The 100-Pound Problem and the 30-Pound Solution

In the early 20th century, construction relied on solid concrete blocks weighing more than 100 pounds each. They were difficult to lift, hard to transport, and cumbersome to stack. Builders needed a solution that would make construction faster, safer, and more efficient. The answer came in the form of the hollow concreate bricks (we often call them cinderblocks). By removing unnecessary material, Harmon S. Palmer created the foundation for what would become a mass-produced, uniform block weighing about 30 pounds. Lighter, easier to handle, structurally stronger, better insulated, and built to last, this new concrete block proved that removing what is not essential can create something more powerful and efficient.

Independent agency owners can learn from this same principle. Many of us feel like we are carrying a 100-pound block every day. Client calls, renewals, marketing, compliance, administrative tasks, and more all pile up. The result is stress, fatigue, and a sense of being stuck in a never-ending cycle.

So, what lessons can we take from this?

Remove What Is Not Essential

Just as the concrete brick removed excess material, agencies can benefit from removing tasks and processes that do not drive growth or client satisfaction.

• Review your daily and weekly responsibilities and identify tasks that are not essential.
• Delegate work that others can handle or automate repetitive processes.
• Focus your energy on the activities that have the greatest impact on clients and revenue.

Build for Strength, Not Weight

The strength of a concrete brick comes from its design, not its bulk. Your agency works the same way.

• Invest in systems and processes that support efficiency and consistency.
• Build strong client relationships that provide long-term value instead of chasing volume.
• Leverage networks and resources such as Chicagoland SIA to strengthen your foundation without taking on more than necessary.

Design for Longevity

Concrete bricks last because they are intentionally designed to bear the weight. Agencies last for the same reason.

• Establish sustainable workloads to avoid burnout.
• Prioritize long-term growth strategies over constant multitasking.
• Set boundaries to protect your time, energy, and focus.

Feeling overwhelmed does not mean you are failing. It may mean you are carrying the weight of a 100-pound block. By simplifying, focusing on what truly matters, and using intentional systems, you can create an agency that is lighter, stronger, and built to endure. The strongest structures are not those that carry the most weight but those that are designed to last. Independent agency owners can take the same approach, making their work more manageable, their impact greater, and their business stronger for the long term.