One Week In: What Store 48 Is Teaching Me About Scale

One Week In: What Store 48 Is Teaching Me About Scale

One Week In: What Store 48 Is Teaching Me About ScaleJustin Stephens
Published on: 01/09/2026

A real-time update on my move to WinCo Store 48 — and why the way great businesses are built for scale is changing how I think about ownership and time.

Building in Public
The Ten Months That Changed How I See Taxes

The Ten Months That Changed How I See Taxes

The Ten Months That Changed How I See TaxesJustin Stephens
Published on: 01/09/2026

A sales job with a tax strategist taught me how the wealthy protect what they build over time. It's also where the idea for America's Holding Company came from.

Building in Public
What's an ESOP? The Ownership Tool Most People Have Never Heard Of

What's an ESOP? The Ownership Tool Most People Have Never Heard Of

What's an ESOP? The Ownership Tool Most People Have Never Heard OfJustin Stephens
Published on: 31/08/2026

ESOP stands for Employee Stock Ownership Plan — a model that turns frontline workers into real owners. Here's how it works, and why it matters beyond the workplace.

Ownership Mindset
From Store 6 to Store 48: A Lesson in Time, Trust, and Starting Over

From Store 6 to Store 48: A Lesson in Time, Trust, and Starting Over

From Store 6 to Store 48: A Lesson in Time, Trust, and Starting OverJustin Stephens
Published on: 23/08/2026

A personal reflection on changing stores, the fear of asking for commitment, and why time — not money — is the real currency we're all spending.

Building in Public