Four Entrepreneur Types

A framework for understanding different types of entrepreneurs and their roles in business development, as explained through the example of Chipotle.

The Four Types of Entrepreneurs

• Innovators

  • First to create something new
  • Example: The person who "rolled the first burrito"
  • Creates the initial product or concept

• Remixers

  • Takes existing concept and repackages it
  • Creates branding and presentation
  • Example: Person who created Chipotle's concept
  • Adds their unique spin to proven ideas

• Scalers

  • Takes proven business model and expands it
  • Focuses on growth and expansion
  • Example: Person who scales Chipotle to 100 locations
  • Makes the business model repeatable and scalable

• Optimizers

  • Sits on top of established business
  • Ensures business doesn't "blow up"
  • Maximizes efficiency and output
  • "Gets as much juice out of the lemon as possible"

Key Characteristics of Successful Scalers

• Focus on proven concepts
• Build on what already works
• Excel at making things scalable
• Choose "boring" but reliable businesses
• Build for long-term sustainability
  • Can create "100-year businesses"
  • Focus on undisruptible industries

Business Timeline Perspective

• Some businesses require 5-year planning chunks
• Others can be built for century-long sustainability
• Choice of business type affects planning horizon