START HERE 🪜 1-10 Executive Orientation

1. Discover the Rules 📌

Begin with the Rules of Business. The fundamentals are where young entrepreneurs start and where seasoned executives return when things get a little off track. They’re conversation starters and great reminders. If you own or operate a business in America, each of these Rules; from Rule No. 1 —Solve a real problem, through Rule No. 50 —If you’re going to eat shit, don’t nibble, will resonate with you. Most of them you know, most of them you’ve practiced, but great leaders never stop learning.

2. Explore the Library 📚

Next, browse the books behind the Rules. We paired one book with each Rule as recommended reading. These are the books you’ll hear referenced again and again throughout your entrepreneurial career. These are the books decision-makers keep on their shelves, not for decoration, but for direction.

3. Practice the Principles ✍️

Study one Rule per week, ask the tough questions, follow the action steps and develop the habits that build strong companies and trusted leaders. Applying the Rules consistently, week after week, is the key to business success.

4. Study with Others 👥

Study the Rules on your own, at your own pace, or bring in your leadership team. Better yet, meet weekly with a group of local executives and work through the entire list. Candid conversations lead to better questions and deeper, more honest answers. Record your progress with the printed workbook, theLEDGER.

5. Join the Conversation 💬

From his home in Tennessee, our founder facilitates a daily discussion of the Rules at his LinkedIn page and invites you to join. Connect with Kurt and 100s of executives across the U.S., sharing what works, what doesn’t and helping others build their businesses.

Our first official weekly discussion, starting with Rule No. 1, will begin Monday, January 4, 2027, 8:00amEST.

It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top.

• LinkedIn

6. Contribute ⌨️Add Your Insight

Each of us has a story worth sharing and a personal experience with each of the Rules. The Executives Institute exists to collect and share those stories. This is a national archive of America’s entrepreneurial wisdom. Your insights (if approved), along with your name and company, will be added to the Rule’s page for others to learn from. Every time you share an insight, you don’t just strengthen the Institute, you elevate your brand. 

7. Build Your Local Business Community 🧭

Turning Points is a developing network of executive study groups across the United States. These small groups meet face-to-face to candidly discuss the Rules and collect the best insights to share with the Institute. You become the Executives Institute Research & Development team! Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn if you’re interested in starting a group in your city. There is zero cost or obligation to participate.

8. Preserve and Pass On the Tools 🦅

Every lesson, every insight contributed by today’s business leaders, is made available free of charge because we believe this practical advice should remain accessible to anyone who believes in American exceptionalism and is willing to chase the American Dream.

9. Every Dollar Has a Job 🤝

• 25¢ → Growth and Expansion
• 25¢ → The Executives Institute Endowment
• 50¢ → Total Operational Expenses

As a federally recognized 501(c)(3), the Institute is sustained entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals and organizations who believe this mission matters.

10. Return Often. Master the Rules. 🎓

When business is growing, discipline fades, standards slip, and shortcuts creep in. It happens to all of us. Sometimes we just need a reminder of what works. Build a legacy of continuous learning by using every tool you can get your hands on. Learn from someone who’s done what you’re trying to do. Contribute when you can and help preserve what matters. That’s how The Executives Institute was designed.

Thank you. sincerely.