Building on Purpose: My Current Strategy for Life, Work, and the Long Game

Building on Purpose: My Current Strategy for Life, Work, and the Long Game

Building on Purpose: My Current Strategy for Life, Work, and the Long GameJustin Stephens
Published on: 09/06/2026

I'm a WinCo Manager in Training building a personal brand at the same time. Here's the full strategy — career, brand, product, and why every piece is connected to one idea: ownership.

Building in Public
Three Failed Businesses Taught Me Why I Bet on an ESOP Instead

Three Failed Businesses Taught Me Why I Bet on an ESOP Instead

Three Failed Businesses Taught Me Why I Bet on an ESOP InsteadJustin Stephens
Published on: 28/04/2026

After three businesses didn't make it, I stopped chasing founder ownership and started stacking it. The honest version of "ownership beats employment."

Ownership Mindset
Life is an Adventure: WinCo Pride, Christmas Ornaments Dream, and the Power of Long-Term Goals

Life is an Adventure: WinCo Pride, Christmas Ornaments Dream, and the Power of Long-Term Goals

Life is an Adventure: WinCo Pride, Christmas Ornaments Dream, and the Power of Long-Term GoalsJustin Stephens
Published on: 15/01/2026

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry: Life's adventure—loving WinCo (team/ownership), Christmas ornaments dream (WinCo stores goal), long-term goals (10yr focus/commitment). Passion + persistence = progress! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com!

Building in Public
Loving My WinCo Career: Why Finding a Job You Love Changes Everything

Loving My WinCo Career: Why Finding a Job You Love Changes Everything

Loving My WinCo Career: Why Finding a Job You Love Changes EverythingJustin Stephens
Published on: 16/12/2025

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry: Loving WinCo—active job (sales floor/help customers), team fun, ESOP ownership (self-raises). Find fulfilling career (passion + long-term benefits)—enjoy life! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com

Building in Public