Former President of Texas State Optical, Shares How He Grew a 100 – Location Franchise to $130M, Replaced Fear with Faith, Led Through Disruption, and Built a Purpose – Driven Legacy in the Changing Eye Care Industry. (Episode 744 - John D Marvin)

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, shares his 25-year journey leading one of America’s most iconic optical brands. He talks about growing the company from 100 to 130 locations and over $130 million in annual revenue, adapting to major industry disruptions, and mentoring the next generation of optometrists. John also dives into lessons on leadership, faith over fear, and the power of listening to customers. His story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and building purpose-driven growth in a changing marketplace.

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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to John D. Marvin, the hardest thing about growing a small business is implementing change. He explains that it’s easy to keep doing what’s familiar, but real growth requires the courage to challenge old habits and adapt to new realities. Marvin points out that while individuals struggle with personal change, organizational change is even tougher—because it involves employees, resistance, and the fear of losing people. Yet, without embracing change, he says, a business risks becoming irrelevant.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   John D. Marvin’s favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. He says it has helped him the most because it lays out the 13 core principles of success, not just for making money but for living a rich and meaningful life. For Marvin, the biggest lesson from the book is that success begins with mastering your thoughts — what you focus on and believe ultimately shapes the results you achieve.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   John D. Marvin, former President and CEO of Texas State Optical, recommends continuously learning from great resources to grow a small business. He often listens to John Maxwell’s Leadership Podcast for insights on personal and team development, and explores podcasts or materials by authors whose books he’s currently reading to deepen his understanding. Marvin emphasizes the value of ongoing education through audiobooks and practical leadership content, believing that consistent learning, reflection, and application are key to adapting and thriving in business.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   John D. Marvin recommends using strong time management and scheduling tools to grow a small business. He believes that success often comes down to discipline — keeping promises, managing priorities, and staying organized. Marvin emphasizes using a reliable calendar or planner, whether digital (like Apple Calendar) or traditional (such as Franklin Covey or Day-Timer systems), to plan ahead and follow through on commitments. For him, effective scheduling isn’t just about productivity — it’s about building trust, consistency, and professionalism, which are the real foundations of sustainable business growth.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   John D. Marvin says the advice he’d give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple but powerful — just start. He admits that in his early years, he often delayed taking action because he felt he needed to study more or perfect his plan first. Over time, he realized that true learning and progress only happen through doing, not waiting. Marvin compares it to climbing mountains — you build the skills and confidence to tackle bigger challenges by starting with smaller ones. His message to new entrepreneurs: don’t wait for perfect conditions — take the first step, learn along the way, and keep climbing.

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Replace fear with faith, and you’ll start seeing opportunities where others see obstacles — John D. Marvin

The only way to learn how to climb mountains is by climbing mountains — start small, but start now — John D. Marvin

Success begins with mastering your thoughts; what you focus on is what you create — John D. Marvin

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