Compound Conference

ANNOUNCEMENT: I’ve just locked down the most inspiring 72 hours of 2027. This is an era of parasocial relationships. Don’t get me wrong, I love everyone who reads my stuff (thank you!). But that tends to be a one-way connection. That’s why we started Compound Conference (formerly HoldCo Conference). Three days of IRL connection, conversation, and debate with people who are hands-on growing their businesses. Not to mention it’s at a stunning ski resort in Utah – all in prime ski time next February. Important to note: this is a small event. Good chance you’ll have real talk with everyone. We cap attendance at 150 operators/biz owners. Everybody there has real opinions and experience, not just a lanyard and an elevator pitch. Every year, I walk away with two or three ideas that pay for the trip 10x over. A new business opportunity. A better way to get customers. A better way to run my companies. Or just becoming actual friends with a peer, which, as we all know, is difficult when we’re all trapped online. — The conference isn’t until February. But if you buy NOW, we’re offering early-bird pricing on the first 30 tickets. ($1000 discount) Once they’re gone, the price goes back up. Use “GIRDLEY” at checkout for the discount. compoundconference.com

Nothing in the world matters more than the people you keep around you. This week I looked to my left and right and realized I was standing next to 6 @joinScalepath members, many of whom I’ve known for years — everyone building businesses quietly, steadily, through all the ups and downs. Shoutout to @HoldCoConf for being our unofficial gathering place! Whoever you are, go out there and find people you have a lot in common with. Talk with them, build relationships, travel to see them. Life is so much better surrounded by people you respect, trust, and want to grow alongside.

I had a dream last night that I tried to throw the worst conference possible -- intentionally. Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Johnny Knoxville and his crew as the keynote speakers, and invited only big 4 auditors. And it turned out amazing. (These are the dreams you have the night before your own event starts btw.)

Currently airborn enroute to Sundance for @HoldCoConf 2026 (with a stop in Salt Lake for lunch with a client and Provo to visit @ReidTileston’s EtA class at @BYU). AMA!