t's not until late in today's interview that we hear our guest's vision for a holdco.

And I think that's telling.

Because Barker Squire isn't in a hurry. His focus for the last 6 years has not been on the next acquisition, but squarely on solidifying, improving, and growing the first business he bought, and only business he yet owns, CraneWorks.

And we learn that this growth has been deliberately gradual, even constrained, focused as he's been on building a solid foundation.

This is long-termism at its best.

Only now, having led the business himself for 6 years, tripled it, and identified a capable replacement, is Barker turning his attention to what's next.

Which could be building CraneWorks further by starting to acquire other businesses, or it could be buying a completely unrelated business that sees him back in the CEO seat.

If you have holdco aspirations, Barker's approach seems sound. For at least your first business, learn it deeply, learn how to be the CEO of a small business, build a strong foundation.

See what you think. Here's Barker Squire, owner of CraneWorks.