Every builder has a story. This one is mine.

Before there was Operator's Edge Co., there was a young pastry chef building hundreds of wedding cakes by hand, convinced that working harder was the only way to succeed. It took burnout, closing a business I loved, and years spent leading companies across multiple industries to realize that operations, leadership, and growth were never separate conversations.

In this debut episode, I share the story that shaped everything I believe about business, why your company shouldn't depend entirely on you, and why I created Work Hard. Be Nice. If you've ever felt the weight of carrying your business on your shoulders, this episode is for you.

Before Operator's Edge Co., I built a nationally recognized custom cake studio that became one of the busiest wedding cake businesses in the Southeast. From the outside, it looked like success. Behind the scenes, it depended entirely on me.

In this inaugural episode of Work Hard. Be Nice., I share the journey that shaped my philosophy on business, leadership, and operational excellence. We explore the lessons that came from building, burning out, walking away, and discovering that the goal isn't to build a business that needs you, but one that benefits from you without depending on you.

This episode lays the foundation for everything to come: honest conversations with founders, CEOs, operators, and leaders who are building businesses, teams, and lives with purpose. If you've ever wondered whether everyone else has it all figured out, or if you're carrying more than your business was ever meant to ask of you, you're in the right place.

Because every builder has a story.

This one is mine.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Until next time.. Work Hard. Be Nice.

Sheri Horvath

Founder & Lead Strategist - Operator's Edge Co.