Make the Noise Go Away

By Larry G. Linne (with Ken Koller)

Quiet the chaos. Lead like an owner—without doing everything yourself.

If you’re a business owner, you know the “noise”: the urgent texts, the fires, the decisions no one else will make. Make the Noise Go Away shows a better path—build a tight, trust-based partnership with a strong second-in-command so you can focus on vision, customers, and growth. Larry G. Linne lays out a practical, story-driven roadmap for how the #1 and #2 should work together day-in and day-out to turn overwhelm into momentum.

What the book covers (in plain English)

• A true-to-life parable you can read fast and act on quickly—following owner Jim Clancy and his second-in-command Brett Giles at Golden Electric Supply during a focused retreat where they reset roles, rhythms, and results.

• Thirteen core principles that help owners reclaim time and freedom while empowering the #2 to execute with clarity and confidence.

• Communication habits that reduce noise—upward communication, clear priorities, effective problem-solving, and introducing new ideas the right way.

• A foreword by Ken Blanchard, underscoring the book’s “quick, practical parable” approach.

Why this matters to owners like us

The more the business grows, the louder the noise gets—until the company starts owning the owner. The answer isn’t “work harder”; it’s designing a real partnership between the visionary and the operator. This book gives you the language, expectations, and meeting rhythm so your #2 can run operations while you drive strategy, customers, and talent.

What you’ll walk away with

• Role clarity: what the owner must own vs. what the second-in-command must drive.

• Decision rights: who decides, who advises, and when to escalate.

• A weekly operating rhythm: short, focused touchpoints that keep execution tight and the noise low.

• Trust + transparency practices: how your #2 brings you the right information at the right altitude—no micromanaging required.

Who should read this

• Owners and CEOs feeling overrun by day-to-day issues and constant interruptions.

• COOs and seconds-in-command who want a clear mandate and better access to the owner’s intent.

• Leadership teams ready to replace chaos with consistency and scale on purpose.

Author spotlight

Larry G. Linne has walked the walk—as an owner, CEO, consultant, and keynote speaker. His background spans professional sports to the C-suite, with a focus on helping leaders simplify, communicate, and execute. Ken Koller adds seasoned perspective from both first- and second-in-command roles.

Put it to work this week (my quick start)

1. Name your #2 (or your best candidate). Make it explicit.

2. Define the handoff: list 5 outcomes your #2 owns starting now (not tasks—outcomes).

3. Set a weekly 30-minute 1:1: review outcomes, remove roadblocks, and share context.

4. Create a decision map: what your #2 decides solo, when to inform, and when to escalate.

5. Protect your focus time: move two high-value owner activities onto your calendar this week—relationships and strategy.

Bottom line

You don’t need to carry the business alone. With the right second-in-command and a clear operating agreement, the noise goes down, execution goes up, and you get back to leading the business you set out to build. Make the Noise Go Away gives you the blueprint to make that real.