Work Less, Earn More, Build A Self Sustaining Business That Thrives

The Entrepreneur’s Escape Plan, Grow, Scale & Reclaim Life

Title: Build a Business Not a Job: Grow Your Business & Get Your Life Back

Author: David Finkel, Stephanie Harkness

Place: USA

Publisher: Maui Mastermind, LLC

Date of publication: May 28, 2025

Description

“Build a Business Not a Job” is a breakthrough guide that targets one of the most overlooked aspects of entrepreneurship: the trap of self-employment disguised as business ownership. Written by seasoned entrepreneur David Finkel and veteran investor Stephanie Harkness, this book is a practical, eye-opening manual for small business owners who feel overworked, overstretched, and stuck. The authors equip readers with proven systems and strategies to grow a company that thrives without demanding constant oversight. With clear frameworks, real-world case studies, and step-by-step processes, the book aims to help entrepreneurs scale their operations, reclaim personal freedom, and finally enjoy the lifestyle they set out to achieve.

Review

This isn’t just another business book about hustling harder—it’s a wake-up call for founders who want more than a glorified job. Finkel and Harkness redefine what success in business should look like: building a self-sustaining company that can grow, generate income, and even be sold without the owner’s daily involvement. Readers will find actionable insights on topics like creating scalable systems, building a reliable team, measuring performance effectively, and shifting from operator to true owner. The language is accessible yet authoritative, blending inspiration with execution. What makes this book a standout is how it balances mindset transformation with tactical business planning. It doesn’t just preach time freedom—it lays out the blueprint to achieve it.

Author’s Profile

David Finkel is the founder and CEO of Maui Mastermind, one of the world’s premier business coaching companies. He has authored over a dozen books, including co-authoring The Maui Millionaires and Scale. With a background in entrepreneurship, real estate, and strategic coaching, Finkel has helped thousands of business owners scale their companies while reducing their work hours.

Stephanie Harkness brings to the table a wealth of experience as a successful entrepreneur, investor, and former Chair of the National Association of Manufacturers. With deep expertise in scaling operations and working with manufacturing companies, she complements Finkel’s systems-based approach with a grounded perspective on leadership, finance, and long-term growth.

Together, Finkel and Harkness deliver a powerhouse of practical business wisdom designed for today’s overburdened entrepreneur who dreams not just of daily profits, but of peace of mind and freedom. This is more than a business book—it’s a roadmap to building a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

Other Notable works by the author

The Good Soldiers (2009) — A harrowing and Pulitzer Prize–winning account of the U.S. Army’s 2‑16 battalion during the Iraq War surge.

Thank You for Your Service (2013) — A deeply human follow-up exploring how returning soldiers and their families cope with life—and trauma—after war. Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Scale: Seven Proven Principles to Grow Your Business and Get Your Life Back (2014, co-authored with Jeff Hoffman) — A powerful guide for business owners aiming to scale effectively without burnout.

Grow Your Medical Practice and Get Your Life Back (2018) — A specialized roadmap for medical professionals to build thriving practices while reclaiming personal time.

An American Dreamer: Life in a Divided Country (2024) — David Finkel’s latest nonfiction work reflecting on national identity, division, and shared values in modern America.

The book is found in all the leading bookshops and on online books sites.

Go Places Book Review – Leaders Are Readers