The Journey of 3X-ing Your Company: Lessons from Stephanie Harris of PartnerCentric

Scaling a business is never a straight path. It’s a journey filled with bold decisions, unexpected challenges, and constant adaptation. In the latest episode of Profitability Playbook: The Simple Numbers Podcast, host Brandon Gray sits down with Stephanie Harris, CEO and owner of PartnerCentric, to unpack how she transformed her company and tripled its size since acquiring it in 2017.

From Employee to Owner: A Bold Leap

Stephanie’s story began as the first employee of Schaaf Consulting, a small affiliate marketing firm. Over time, she rose through the ranks to become CEO. But her vision for the company went beyond what she could achieve as an executive. In 2017, she took the leap of purchasing the business through an SBA loan and rebranding it as PartnerCentric. That moment served as a turning point that came with immense responsibility and risk.

Navigating Crossroads and Crises

Stephanie’s entrepreneurial journey was tested early when COVID-19 disrupted the market. Overnight, top clients froze budgets, and the team had to pivot fast. Daily leadership meetings focused on restructuring resources and accelerating technology investments to stay close to revenue. This agility paid off as PartnerCentric saw significant growth in 2021 as businesses rebounded.

Investing in Talent and Technology

One of Stephanie’s key strategies for scaling was investing in leadership and technology. She recognized that hitting a growth ceiling required fresh talent and new differentiators. Over the past two years, PartnerCentric has expanded into influencer marketing and AI-driven solutions, positioning itself ahead of industry shifts.

Hard Lessons in Tech Development

Building proprietary technology was part of Stephanie’s vision, but it came with challenges. Scope creep, rising costs, and unclear ROI taught her the importance of market testing and maintaining objectivity. If you’re developing software, start small. Pilot, prototype, and validate before you scale.

The Power of Labor Efficiency

PartnerCentric’s growth was about efficiency as much as it was about revenue. By focusing on Labor Efficiency Ratio (LER), the team challenged assumptions and reimagined processes to deliver more value with less waste. This relentless pursuit of efficiency became a cornerstone of their success.

Culture in a Remote World

Long before remote work became mainstream, PartnerCentric operated as a fully distributed team. Stephanie emphasizes that culture doesn’t happen by accident but requires intentional effort. From virtual retreats to ongoing educational programs, PartnerCentric invests heavily in keeping its team connected and engaged. “Culture is number one. Culture has to be an intentional work. It doesn't just happen. You need to define what you want your culture to be, and then you need to put the work in every day, every week, every month, every year to reinforce that,” says Stephanie.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

·      Vision Requires Action – If you see opportunities others don’t, be prepared to take bold steps.

·      Adaptability is Non-Negotiable – Market shifts happen fast; agility is your greatest asset.

·      Invest Wisely – Talent and technology can unlock growth, but validate before scaling.

·      Measure What Matters – Metrics like LER help you track efficiency, not just revenue.

·      Culture is Your Foundation – Especially in remote environments, culture drives retention and performance.

PartnerCentric’s story is a powerful reminder that growth isn’t about luck but about strategy, resilience, and the courage to evolve. To learn more about PartnerCentric, visit their website.

If you’re looking to take the next steps to grow your business or want guidance on where to start, contact us today.