Building on Purpose: Lance Cayko’s Blueprint for Resilience and Growth

Resilience | Entrepreneurship | Sustainable Success

Introduction
Some people build structures, others build lives. Lance Cayko, award-winning architect and co-founder of F9 Productions, has done both by blending blue-collar work ethic with entrepreneurial vision. Raised between a cattle ranch and a sugar beet farm, Lance’s story is about turning early lessons into a thriving business while staying true to one’s purpose and seeking fulfillment over mere profit.

Early Lessons, Lasting Impact
Lance’s journey began at thirteen, first trying and quickly quitting farm work with his father. Instead, he pursued building, landing a job as a “gopher” for a general contractor named Bruce. There, he learned the multiplier effect of business and the invaluable lesson that a real mentor helps you grow even if it means letting you go elsewhere to learn. Moving from one trade to the next, Lance absorbed every lesson, developing a versatile toolkit that later set him apart as a general contractor and entrepreneur.

Blueprints, Pivots, and Personal Growth
A pivotal moment came when Lance enrolled in tech school and decided to become an architect. Later, while reading blueprints for a capstone project, another “light bulb” went off he saw the bigger game of real estate development and resolved to wear all three hats: architect, builder, developer. This multidisciplinary approach became the hallmark of his career, allowing him to create enduring value for clients while leading teams across Colorado.

Facing Adversity: Sobriety and Self-Discovery
As his business and family life grew, Lance recognized another challenge: his relationship with alcohol. Quitting wasn’t about hitting rock bottom, but about striving for clarity, presence, and the highest version of himself. The change brought sharper leadership, better health, and a new sense of service a reminder that real success is an evolving pursuit, not a final destination.

Scaling with Intention: The Rule of 12
With over 700 podcast episodes and years of growth, Lance learned that not all expansion is healthy. He discovered the “rule of 12” that small, nimble teams (12 or fewer) provide the best customer service and foster innovation, while unchecked growth can dilute a company’s culture and mission. This insight guides his business today, as he focuses on quality, intentional hiring, and lasting relationships rather than endless scaling.

Podcasting, Service, and the Law of Polarity
Lance’s journey is also about making connections through his successful podcast, through community service, and through helping others find their own blueprints for success. He believes in the law of polarity: for every hardship, a positive outcome is possible if you persist and keep your mind open to solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Early mentors and diverse experiences lay the groundwork for entrepreneurial success

• Personal growth and business growth both require constant change and honesty

• Scaling intentionally often means keeping teams nimble and focused

• Purposeful living means forgiving mistakes, caring for yourself, and serving others

• Every challenge whether addiction, failure, or business hurdle contains a lesson and potential blessing