There’s a stage of growth no one warns founders about. The business is working, momentum is building, and yet everything feels heavier than it should. That tension is usually a signal, not a failure.

Garrett Peters built Duncan and Stone Paper Company alongside his wife and best friends, launching an ecommerce journals and keepsake journals brand during the chaos of 2020. As demand grew, the business began to rely on Garrett for nearly every decision. What looked like success on the outside became pressure on the inside. Founder burnout, identity tied to results, and constant problem-solving pushed him to a breaking point. The shift came through business coaching, clearer roles, and intentional team alignment that allowed the company to grow without consuming the founder.

Many founders reach this point without realizing it. Growth doesn’t always break the business, but it often exposes where the structure hasn’t caught up. The real work begins when you stop carrying everything yourself.

This conversation is a reminder that sustainable businesses are built by founders who learn when to step back and how to build systems that last.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Garrett is turning chaos into sustainability and stewardship.

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