Darren Reeves, founder of a boutique medical device regulatory consulting firm with nearly four decades of industry experience, joins Eunicia Peret to share the lessons he's learned from building a successful consulting business in one of the world's most highly regulated industries. Their conversation goes far beyond regulatory compliance, exploring entrepreneurship, networking, pricing based on value instead of hours, building long-term client relationships, and why investing in expertise is often the fastest path to growth. Darren also discusses major changes in FDA regulations, the importance of proactive planning, and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by surrounding themselves with the right advisors. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights on scaling a business while creating lasting value for clients.

Relationships drive long-term success: People invest in those who make their lives easier, not just technical expertise

Invest in yourself early: Learning from experienced mentors accelerates growth and avoids costly mistakes

Value beats hourly billing: Pricing based on outcomes creates better results for both clients and consultants

Focus on your highest-value work: Delegate lower-value tasks so you can spend more time serving clients

Proactive planning saves money: Waiting until problems arise almost always costs more than preparing ahead

Collaboration creates better outcomes: The best advisors work together rather than operating in silos

Perfection can become the enemy of progress: Delivering great work on time is often more valuable than chasing perfection

Networking compounds over time: Strong professional relationships create opportunities that money can't buy

Regulatory change rewards preparation: Businesses that adapt early gain a significant competitive advantage

Serve first, profits follow: Sustainable businesses are built by consistently delivering meaningful value to clients

[00:00:00] Introduction to Darren Reeves and his career in medical devices

[00:02:00] Leaving corporate leadership to build a consulting business

[00:04:00] Finding mentors and investing in personal growth

[00:06:00] Transitioning from solopreneur to entrepreneur

[00:08:00] Why client relationships matter more than technical expertise

[00:10:00] Moving beyond hourly billing to value-based consulting

[00:12:00] Building recurring revenue through retainer relationships

[00:14:00] Investing in experts instead of doing everything yourself

[00:16:00] The importance of proactive tax and business planning

[00:20:00] Why coordinated advisors create better business outcomes

[00:25:00] Major regulatory changes affecting medical device companies

[00:28:00] Helping companies right-size compliance systems

[00:30:00] Lessons learned from chasing perfection

[00:32:00] The power of networking and long-term relationships

[00:34:00] AI, human expertise, and the future of professional services

[00:36:00] Final thoughts on collaboration and continuous growth