Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Barra.
Hi Doug, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ll give you the highlights. April 1st, 2004, I’m working in Corporate America, planning my wedding on 4.4.04 and I get laid off. During our honeymoon, we decide that we should open up our own business with my severance package, since I have a background in being in business, my father was in business, and my wife’s parents were in business. Unfortunately, this does not go well, until we get the opportunity in 2006 to purchase a business coaching franchise where we learn what it takes to build a successful business. Since then, I have been able to work with 100’s of local, small businesses helping them to take their business to new levels of success.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a completely smooth road, as long as ’smooth’ includes the real estate crash of 2008 and the subsequent recession where we lost 90% of our business practically overnight, but we also managed to help the clients that stayed, and those that joined us during that time to not only survive the great recession, but come out the other side stronger and more resilient. Then, of course, as everyone knows, the pandemic hit in 2020, right after we had expanded to new offices, and once again, we lost clients, but not as many, since many of our clients were already positioned to withstand the economic downturn, and we worked with our clients to define ways to pivot. More recently, there has been a lot of economic uncertainty and once again we are pivoting to define new ways to bring our services to more business owners, so that they too can not just survive, but thrive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ActionCOACH® BusinessSUCCESS®?
We are a local franchise of the International ActionCOACH® Business Coaching franchise. The franchise has over 1000 offices around the world in more than 80 countries. It was founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars in Australia. I rebranded as ActionCOACH® BusinessSUCCESS® this year as I started to focus on bringing more options to business owners. We offer custom fit coaching programs that follow tried and true guidelines tailor fit to each business to produce results that are guaranteed. Because we focus on real results with real business people we can offer something that virtually no other business coach can, guaranteed results.
The ActionCOACH Franchise vision is World Abundance through Business Re-education, my firm’s vision is World Peace through Extraordinary Leadership. We believe that the owners of small businesses are the most couragous people in the world and we follow this manifesto:
TO THE BUSINESS LEADERS OF TOMORROW,
To the ones who believe in the power of transformation. The ones who see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to create something greater. You are the visionaries, the change-makers, the driving force behind innovation and growth.
For you, growth is more than just a goal—it’s an essential part of who you are. It’s the fire that fuels your decisions, your actions, and your relentless pursuit of success. At ActionCOACH® BusinessSUCCESS® , this mentality is everything to us. Empowering you, guiding you, and pushing you to achieve more than you thought possible—this is why we do what we do.
It’s about building. Building something meaningful and extraordinary. Taking what exists today and transforming it into the foundation for something remarkable. Your business is more than a venture—it’s an instrument of change, a platform to create the future you imagine. It shapes not only your life but the lives of your team, your community, your family and the world at large.
We stand with you, side by side, united by a mutual belief in progress, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we cultivate a world of limitless possibility. Together, we lay the foundation for lasting success that inspires courage, resilience, and purpose in others.
This is your time. Your chance to lead with clarity and boldness. To empower your team and give them the tools to thrive. To leave a legacy that extends far beyond the present moment—a legacy built on vision, passion, and transformation.
CREATE YOUR BusinessSUCCESS®
With Doug Barra and ActionCOACH® BusinessSUCCESS®, the future isn’t just something to imagine. It’s yours to shape.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, it takes a village to raise a child, well, no one can build a business, and certainly not a business coaching business without a lot of help. First, I’d like to acknowledge Brad Sugars, not only for creating the franchise in the first place, but also for being an amazing mentor and friend. My ex-wife, Jody Johnson, for being the one that stood by me through thick and thin, and pushed me to be a better me. My friends and Master Licensees Nick and Arcelia Dove, for being there for me and standing behind me at all times. All of my coaches both inside the franchise and out, that have, and continue to coach me to see the forest for the trees and hold me accountable. My parents, my clients, and my colleagues, who all have contributed to me in their own special and unique ways. If it weren’t for all of you, and many more that I have not mentioned, I would not be who I am today, Thank You.
Pricing:
- 12-Week BusinessSUCCESS® MasterCLASS – $1200/pp
- BusinessSUCCESS® Membership $1200-$2500/mo
- 1 to 1 Mentor Coaching $3500/mo minimum
Contact Info:
- Website: https://actioncoachbusinesssuccess.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actioncoach.businesssuccess
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActionCOACHBusinessSUCCESS
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ActionCOACH-BusinessSUCCESS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActionCOACHBusinessSUCCESS
- Other: https://insidersguidetosuccessinbusiness.com
