25.3 Leadership, Growth, and the Power of Investing in People – Podcast Episode with Shawn Torres

In the latest episode of The Justin Burgess Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shawn Torres , CEO of In-Telecom . Shawn’s journey from starting a business with no IT background to scaling it into a $41 million company is an inspiring testament to leadership, perseverance, and a strong company culture. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Leadership is About Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Shawn’s leadership style is hands-on—he believes in working alongside his team and stepping in when needed. His success comes from investing in his employees and creating a culture where they can grow and thrive. In the world of employee benefits, this principle holds true. Companies that actively engage with their workforce and prioritize their needs—whether through better health plans, wellness programs, or financial security—see stronger retention and a more dedicated team.

2. Scaling a Business Requires Strategy and the Right People

Building a company from scratch wasn’t easy. Shawn and his partner Jimmy had to learn IT from the ground up while focusing on delivering an exceptional client experience. Their ability to hire and retain the right talent at pivotal moments was a game-changer. Similarly, a business’s benefits strategy must evolve with growth. As companies expand, offering scalable and strategic health benefits can be the difference between attracting top talent and losing employees to competitors. Investing in the right benefits package ensures your team stays engaged and committed.

3. Growth Comes with Sacrifices

Shawn shared how hitting $10 million was one of the hardest milestones. He made personal sacrifices, paying himself just $88,000 while running an $8 million company to reinvest in the business and its people. His long-term approach paid off, allowing the company to expand significantly. Employers can take a similar approach when designing benefits plans—prioritizing meaningful long-term investments like self-funded health plans or wellness initiatives over short-term cost-cutting that could hurt employee satisfaction and retention.

4. The Power of Win-Win-Win

In-Telecom’s core value, Win-Win-Win, focuses on:

• The Client wins by receiving top-tier service.
• The Company wins by maintaining profitability and growth.
• The Community wins through their commitment to giving back, including donating $170,000 in 2023 alone.

This philosophy aligns with how I approach benefits consulting. A well-designed benefits plan ensures employees win with better coverage, the employer wins with cost savings and improved retention, and the community wins when healthier, financially secure employees contribute more positively to society.

5. Culture is the Heartbeat of an Organization

Shawn acknowledged that early on, fear-driven decision-making hurt company culture. He learned that empowering employees, embracing accountability, and fostering strong relationships drive long-term success. Employee benefits play a major role in company culture. Offering robust health plans, mental health support, and financial wellness programs sends a clear message that employees are valued, fostering trust and long-term loyalty.

6. Success is Built on Discipline and Consistency

Shawn’s commitment to fitness mirrors his approach to business. Just like staying consistent in the gym, maintaining discipline in sales and leadership is crucial. The best salespeople and leaders are those who continuously improve and never get complacent. Similarly, businesses that take a proactive approach to benefits—regularly reviewing and optimizing their plans—stay ahead of industry changes and ensure they continue to provide value to employees.

7. The Importance of Self-Development

For Shawn, success isn’t just about business—it’s about aligning faith, family, and fitness. Investing in personal growth, whether through business, spirituality, or health, plays a huge role in professional success. Employers who support their employees' well-being holistically, including through fitness incentives or mental health benefits, build stronger, more engaged teams.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or sales professional, this episode is packed with insights on scaling a business, leading with integrity, and investing in people. Don’t miss it!

?? Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qLeMh1jwrjI3ZcxxzZVug

Best, Justin Burgess Host, The Justin Burgess Podcast