003 - The Value of The EDPA

Michael McMahon of Hill & Partners shares how getting involved in the EDPA reshaped what it means to run a small business. The story isn’t just about joining a professional group—it’s about discovering that the right circle of people can keep you grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

What’s Covered

Starting the Journey

• After years of focusing on daily operations, it was time to look up and grow in new ways.
• Coaching revealed how outside input can spark fresh ideas and change perspective.
• The EDPA became a space to collaborate with others who shared the same drive and purpose.

The First Access Experience

• One event changed everything.
• The room was full of peers who faced the same challenges, yet carried energy and optimism.
• That sense of community created momentum that hadn’t been felt in years.

Getting Involved

• Asking how to join the board quickly led to deeper involvement.
• Growth came through engagement, not perfection—just showing up and learning with others.
• Over time, patterns appeared, confidence grew, and leadership started to feel natural.

Key Takeaways

• Growth starts with modeling others but matures when you trust your own instincts.
• The EDPA offers a place to develop a unique voice and share what matters most.
• There’s no single formula for success, but there’s huge value in learning from each other.

Why It Matters

• Associations create space to share wins, talk through challenges, and celebrate resilience.
• They connect business owners and teams who might otherwise feel isolated.
• That network validates careers, fuels new thinking, and reminds everyone that growth is collective work.

Our Take

We’ve seen how the right community changes everything. At CREW XP, we believe progress happens when experienced pros and future leaders show up for each other. The EDPA is proof that shared experiences turn into shared success.

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