081: How Open-Book Finance helped this Print Company Pivot – Rob Dube of ImageOne

Background on Rob Dube of Image One:

Rob Dube is co-founder of ImageOne & author of donothing: the most rewarding leadership challenge you’ll ever take. He started selling Blow Pops out of his locker in high school now his company, ImageOne, is ranked on the 2017 list of Forbes Small Giants: America’s Best Small Companies.

Throughout Rob’s 27 years of experience, he has developed an unwavering passion for delivering extraordinary experiences that positively impact the lives of his team members, the goals of their customers, and the fabric of the community. This unique approach to business has driven the company to success in its industry and acknowledgment as a top workplace. imageOne is the leading organization in Document Lifecycle Management and is well-known as an exceptional company, receiving local and national recognition for its strong focus on culture.

Rob is an avid meditator of 13 years, the author of Do Nothing – the most rewarding leadership challenge you will ever take, and founder/organizer of the DoNothing Leadership Silent Retreat. In addition to his book, he is a contributor to Forbes, Thrive Global, and EO Octane. Rob is a Member of the Small Giants Journey and past Member of the Board of Directors for the Small Giants Community, the Board of Trustees for the Boys and Girls Club, and past President of the Detroit Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Rob received the 2013 RARE Everyday Hero award for community service.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[4:23] Rob Dube knows that the printing business is in decline, so they are focusing on the software solution business.
[6:46] Rob gained his entrepreneurial mindset back in the 9th grade when he and his best friend Joel started selling Blow Pops lollipops in school. They continued their entrepreneurial ventures until college.
[9:24] Rob was never cut out to become a 9-to-5 employee. He always knew in his heart that he could do things much better if he was the one managing the business.
[14:10] Rob’s company grew because they had the right timing and more companies started buying their print devices.
[15:44] During the growth of the company, Rob implemented a system or process created by Gino Wickman called EOS or Entrepreneurial Operating System. Rob highly recommends this process for running a growing business.
[17:50] Rob and his co-owner and best friend Joel often have off-site meetings. They both understand the importance of communication to smoothen out any issues in the company.
[19:08] “Don’t fear conflict.” In order to succeed and move forward, you should not avoid conflict and uncomfortable conversations.
[21:33] Rob learned an important lesson about listening intently to what someone has to say and be truly open.
[24:38] When Rob sold the business, the situation of being acquired by another bigger company was a struggle for him and the whole experience was stressful.
[29:45] Rob gave some lessons and tips about being acquired by another bigger company. Make sure you are ready to work in a new environment and know more about the direction of the acquiring company.
[30:50] Small Giants is the title of the book that inspired Rob and Joel to create a more unique and better culture within their company.
[31:54] Rob believes in being a servant leader. He fully supports his team in any aspect of their lives, whether professional or personal life event.
[34:03] Rob integrated the Open Book Finances, which was guided by the book called the Great Game of Business, written by Jack Stack. He highly recommends this book and its teachings because it made a positive impact in his business.
[40:34] Rob started practicing meditation every day to cope and manage his stress and anxiety.
[43:21] Rob’s book Do Nothing is about practicing meditation and being comfortable about doing nothing.

Fabulous 4 Questions:

📖📚 Favorite Books? Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? A heated mattress pad.
🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? EOS – the Entrepreneurial Operating System.
💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? The only thing in our way is us. If we can sell and execute, the sky's the limit.