Residual Earners

EP 67 Why Most Businesses Fail in the First 5 Years (And How to Beat the Odds)

Presley Swagerty Episode 67

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Most businesses don’t fail because the owner isn’t talented.
 They fail because the business was never built to last.

In this episode of the Residual Earners Podcast, we break down why most businesses fail within their first five years and the real reasons no one talks about: lack of systems, poor cash flow management, bad hiring decisions, weak leadership, and chasing growth too early.

We also walk through what successful businesses do differently — how they build structure, create repeatable systems, and lead with clarity so the business can scale without burning out the owner.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, salesperson, or someone thinking about starting a business, this episode will give you practical insight you can apply immediately.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • Why hustle isn’t a long-term business strategy
  • The importance of systems and processes
  • Cash flow vs revenue (and why it matters)
  • Hiring mistakes that kill businesses
  • Leadership, vision, and setting standards
  • How to survive and scale past year five

If you’re serious about building a real company — not just a hustle — this episode is for you.

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