding talented people to manage for you so that you don’t have to be present for the wheels to move smoothly," he says.
Delegation works best when employees understand the purpose behind their tasks. Caleb believes that clarity in the "why" empowers teams and ensures they feel valued. But he also warns against micromanaging. "If you’re always managing outputs, you’re in reaction mode. That’s when you’re putting out fires all the time. Instead, manage inputs and let the team handle outputs so they feel ownership over their roles."
SOPs are a cornerstone of Caleb’s approach, but he acknowledges their potential pitfalls, like over-restriction. Compliance can become a challenge when processes feel burdensome. He advises revisiting the purpose behind every procedure:
"The key is staying focused on the vision. Know the end result you want, and if adjustments are needed, be flexible. Delegate the implementation when necessary, but never lose sight of the ‘why.’"
This conversation is a must-listen for small and mid-sized business owners who want to create systems that scale while giving them the freedom to focus on growth. Caleb’s practical advice and candid reflections offer a clear roadmap for building a business that runs smoothly without requiring you to be everywhere at once.
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