How to Build a Business That Lasts for Decades

Fervent Four

Did you know that only 4% of businesses ever cross the annual million dollar revenue mark? The Fervent Four is a weekly show, every Thursday at 11am, dedicated to sharing insights into growing a world class business no matter the climate.

How to Build a Business That Lasts for Decades

E312 • Jun 1, 2026 • 55 mins

Tony Cortinas shares his journey of launching a business before the Great Recession and balancing company building with client work, leading to the founding of Marathon Consulting. He discusses initial workforce growth, and the influence of Metro Information Services on company culture, emphasizing a multi-step interview process. Tony explores AI's impact on consulting, challenges in opening a Richmond office, and plans for geographic expansion. The episode reflects on overcoming growth plateaus, scaling challenges, and Marathon’s evolving partnership structure, alongside the role of food in company culture and future branding milestones.

Key Points

Building relationships and trust is essential for long-term business success.
Adapting and evolving strategies, such as expanding into new markets with local talent, can drive growth and overcome challenges.
Investing in employees and maintaining a strong company culture are key factors in retaining talent and ensuring sustained success.

Speakers

Tony Cortinas

Guest • 79%

Zack Miller

Host • 13%

Tim Ryan

Host • 8%

Chapters

0:00	Building relationships, starting the business, and launching before the Great Recession
2:04	Managing time between company building and client work
2:43	History and background of Metro Information Services and Keene
4:52	Phased approach to launching the company
7:04	Initial funding and relationship with Town Bank
7:29	Company growth and employee numbers
10:17	Origin of the Marathon name and logo
13:49	Community involvement and support
18:06	Influence of Metro and Keene on company culture
19:26	Multi-step interview process and hiring standards
22:13	Key qualities sought in potential hires
23:48	Transitioning from client-facing roles and rewriting old systems
25:32	The impact of AI and automation on consulting
29:57	Predictions on AI's effect on jobs and consulting
32:50	Evolution of Marathon Consulting's partnership structure
38:28	Opening an office in Richmond: Challenges and strategies
44:47	Future plans for geographic expansion and service offerings
46:37	Overcoming growth plateaus and breaking through employee milestones
48:27	Scaling challenges with growing teams
49:35	Transition from small to large team dynamics
50:10	The importance of food in company culture
51:34	Returning to the office post-pandemic
52:10	Reflecting on two decades of business growth
53:18	Employee retention and long-term staff
54:16	Future branding and company milestones
55:16	Episode wrap-up and final thoughts

Transcript

Loading transcript...

- / -