Bootstraps & Battle Scars | Chris Shurian on Simplifying Business, Avoiding Tech Overload, and Building Real Freedom

Entrepreneurs today are drowning in complexity. Endless apps, software subscriptions, automation tools, and “shiny object” technology promise efficiency—but often create confusion, overwhelm, and unnecessary expenses.

Many founders unknowingly build complicated systems that trap them instead of freeing them. They overspend on tools they don’t need, overextend themselves financially, and ignore foundational business basics—like leadership structure, banker relationships, and clear accountability. Add to that hiring mistakes, ignoring gut instincts, and overleveraging during growth cycles… and those battle scars start adding up.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with serial entrepreneur and founder of Bootstraps & Battle Scars, Chris Shurian, to unpack nearly four decades of real-world entrepreneurial experience. Chris shares how he survived major setbacks, navigated the 2008 financial crash, executed a successful exit, and now helps business owners simplify their operations and build sustainable leadership systems. This conversation is a masterclass in business basics, resilience, and designing your company so it creates freedom—not another prison.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most businesses are overcomplicated by unnecessary tech stacks

• The hidden cost of “$40 to death” subscription overload

• Why simplifying systems often increases profitability

• The power of having a real banker relationship—not just a bank account

• How peer mastermind groups eliminate the loneliness at the top

• Why founders need safe spaces to share both struggles and wins

• The danger of ignoring your gut when hiring or partnering

• Why business owners must define clear roles and accountability structures

• How structuring your company early determines your long-term freedom

• Why you shouldn’t wait until 65 to enjoy your life

About the Guest:

Chris Shurian is a lifelong entrepreneur who has spent more than 39 years building businesses that bring people together and create lasting memories. From leading a $15 million construction company to developing the Water’s Edge Resort in Bear Lake and founding the popular Cody’s Gastro Garage Restaurant, Chris has a proven track record of turning vision into reality. He’s been recognized as a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, featured in Utah Business Magazine’s Forty Under 40, and honored with multiple industry awards.

Outside of business, Chris is a lucky husband, father of 8-1/2, grandfather, “dog-dad” to a Berne-Doodle named Harley and “dog-granddad” to a fat German Shepherd named Drax, two-time Ironman finisher, and a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos and LA Dodgers.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/shurian.chris.rachel

https://www.youtube.com/@chrisshurian2025

https://www.instagram.com/shurianchrisandrachel/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshurian/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You circle yourself with your inner circle. You bring your people together and say, ‘Okay, what’s next?’ You circle the wagons, talk about it, and get after it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not going with my gut. I made some very big decisions—hiring certain people, aligning with certain people—that I knew in my gut weren’t right. And it came back and bit me big time.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. That’s where I learned why you build a business and how you build it properly.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. I really dove into ChatGPT and learned what it can do for me. I’ve uploaded who I am so it speaks my language and writes the way I write.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Build your life and business so you can enjoy it now—not wait until you’re 65. Don’t be a slave to your job.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

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