Building Businesses, Health, and Mindset: Lessons from Kevin Halliday

Embracing Entrepreneurial Excellence: Insights from Kevin Halliday

Today we are fortunate to sit down with Kevin Halliday, a dynamic serial entrepreneur from Calgary whose career spans industries as diverse as construction, hospitality, and podcasting. Known for his company Spindles, Stairs, and Railings and his popular podcast Shed Talk with Kevin Halliday, Kevin shared profound insights into entrepreneurship, networking, and personal growth.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

Kevin’s journey began with a leap of faith. Starting Spindles, Stairs, and Railings as a one-person operation, Kevin had no prior experience in carpentry or construction. Instead, he focused on assembling a team of highly skilled professionals. His dedication to hiring the best people and leveraging their talents propelled his business to success. Today, the company boasts hundreds of employees and stands as a testament to his vision and leadership.

A key takeaway? Entrepreneurs don’t have to be experts in every aspect of their business. Instead, Kevin advises focusing on your unique strengths and hiring people who excel in areas where you don’t. “Your role is to be the visionary and orchestrator,” he emphasizes. This mindset enabled him to not only grow Spindles, Stairs, and Railings but also to expand into industries such as fitness, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many businesses struggled, Kevin found opportunities to innovate and create wealth. “When everyone is facing the same challenges,” he explains, “you can stand out by asking better questions and finding unique solutions.”

His foray into fitness exemplifies this approach. Inspired by the popularity of obstacle races like Tough Mudder and American Ninja Warrior, Kevin launched CorFit, a Canadian obstacle race fitness company. He not only manufactured the obstacles but also established training facilities for enthusiasts. His pitch for CorFit on Dragon’s Den (Canada’s equivalent of Shark Tank) remains one of the show’s most memorable in the fitness industry.

The Power of Health, Mindset, and Focus

Kevin’s personal transformation is as inspiring as his professional accomplishments. Once 240 pounds and struggling with health issues like sleep apnea and gout, Kevin decided to prioritize his health. Today, at 56 years old, he competes in bodybuilding competitions and adheres to a disciplined routine that includes daily gym sessions.

“You don’t know you’re in jail until you break out,” Kevin says. His improved health not only enhanced his quality of life but also sharpened his focus and energy, allowing him to achieve more in business. Kevin advises entrepreneurs to schedule fitness into their workday, treating it as an essential meeting with themselves. “Your health is your foundation,” he asserts. “Without it, you have nothing.”

Networking: Building Authentic Connections

For Kevin, networking is about strategic intention and authenticity. He recommends becoming “the most interesting person in the room” by showing genuine curiosity and offering value. One of his practical tips involves arriving early to events to connect with organizers, bartenders, and staff key gatekeepers who can facilitate introductions and conversations.

Kevin also underscores the importance of brevity in networking. “Engage in meaningful conversations, but don’t overstay your welcome,” he advises. “Be memorable but not part of the story.” Following up with new contacts promptly and professionally is another cornerstone of effective networking.

Action: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success

“The greatest pitfall in entrepreneurship is not doing it,” Kevin states emphatically. Fear, self-doubt, and overthinking often prevent people from taking action on their ideas. Kevin’s mantra is simple: “Say it, become it, do it.” He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and continually refine their approach.

One of Kevin’s favorite exercises for personal growth is reflecting on small decisions made years ago that had a significant impact. “What small action can you take today that your future self will thank you for?” he asks. For Kevin, this included buying the domain name for his personal brand decades ago, a move that has since amplified his visibility and credibility.

Embracing Curiosity and Continuous Growth

Kevin views curiosity as the driving force behind creativity and success. He advocates for asking better questions, exploring new ideas, and leveraging tools like AI to uncover untapped opportunities. “Curiosity keeps you moving forward,” he says. “It’s what allows you to grow wealth, improve your mindset, and achieve greatness.”

Final Thoughts

Kevin Halliday’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and self-discovery. From building a multi-million-dollar business without prior experience to transforming his health and inspiring others through his podcast, Kevin exemplifies what it means to live with intention and purpose.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, Kevin offers this final piece of advice: “Be true to yourself, prioritize your health, and surround yourself with people who elevate you. Success is a process trust it, and you’ll go further than you ever imagined.”

To learn more about Kevin Halliday and his ventures, visit Kevin Halliday’s website or listen to his podcast Shed Talk with Kevin Halliday.

#EntrepreneurshipJourney #NetworkingTips #HealthAndMindset #BusinessSuccess

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