Josh Patrick is the Founding Principal at The Patrick Group, Inc. (DBA Stage 2 Planning Partners), a registered investment adviser. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and a Financial Transitionist®. Josh’s passion in life is helping private business owners create extraordinary value with their businesses and lives.
Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?
Grew up in Glens Falls, NY. My father was in his own business and I started going to work with him when I was 7 years old.
What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?
That personal responsibility is the key to a successful life.
What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
Businesses are sold on multiple sales, the purpose of a business is to make a profit (it’s not, it’s a result.) You can retire on the proceeds of the sale of your business. Just think about it and it’ll appear.
Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?
We had a salmonella breakout in our company. I learned that having scenario plans in place will save your company from the worst that could happen.
What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?
Discipline to keep going when things get tough and or boring.
What is your morning routine?
I don’t really have one except for wake up at about 6 AM and go out with the dogs.
What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?
Willing to let go of things that are not working well. Fail fast/fail cheap.
What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?
Doing the most important thing first thing in the day and have no more than three important things to do on any day.
What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?
Too many to name. Critical Path by Buckminster Fuller, The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, Educated by Tara Westover, Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and more – They all helped me think about a particular topic in a different way and expanded my knowledge of the world.
Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?
You don’t learn less – Buckminster Fuller, Wherever you are, there you are – Buckaroo Bonzai
