I had the good fortune of spending time with Gus Simonds, CEO of the $300+ million company, MacDonald-Miller. We talked about his upbringing, the setbacks he overcame, and how he climbed from being “just a sales rep” to running one of the top mechanical contractors in the country.

Here’s the one piece of advice Gus kept coming back to:

Always think 5 years out.

That’s right.

Gus believes that too many people, especially early in their careers, get caught chasing short-term wins—higher pay, a better title, or a flashier job. But long-term success requires long-term thinking.

When you’re faced with a big decision—whether it’s a job offer, promotion, or career shift—pause for a second. Ask yourself:

• Where will this lead me in 5 years?

• What kind of doors will it open?

• Does it align with the future I want to build?

Gus explained it like this: every choice you make today opens three new doors tomorrow. And the more doors you walk through, the more complex those decisions become. That’s why it’s critical to stay aligned with your long-term vision.

So next time you’re offered something shiny—a quick raise or a new title—don’t just think about the next 6 months. Think 5 years out.

That’s how a sales rep became a $300 million CEO.

Your turn:
Do you tend to think short term or long term when making decisions? 🤔