From the Marines to Building a Billion-Dollar Bank: CEO Aaron Dorn on Negotiation and Grit

04/15/25 • 47 min

Need help with a negotiation? Text us and we'll feature your question on the show.

In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, we sit down with Aaron Dorn, CEO of Studio Bank and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, to explore what it really takes to lead, negotiate, and grow in today’s business world. From founding a billion-dollar bank to navigating high-stakes deals, Aaron shares hard-earned wisdom on the people side of negotiation, the power of clarity, and how to build trust that drives results.

We dive into:

Aaron’s journey from banking to the battlefield and back again
The leadership lessons that shaped his approach to business
Why great negotiators always start with understanding, not just terms
How deal momentum, trust, and clear expectations make or break success
What separates top-tier dealmakers from the rest

Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to master negotiation, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Get My Newest Book: Negotiation Made Simple
Schedule a Live Workshop
Schedule a Private Workshop
Get Private Coaching from Me
Gain Access to My Online Course
Follow Me on LinkedIn

Need help with a negotiation? Text us and we'll feature your question on the show.

We dive into:

Aaron’s journey from banking to the battlefield and back again
The leadership lessons that shaped his approach to business
Why great negotiators always start with understanding, not just terms
How deal momentum, trust, and clear expectations make or break success
What separates top-tier dealmakers from the rest

Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to master negotiation, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Get My Newest Book: Negotiation Made Simple
Schedule a Live Workshop
Schedule a Private Workshop
Get Private Coaching from Me
Gain Access to My Online Course
Follow Me on LinkedIn

Previous Episode

How a Two-Day Course Changed the Game for this Real Estate Broker: Doug Ryan

Need help with a negotiation? Text us and we'll feature your question on the show.

In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, host John Lowry sits down with Doug Ryan, a commercial real estate expert with over 25 years of experience at Colliers Nashville. Doug has played a pivotal role in some of Nashville’s biggest real estate deals, and he credits advanced negotiation training as a game-changer in his career.

Doug shares how investing in negotiation skills transformed his ability to close deals, build relationships, and navigate complex business transactions. He reveals key insights, including:
✅ The biggest "aha moment" from negotiation training
✅ Why everything in business is either an “X” (competitive) or an “O” (cooperative)
✅ The one simple tactic that helped him get more out of every deal
✅ How to slow down negotiations in uncertain economic times

John and Doug also discuss the upcoming Negotiation Made Simple Live Workshop in Nashville (April 29-30, 2025), where professionals can sharpen their skills in real-world negotiation exercises.

Get My Newest Book: Negotiation Made Simple
Schedule a Live Workshop
Schedule a Private Workshop
Get Private Coaching from Me
Gain Access to My Online Course
Follow Me on LinkedIn