Mike Krass, an EO Louisiana member, is owner and visionary of MKG Marketing, an agency that specializes in digital marketing for cybersecurity and data management businesses. We asked Mike how he made the transition from CEO to owner/visionary. Here’s what he had to say.

Early-stage entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats. As the business grows, you learn to hire the right people in the right seats, gradually relinquishing responsibility to ensure you maximize your time in your area of highest and best use.

But how do you make the ultimate transition from CEO to owner/visionary?

Years ago, as my digital marketing agency started growing, I finally stopped doing literally everything to run the business. I was still responsible for more than I reasonably should have been. But I was no longer doing everything.

At the time, a teammate asked me, “Do you like what you’re doing right now? You don’t ‘do marketing’ anymore.”

That was true. When he first joined MKG, I used to sell, function as the account manager, marketing strategist, send invoices, collect payments, sweep floors—a little bit of everything.

At the time, my answer was simple: yes, I like managing the business. I like working on it, and not “in it” as much as I once did.

His question brought up other questions in my mind. Did I miss being a marketing practitioner? Working directly with clients on a daily basis?