What does it take to scale a $100M company into a $365M powerhouse and beyond?
In this episode, Cameron Herold sits down with longtime friend Erik Church, President & COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and the O2E Brands portfolio. Together, they reflect on 30 years of leadership lessons, from fraternity houses and College Pro Painters to running one of the most recognized franchise brands in North America.
Erik reveals how he uses the Painted Picture (now Vivid Vision) process to align his teams, why saying “no” is often the most important leadership move, and how 101 Life Goals have become a cultural cornerstone at O2E. He also shares the realities of working with a high-profile visionary founder, balancing bold, sometimes “crazy” ideas with operational discipline.
If you’re a second-in-command navigating rapid growth, culture challenges, or a visionary CEO, this episode delivers actionable insights from one of the most seasoned COOs in the franchise world.
About the Guest
Erik Church is the President & COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and the O2E Brands family (WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, Shack Shine). Since joining in 2011, he has helped scale the company from $100M to over $365M in revenue, focusing on culture, operational excellence, and leadership development. Previously, he served as President of EF Education Canada and held senior leadership roles across EF’s global businesses. Erik is also an avid outdoorsman, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast.
Resources & Mentions
- Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman
- The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly
- The Wizard of Ads: Turning Words into Magic and Dreamers into Millionaires by Roy H. Williams
Important Links
- Website
- COO Alliance
- Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
- Invest In Your Leaders Online Course
The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
