Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about a title on a door. It’s not about how many stores you own, how many employees you manage, or how long you’ve been in business.
Leadership is earned. And it’s built in layers.
One of the frameworks that has shaped how I think about leadership is The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. I don’t just read about it. I try to live it.
Here’s how these five levels show up in my life and business every single day.
Level 1: Position
“Take responsibility.”
This is where leadership starts. You get a title. You get authority. People follow you because they have to.
I became a General Manager early in my career. Later, I became an owner. The position came with authority. But here’s what I learned quickly: position alone doesn’t create influence.
You can own the store.
You can sit at the head of the table.
You can sign the checks.
But if people are only following you because of your title, you’re standing on thin ice.
Position gives you the opportunity to lead. It doesn’t make you a leader.
Level 2: Permission
“Build trust. Treat people right.”
This is where leadership becomes relational.
People start following you because they want to. Because they trust you. Because they feel seen and respected.
I’ve said before: The goal isn’t just to sell a product, it’s to create an experience where customers feel seen, heard, and taken care of.
That applies internally, too.
If your team doesn’t feel valued, you’ll never reach higher levels of leadership. Permission is built into conversations. In listening. In showing up consistently.
You can’t skip this level. And you can’t fake it.
Level 3: Production
“Deliver results. Do what you say you will.”
Now we are getting into performance.
Leadership without results is just good conversation.
When I talk about digital sales gaps in dealerships, it’s because results matter. Systems matter. Accountability matters. In my blog about digital engagement, I shared how dealerships are losing sales because they fail to follow up and execute properly
Production means:
- You build a plan.
- You track the data.
- You close the gap.
- You execute consistently.
At this level, people follow you because you get things done.
But here’s the trap: many leaders stop here.
They hit numbers. They grow revenue. They scale.
And they never move to the next level.
Level 4: People Development
“Help others grow.”
This is where leadership becomes legacy.
In my brand strategy, one of my core focuses is mentoring and nurturing developing leaders.
That’s intentional. I don’t want to just build businesses. I want to build leaders who can build businesses.
When I acquired the Milwaukee and West Bend stores, it wasn’t about staying busy. It was about giving my team room to step up and lead.
Level 4 asks a different question:
Not “How big can I build this?”
But “Who can I develop to build it better than me?”
If you’re not growing people, you’re capping your organization.
This Is What Level 4 Looks Like
One of the best examples of these leadership levels in action right now is what we’re seeing with our SFE West stores.
Sean Delaney has done a great job leading that team by focusing on the same principles I talked about earlier. He didn’t stop at Position, and he didn’t stop at Production. He leaned into Level 4, developing people, building trust, and creating alignment across the stores.
Because of that, the results have followed.
The stores are performing, but more importantly, the culture is strong. Long-term team members are growing, new leaders are stepping up, and the organization is more stable than it’s ever been.
That’s what happens when leadership moves beyond results and starts focusing on people.
When you build Level 4 leaders, the business doesn’t just grow — it lasts.
Level 5: Pinnacle
“Lead through character and consistency.”
This level isn’t claimed. It’s granted by others.
It’s when people follow you not because of your position, not because of results, not even because of what you’ve done for them directly.
They follow you because of who you are.
Because your character has been tested.
Because your consistency has been proven.
Because your impact has lasted.
When I talk about blending business and philanthropy, it comes from this level. It’s why we built Blessings in a Backpack of Lee County. It’s why I believe:
If you’re operating in a community, you’re not just selling to it; you need to support the people who support you.
Pinnacle leadership isn’t about ego. It’s about responsibility. The higher you go, the more intentional you have to become.
Why This Matters
If you’re a dealer operator, a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone building something meaningful, ask yourself:
- Am I stuck at Position?
- Have I earned Permission?
- Am I producing real results?
- Am I developing people?
- Am I leading in a way that will outlast me?
I’m still working on all five levels. Every day.
I’m not done. I’m still passionate.
Leadership isn’t a ladder you climb once. It’s a cycle you commit to over and over again.
And if you want to build something that lasts, don’t just chase Level 3 success.
Build Level 4 leaders.
That’s where real impact begins.