About the Author
About Rich Ashton
Rich Ashton brings a wealth of real-world experience to his book, Growing Your Own, and his in-person management training courses. Rich has spent four decades building and growing a successful HVAC and plumbing business, and one key to his success was his ability to coach technicians and salespeople into dependable, motivated managers.
Ashton resides in Arlington, Texas, where he has been happily married for 44 years and raised two sons. Now a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Rich was inspired to write this book out of frustration over the lack of guidance available for small business owners who want to promote from within but also need reliable managers.
His goal is to provide a practical leadership roadmap and actionable training for those striving to develop inexperienced leaders into accomplished managers.

Leadership Training & Development Courses
Rich works directly with small business teams through customizable on-site leadership training courses. His programs build on the practical lessons and real-world examples he refined over decades of running a service company, giving owners and developing managers a clear, experience-driven roadmap for growing dependable leaders from within.
About Growing Your Own
Growing Your Own is a treasure trove of real-life experiences and practical strategies, aimed at helping managers navigate leadership challenges in small businesses. It’s a compilation of a bi-weekly blog by an industry expert, offering a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics.
This book provides valuable insights into transforming entry-level managers into exceptional leaders, making it an essential read for those seeking to boost their business growth and productivity. Harness this guide and watch your leadership team flourish.