Failing Forward: James Phifer on Leadership, Family Business, and the Future of Community Management

Mile High Success Podcast · Oct 1, 2026 · 17m

What happens when you take over the family business and suddenly have to prove you can lead it your own way?

In this episode of the Mile High Success Podcast, Nick Elder sits down with James Phifer, president and owner of ACCU, to talk about leadership, family business, community management, failure, and building a strong company culture.

James grew up around the community management business. His father started the company in 1970, and James began by doing hands-on jobs like picking up grounds, deadheading flowers, and moving trash cans. He eventually became a community manager, worked his…