Navigating Family Entrepreneurship: Insights from Jesse Sells on Growing Up B2B

In the latest episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Jesse Sells, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Impact Growth Capital, a company focused on creating financial returns while making a meaningful social impact, particularly in affordable housing. Jesse’s transition from military intelligence to family entrepreneurship provides a unique perspective on leadership, discipline, and balancing business growth with social responsibility. This blog post breaks down key insights from their conversation, offering practical advice for those navigating family business dynamics and looking to make a positive impact through entrepreneurship.

Transitioning from Military to Entrepreneurship

Jesse’s journey from military intelligence to family entrepreneurship was a significant mindset shift. His military background instilled discipline, strategic thinking, and accountability—skills that have seamlessly transferred to his leadership role at Impact Growth Capital. He highlights the importance of ownership and accountability within the company, with a motto that “if you want something, you own it,” which fosters a culture of responsibility. Strategic planning, a skill honed in the military, has also been invaluable in ensuring clear, actionable steps to achieve business goals. Jesse emphasizes how this mindset has helped him and his brother effectively manage the challenges of running a family business while adhering to their values.

In addition to adopting a strategic approach, Jesse stresses the importance of gaining external experience before entering a family business. His parents encouraged him and his brother to pursue careers outside the business to build broader perspectives. This advice has been crucial, as it helped Jesse develop credibility and professional networks that ultimately benefitted the family business. By experiencing different industries, Jesse was able to apply new insights and strategies that would help innovate and streamline operations at Impact Growth Capital.

One of the unique aspects of family-run businesses is navigating the emotional dynamics that come with working closely with relatives. Jesse shares that maintaining open lines of communication and transparency has been essential for preventing misunderstandings and building trust. The family’s approach to conflict resolution often involves “whiteboarding” ideas—visually laying out their thoughts to better understand each other’s perspectives and facilitate productive discussions. By establishing clear roles and responsibilities, Jesse and his brother have created an environment where family relationships remain strong, and business decisions are made efficiently.

About Jesse Sells

Jesse Sells is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Impact Growth Capital, a company that bridges the gap between financial success and social impact. Jesse’s background in military intelligence has shaped his disciplined, strategic approach to business leadership. He is passionate about mentoring future leaders and creating innovative solutions that address pressing societal issues while also achieving financial growth. Under his leadership, Impact Growth Capital has expanded its mission to focus on providing affordable housing and support services to underserved communities.

About Impact Growth Capital

Impact Growth Capital is a company focused on generating financial returns while driving social impact, particularly in the affordable housing sector. Through a combination of for-profit investments and nonprofit initiatives, Impact Growth Capital works to rehabilitate public housing units, improve living conditions, and help residents achieve financial independence. The company’s dual structure—combining a for-profit real estate fund with a nonprofit arm—enables them to support residents through services like food assistance, transportation, and emergency rental aid, creating a holistic approach to sustainable growth.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Impact Growth Capital Website

• Jesse Sells on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• Jesse’s transition from military intelligence to family entrepreneurship

• The importance of strategic planning and accountability in business leadership

• How external experience builds credibility and contributes to business success

• Family business communication and conflict resolution strategies

• The dual approach of financial growth and social impact in affordable housing

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