Success Through Difference
Larry is different. And he makes a difference by taking a different approach. His passion is to enable clients to achieve better results by seeing problems and solutions from a different perspective.
An INC Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, Larry is the consummate entrepreneur having founded several successful businesses including an ad agency, a book publishing company, a corporate university, and a management consulting firm.
Larry is president of Taylor Performance Coaching, a Houston-based consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning, organizational design and facilitation. Larry is also an executive coach.
TPC clients have included Kroger Food Stores, Houston Rockets, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Houston Texans, Lexus of Cleveland, David Weekley Homes, The Methodist Hospital, Shell Oil, Houston Food Bank, US Pipeline, Boxer Property, and Silver Eagle Distributors, the largest Anheuser-Busch distributor in the world.
His approach to business and differentiation are detailed in his popular book, Be an Orange. His second book, Soft Side Engineering, outlines how to connect the organization to the business strategy and lead people through the tumultuous process of change. His third book, Finding the Simple Truth of Your Business, was co-written with Houston restaurant legend Alex Brennan-Martin and deals with defining a business from the customer’s perspective, and building a customer-focused organization.
INC. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year
Larry Taylor reflects on his career with a steadfast belief that true success lies in daring to be different. As he articulated in one of his articles, “The key to entrepreneurial prosperity is to be an orange, not an apple.” For Larry, this philosophy goes beyond branding—it’s about standing out in ways that deeply resonate with an audience. He has never been an advocate for superficial changes or quick fixes; instead, he challenges his clients to “cut through the noise” and make bold choices that align with their core values and vision.
In a world where it’s easy to chase volume and try to appeal to everyone, Larry emphasizes that “Quality and differentiation are the keys to longevity.” He has guided businesses to move beyond a transactional mindset, encouraging them to focus on building authentic, lasting relationships with customers and creating products that genuinely add value. This approach has been the cornerstone of every campaign, strategy, and business venture he has undertaken.
As a coach, Larry brings this same perspective to his clients, inspiring them to embrace their uniqueness, challenge the status quo, and pursue meaningful, sustainable growth. He is passionate about helping leaders discover their “orange”—their unique spark—and empowering them to make a lasting impact in their industries, just as he has throughout his career.
Published Author of Three Business Books
Larry Taylor, a published author of Be An Orange, reflects on how the principles he shared in his book have become even more essential for today’s ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs. Rooted in the belief that true success comes from daring to be different, the book challenges readers to break away from “apples-to-apples” comparisons and embrace what makes them unique. Larry’s goal was to empower business owners to reject outdated thinking and instead create something meaningful, original, and resonant. His message encourages leaders to “be an orange in a world of apples,” finding strength in their distinct vision.
In the fast-paced business world of today, this message is more relevant than ever. With crowded marketplaces, rapidly shifting trends, and immense pressure to conform, Larry believes that leaders who stay true to themselves—leading with authenticity and purpose—are the ones who stand out and make a lasting impact. Success now requires more than just technical skills; it demands distinction, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a clear vision. For Larry, this approach isn’t merely about business success—it’s about building a legacy that reflects one’s values and aspirations.
As a coach, Larry brings this philosophy to a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs eager to leave their mark. He guides his clients to uncover their unique strengths and break free from conventional thinking, charting a course that is both strategic and authentic. His work helps clients achieve measurable results while staying true to their core values. For rising business owners and emerging leaders, Larry’s goal is to unlock their full potential and help them build careers or companies that are as dynamic and original as they are. To him, this is about more than success—it’s about crafting a future rooted in impact, purpose, and a vision that is uniquely their own.
Built, Bought, Sold - 5 Successful Businesses
Over the course of his career, Larry Taylor has built, bought, and sold five successful businesses across various industries, gaining invaluable lessons in growth, resilience, and timing. One of the most defining chapters of his journey was his time with Taylor, Brown, and Barnhill, which grew into Houston’s largest PR firm in the 1980s. Starting with a small team and a vision for creating innovative, high-impact campaigns, Larry led the firm to become a powerhouse, shaping public perception for some of Houston’s most prominent businesses. This period was marked by immense learning, both from the successes and the challenges of managing growth on such a scale.
At Taylor, Brown, and Barnhill, Larry navigated the complexities of rapid expansion, client demands, and the high stakes of reputation management. Scaling the business required building a team capable of keeping pace with client needs while staying true to the values that fueled their early success. When the time came to exit, Larry recognized the importance of letting go and leaving behind a legacy that could stand on its own.
These experiences now inform Larry’s approach as a coach. Having faced the highs and lows of building, scaling, and exiting businesses, he understands the real-world challenges his clients encounter at every stage of their journeys. Whether navigating the hurdles of early growth, managing a mature business, or preparing for a strategic exit, Larry brings the insight of someone who has been there. His goal is to help leaders navigate transitions with confidence, providing not only practical strategies but also the empathy and relatability of a fellow entrepreneur. Larry knows what it takes to succeed—and how challenging it can be to take the next big leap.
The Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)
Larry Taylor, a Certified Forum Facilitator (CFF) for YPO with over a decade of experience, is dedicated to creating transformative, high-value forums that resonate deeply with their members. Having been an active YPO forum participant for 20 years, Larry understands firsthand the life-changing impact these spaces can provide. His facilitation approach is grounded in three core beliefs: every forum should be unique, depth is achievable only with the right structure and process, and simplicity ensures long-term sustainability.
Passionate about delivering Forum Basics, Moderator Training, and revitalizing existing forums, Larry emphasizes clarity, depth, and lasting impact. Known as the “Forum Architect,” he has successfully launched over 17 new forums and led numerous retreats, consistently earning outstanding evaluations for his work. His expertise ensures an optimized forum experience for YPO members—one that fosters growth, meaningful connections, and actionable insights. For Larry, this work is more than a professional endeavor; it’s a way of paying it forward to a community that has profoundly shaped his own journey.
Articles By Larry
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What “Simple is Sustainable” Means
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A Framework for Making Decisions
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Performance is an Outcome of Behaviors
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Strategic Alignment Model
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Beliefs create the Behaviors that Drive Performance
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Debunking Conventional Wisdom. 10 Whines that Kill Performance
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6 Fatal Beliefs in Leading Change