The Business Game
The Business Game
The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level.
We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit.
If you are:
• Trying to get your first consistent revenue
• Building your first real team
• Breaking through the messy middle
• Scaling toward eight or nine figures
• Or preparing for exit
There is an episode that meets you where you are.
Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle.
Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not.
The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one.
Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules.
Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up.
Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com
The Business Game
LEVEL TWO: Construction Expert Tells Us Why Most Projects Fail Before They Start
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LEVEL TWO: $1M to $3M:
FIRST TEAMS, FIRST SYSTEMS, FOUNDER LED
In today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Mark Story, construction consultant, turnaround specialist, and founder of Commercial Construction Services LLC.
For nearly 40 years, Mark has worked on high-stakes construction projects across government infrastructure, stadiums, data centres, and large-scale commercial developments, often stepping in when projects were already heading off the rails.
In this episode, Mark breaks down why most project failures begin long before construction starts, the hidden dangers of weak systems and poor planning, and why compliance becomes unavoidable as businesses grow.
He also shares the realities of running a founder-led consultancy, the pressure of carrying accountability on major projects, and the lessons he’s learned helping teams recover when timelines, budgets, and trust are all under pressure.
If you’re building a service business, managing complex projects, or trying to scale without becoming the bottleneck yourself, this episode is packed with practical lessons.
Let’s dive in,
with Mark Story:
- Why most project failures begin before the work starts
- The hidden cost of weak systems and poor planning
- Why compliance becomes unavoidable as you grow
- How founders accidentally become the bottleneck
- Lessons from rescuing failing projects under pressure
- What Level 2 founders should implement earlier
- Leadership, accountability, and managing chaos at scale
Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business.
Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap.
For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework?
Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com
It's time to Level Up!
We’ll see you at the next level.
