Ocala Forest High & UF Grad Uses Poker Psychology to Help Local Businesses Scale

August 20, 2026 - 03:27

Laird, who spent years reading opponents and managing risk at high-stakes tables, says the core skills translate directly to business strategy. "In poker, you learn to separate emotion from decision-making," he explains. "Most business owners make choices based on fear or excitement, not on the actual odds in front of them."

His approach focuses on building systems that remove guesswork. Instead of chasing quick wins, Laird helps companies map out predictable processes for hiring, sales, and customer retention. He argues that just as a poker player tracks betting patterns, a business owner must track behavioral patterns in their team and clients.

The psychology part matters more than most expect. Laird notes that many local businesses stall because the owner acts like a gambler, doubling down on what worked once without adjusting to new conditions. He teaches a more disciplined mindset, one that treats every decision as a hand to be played with patience and clear evaluation of potential losses.

Since shifting his focus, Laird has worked with a range of Ocala businesses, from retail shops to service providers. His clients report smoother operations and steadier growth, not because they took bigger risks, but because they learned when to fold, when to raise, and when to simply stay in the game. For Laird, that is the real jackpot.