In this special CEO Spotlight Blog, we highlight the story of two long-time friends and window cleaning professionals—Shawn Gavin and Geoff—whose friendship has shaped their lives, businesses, and leadership styles. In Episode 12 of Water Fed Wednesday, they share their journey, invaluable lessons, and insights into running a successful business while staying focused on what truly matters.
A Friendship That Transformed Tucker’s Journey
Shawn credits his decades-long friendship with Geoff as a cornerstone of his personal and professional growth. Their connection goes beyond business; it’s about accountability, learning, and mutual support.
"You need people in your life who hold you accountable and want to see you grow. Geoff has been that person for me. He’s been involved in so many things over the years, and I’m grateful for the wisdom and perspective he brings to the table."
Unlocking Success with Traction and EOS
During one of their many conversations, Geoff introduced Shawn to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a business framework outlined in Gino Wickman’s book Traction. Initially skeptical, Shawn eventually embraced it and saw immediate results.
"I remember Geoff mentioning EOS casually, and I brushed it off. A year later, I came back with the same struggles, and he called me out on it. Once I implemented EOS, it changed everything. It brought accountability and structure to my business, and today, our weekly leadership meetings run like clockwork."
Geoff adds, “The beauty of EOS is its focus on actionable implementation. It’s not enough to read about growth—you have to take the steps and follow through to gain traction.”
Focus on What You Can Control
One of the key lessons both Shawn and Geoff emphasize is staying focused on what you can control. In a competitive industry, it’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing—but success comes from staying laser-focused on your goals.
"You can’t control the competition, the weather, or someone underbidding a job. What you can control is how well you serve your customers, how efficient your team is, and the quality of your work. Worrying about things outside your control only adds unnecessary stress."
This mindset shift has been crucial for both leaders, allowing them to prioritize growth, team development, and customer satisfaction.
Lessons on Collaboration and Team Success
At the heart of their leadership philosophy is the belief in teamwork and collective problem-solving. Geoff highlights a mantra that guides their approach:
"It’s not ‘I’ or ‘you,’ it’s ‘we.’ Tackling challenges collectively and ensuring buy-in from the team leads to better solutions and stronger results. Vulnerability and open communication are key—you have to create an environment where people feel comfortable contributing their best."
Mastering Goal Setting for Success
Shawn and Geoff stress the importance of setting clear, measurable goals to drive success. Breaking goals down into weekly, monthly, and quarterly steps creates accountability and makes even ambitious targets achievable.
"A goal without a plan is just a wish. Write it down, make it specific, and track your progress. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish when you set intentional, measurable goals."
Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy Together
Through years of friendship, Shawn and Geoff have learned that success in business—and life—is built on relationships, accountability, and focus. Whether it’s implementing systems like EOS, staying disciplined with goals, or focusing on what you can control, their story is a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance.
"This journey has been about more than business—it’s been about growth, trust, and building something meaningful. I’m grateful for the friendships and lessons that have come along the way."
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights in our CEO Spotlight Blog or watch the full interview at https://www.youtube.com/live/nsVnfn_5voE?si=ooE1F644ytcMIsy1.