The Field Note
Early Monday morning, half asleep, half awake, my mind drifting through everything that still needs to be done. Not the big stuff. Not the exciting stuff. The little things.
The slightly broken process.
The email that hasn't got updated.
The task everyone avoids because it’s annoying, not hard.
And an old Scripture crossed my mind, something about “the little foxes” (Song of Solomon mentions “the little foxes, that spoil the vines”).
The foxes weren’t destroying the vineyard by force. They were quietly (maybe gently?) damaging it bit by bit before the fruit ever had time to mature.
In business, it’s rarely the big decisions that quietly wreck momentum. It’s the small, irritating issues we keep stepping around instead of fixing things that wouldn’t take much time, monee, or effort… but slowly spoil the whole operation.
A few “little foxes”:
A follow-up process that’s inconsistent or unclear
Old web pages, links, or materials that confuse prospects
Small communication gaps between team members
Repeated minor frustrations you’ve learned to tolerate
Tasks you know need fixed but keep postponing
None of these feel like MUST-DO. But together? They drain energy, trust, and proflt.
Growth isn’t always about adding more; it’s often about fixing what’s already there.
A simple challenge I’m giving myself (and you):
Identify one small thing you’ve been tolerating too long
Fix it this week even if it feels minor
Notice how much lighter things feel afterward
This is still a work in progress for me. But I’m convinced that taking care of the “little foxes” is one of the most underrated ways to build a healthier, more profitable business.
Let’s talk shortly!
– Owen
P.S. Like it, love it, or hate it? Bop that reply thingy and give me your opinion!
The Business Lever
Did you know AI is only as smart as what you feed it? GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) still applies! To get useful results every time, use the following 4-step prompt structure, and AI starts acting like a helpful team member:
What role to assume (“Act as a commercial roofing sales manager”)
Give context (your market, customer, goal, and constraints)
Define outcome (what you want created, improved, or decided)
Offer help (“What else do you need to know?”)
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The Next Room
Conklin National Convention… happening January 29-31, 2026, with early-bird registration ending December 21st. Register now or contact Owen for more info! Featured speakers include Brian Biro and others (Elias Raber?!), with entertainment from Home Free and others.
From the Network
PODCAST EPISODE #051
THIS WEEK: Facebook Leads, Hunting Trips, and the Hidden Drains Killing Your Growth w/Elias Raber, Owen Shrock & Mervin Mullet
Owen, Elias, and first-time co-host Mervin dive into a different kind of year-end planning
From overpriced marketing traps to the hidden cost of small subcontracting jobs
They also get personal, sharing how social media, hobbies, and even “good things” can stunt growth when…
