Dream big and build the right team: tips for a successful business from Canada's next Dragon Brian Scudamore

During a break from high school, CBC's Dragons' Den newest Dragon — 1-880 Got Junk? founder Brian Scudamore — ventured into the world of business on a whim.

"I was in a McDonald's drive-thru. There was a beat-up old pickup truck in front of me with plywood sides built on the front on the top. It said 'Mark's Hauling' on the side," remembers Scudamore, "I looked at that truck, and at the very moment I was thinking about, what am I going to do for a summer job in a tight summer job market? And I went and bought my own truck and created my own business versus finding a job."

Watch | Brian Scudamore shares his audition story

Thirty-five years later, his junk removal business became a global success with 174 franchises across Canada, the US, and Australia. Riding this momentum, he diversified into painting and home detailing businesses with Wow 1 Day Painting and Shack Shine. His umbrella company O2E was recently the only Canadian brand named one of Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces.

Now a Dragon on Season 19 of CBC's Dragons' Den, we asked him how he plans to influence Canada's newest entrepreneurs.

CBC: What is the number one advice you have to offer Canadian entrepreneurs?

Brian: Don't limit yourself. Think big. Don't figure out exactly all the details of how you're going to get there. Just think where you're going and the rest can come. Surround yourself with the right people. Have a clear vision. I think I can bring to the table a challenge to an entrepreneur to say you have to dream bigger. 

CBC: What was the biggest factor in your success?

Brian: The biggest factor in my success is absolutely people. My ability to find the right people for us as a group, to treat them right, and to not have people stay in the company if it's not the right fit for them. And so we've built an incredible culture. We believe in possibility together, and it works like magic. 

Watch | Brian Scudamore talks to the National's Ian Hanomaning

CBC: What's the biggest challenge you faced in your career?

Brian: Five years into my business, 1994, I fired my entire company, all 11 people. I did not have the right team. They didn't believe in me. I didn't believe in them. And it wasn't working. The only way I knew forward was to start again and rebuild the team from scratch. I learned the lesson that day, a very difficult one, that it's all about people finding the right people and treating them right. 

CBC: What new challenges are entrepreneurs facing today?

Brian: Things are moving so quickly. Two weeks after some big announcement, there's other new companies coming into play. It's hard to keep up. So I think a challenge is knowing what technology is real and useful. It's a competitive space. 

CBC: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Brian: Don't be afraid of making mistakes. If you can get your life's work done in a lifetime, you're not dreaming big enough. Make some mistakes. Fail. But learn. Learn from every mistake. To me, failures are stepping stones to greatness. 

CBC: What's the best thing about being a new Dragon?

Brian: I feel welcomed into the family. They're supportive because they believe in the same cause that I believe in. We are inspiring a new generation and next wave of entrepreneurship in Canada.