Nuts and Bolts of Leadership

Aron Kolosik started on the plant floor and spent 30 years in manufacturing, from managing the Procter & Gamble plant in Phoenix that makes Metamucil to serving as Chief Supply Chain Officer for a $3 billion company. Today he coaches plant managers and manufacturing leaders through AK Coaching.

Aron tells Billy Duren why lasting success means results that hold after the leader leaves, and why he coaches harmony instead of balance. He treats a leader's health and relationships like preventative maintenance on the plant floor: take care of them before they break down. He also explains his 80 percent rule for letting go of work other people can do.

They also cover moving from peer to boss, pushing people because you care about them, finding the one problem worth fixing, and the leadership books that started his own journey.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Build Results That Outlast You

Lasting success isn't what improves while you're in the building. It's what keeps improving after you leave. Aron says that only happens when systems, processes and culture carry the results instead of one person.

2. Let Go at 80 Percent

If someone can do a task 80 percent as well as you, hand it over and coach them up. You still own the outcome, they build real capability, and you free yourself for the work only you can do.

3. Make Time to Reflect

Leaders review the plant's performance every day but rarely review their own. Aron has the leaders he coaches name something they're excited about and a mistake they made each week. When they start owning their mistakes instead of listing what happened to them, the coaching is working.

Quick Leadership Lessons Billy Wants You To Remember

The best version of you starts with the healthy version of you.

Sleep, nutrition, exercise and time to think. Time to think is almost always the lowest score.

Let go of the execution, not the responsibility for the outcome.

Caring about people raises the standard of performance. It never lowers it.

Sometimes you have to step on the scale to get some perspective.

It didn't happen to me. It happened for me.

A well-read leader is a well-fed team.

Show Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:29 What lasting success looks like

03:37 Harmony over balance

05:34 Preventative maintenance for leaders

07:05 The weakest link

09:10 Going from peer to boss

10:40 Winning over skeptics with curiosity

12:59 EQ, tough love and a great mentor

15:47 Pushing because you care

17:15 Moving past command and control

19:36 "This place can't run without me"

21:09 The 80 percent rule

23:36 Finding the one problem worth fixing

27:02 Stepping on the scale

30:35 From the C-suite to coaching

33:52 When the numbers outrun the culture

36:22 Raising the standard

38:20 Pride and ownership

40:08 Signs the coaching is working

42:31 Start by reading

43:51 How to connect with Aron

44:19 Closing

Ryan Tanaka came to KAI Hawaii from finance and acquisitions, not engineering. Today he is President and CEO of the employee-owned structural engineering firm in Honolulu, leading a team of highly technical engineers. Pacific Business News named him one of its 2026 Most Admired Leaders.

Ryan tells Billy Duren how KAI Hawaii spent years working through Patrick Lencioni's six clarity questions, and why "How will we succeed?" was the hardest one to answer. They talk about building trust through communication when hurricanes and wildfires hit, and how a company that describes its team and clients as one ohana still holds people accountable by speaking the kind truth.

They also cover AI on the engineering team, why culture can matter more than the numbers in an acquisition, and how Ryan decides when a new leader is ready to carry the load.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Speak the Kind Truth

Honest feedback is for the other person, not for you. When it doesn't land, look at the delivery. Ryan runs difficult conversations past his executive coach, because as a leader, how your words are received is your responsibility.

2. Healthy Beats Smart

KAI Hawaii spent years answering Lencioni's six clarity questions, starting with a mission statement that took a full year. Ryan's takeaway, straight from Lencioni: a healthy company outperforms a smart one, and performance follows the culture.

3. Character Is the Measuring Stick

Ryan weighs core values, competence and the Ideal Team Player traits when choosing leaders. Character decides it: do they make good decisions when no one is watching, and could he trust them to make the right call without checking in for a year?

Quick Leadership Lessons Billy Wants You To Remember

-Making someone an owner on paper is a lot different than making them an owner between their ears.

-Trust is built in drops but lost in buckets.

-You don't choose the hurricane. You do choose whether you respond or react.

-We're a family, but we still have to have hard conversations and hold each other accountable.

-In an acquisition, the math may work while the marriage doesn't.

-Slow roll the ideas you bring home from a conference.

Show Chapters and Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:33 One of Hawaii's Most Admired Leaders

04:53 Leading people who know what you don't

06:00 What forensic engineering is

07:01 Honoring the founders, handing off to the next generation

08:28 Technology and AI in engineering

12:42 Owner on paper vs. owner in mindset

16:26 Being a trusted advisor

18:17 Bringing conference ideas home

19:32 The six clarity questions

22:36 The hardest one: How will we succeed?

24:23 Trust is built in drops, lost in buckets

25:35 Responding to adversity as a community

28:51 Ohana and accountability

29:44 Speaking the kind truth

30:53 When the kind truth isn't received well

32:37 When the math works but the marriage doesn't

35:28 Carrying the weight of leadership

37:08 Character as the measuring stick

39:01 Ryan's goals for the year ahead

40:09 Closing

Resources:

Ryan Tanaka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantanaka/

KAI Hawaii: https://kaihawaii.com

KAI Hawaii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kai-hawaii

Tom Lazzaro walked into Midwest Transatlantic Lines looking for a job indoors after a season of digging ditches by hand. He was employee number 21. Today he's President of MTA, an employee-owned international logistics company in Berea, Ohio.

Tom explains to Billy Duren how foreign trade zones work and why the tariff war turned them into a gamble. Then they get into what happens after a company becomes an ESOP: making someone an owner on paper is fast, but the mindset takes time. Tom shares the moments he knew it was taking hold, from a warehouse manager cleaning up "my parking lot" to an employee selling a new hire on the ESOP at the company picnic.

They also cover how MTA found its Core 4 values in its best people, the receptionist who leads without a title, and why sometimes the answer is who, not how.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Ownership Shows Up in Small Words

"Taking care of my parking lot" is different from "your parking lot." An ESOP makes people owners on paper. Leaders build the mindset by noticing those small moments and saying so, like Tom texting a young team member to tell him what he overheard at the picnic.

2. Find Your Values in Your Best People, Not on a Poster

MTA's first value words hung on the wall and nobody noticed them. With their EOS implementer, the leadership team whiteboarded about a dozen key players and listed three attributes for each. The four words that showed up most became the Core 4: knowledge, dedication, reliability and positivity.

3. Connect the Dots, Then Get Out of the Way

Tom sees his job as the bird's-eye view: showing people the impact of work customers never see. It also means knowing his limits. As an operations guy by heart, he brought in a director of revenue and growth to build the sales team he couldn't.

Quick Leadership Lessons Billy Wants You To Remember

- Hard work and a good attitude will present you the opportunity. It may not present you the destination.

- Accountability is a positive event when the team has agreed on how it will behave.

- Deliverables are more than freight. Opening a door for someone counts.

- Clean up your box before you think outside it. Then push the walls out and make it bigger.

- Move the team to "we-ville." It's a we thing, not a you thing or a they thing.

- Shortening the runway means putting in people who can do it better and faster.

Show Chapters and Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:30 What Midwest Transatlantic Lines does

02:19 How a foreign trade zone works

04:12 The tariff war and the FTZ gamble

06:24 From digging ditches to employee 21

08:05 Connecting the dots vs. getting in the way

10:08 90% of life is showing up

11:08 ESOP, EOS and "my parking lot"

12:12 What Tom overheard at the company picnic

15:33 How do you measure positivity?

17:10 Taking the values off the wall

18:58 Accountability as a positive event

21:36 Janine and leading without a title

22:47 Clean up your box first

23:43 Pride in work nobody sees

26:10 Owners vs. employees when turmoil hits

27:44 How Tom's team would describe him

28:21 Who, not how

30:55 Advice to young Tom

32:23 Billy's nuggets and close

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, Billy Duren sits down with Matthew Collins, CEO of Heritage Aviation, to explore an inspiring path from frontline service technician to the top of the company. They talk through the real challenges and lessons that come with rising through the ranks, why developing other leaders matters so much, and how authentic leadership plus accountability shape the culture of a business. Matthew Collins explains what an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) is and how Heritage Aviation delivers critical services for private, commercial, and military aircraft. He stresses the nonnegotiable need for high safety standards and describes how the company invites employees to speak up about mistakes without fear. The conversation draws a clear line between honest mistakes and reckless behavior. The episode also covers Heritage Aviation's shift to employee ownership, how that change affects culture over time, and why growing the next generation of leaders is essential for lasting success. Matthew Collins offers practical advice for leaders at every stage: the value of executive coaching, how to build a culture where people feel empowered, and a few books that have shaped his thinking.

Key Takeaways Career Growth: Matthew Collins started at Heritage Aviation as a line tech with no plan to become CEO. A strong work ethic and a willingness to learn opened the doors. 07:10 Learning Leadership: Time in different roles gave him a wider view. It taught him to listen, understand other viewpoints, and keep personal relationships separate from work decisions. 09:06 Developing Future Leaders: Let people peek behind the curtain of leadership roles and give them room to grow before they get the title. 13:58

Safety and Accountability: In aviation, safety comes first. The company asks people to report concerns honestly and draws a distinction between mistakes and dangerous behavior. 25:25 Employee Ownership: Moving from "I work here" to "we own this place" takes time and education. Open communication and shared values help everyone feel responsible for the company's success. 29:13 Empowerment with Boundaries: New leaders need freedom to decide and sometimes fail, as long as the choices stay safe, ethical, and the consequences stay acceptable. That is how they gain real experience. 35:05 The Role of Executive Coaching: Honest feedback and self-awareness drive leadership growth. Matthew Collins recommends a coach who will challenge you and push for genuine improvement. 40:33 Recommended Books: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe for lessons in leadership and perspective. 43:53

Quotable Moments

"People have been watching you for a lot longer than you realize."

"Accountability isn't how I respond if something happens and I get caught. Accountability happens when you make the decision to do whatever you're going to do."

Show Overview

00:00 Explaining Heritage Aviation Services

03:41 Meeting celebrities in aviation

09:06 Journey to Becoming CEO

11:28 Perception vs. Reality in Leadership

14:53 Leadership training and development insights

19:47 Nurturing unique leadership qualities

20:54 Authentic leadership and teaching

25:25 Promoting a Culture of Safety

30:04 Open-book management and employee ownership

31:52 Balancing empowerment and decision-making

36:06 Coaching and developing young leaders

40:33 Starting Executive Coaching Journey

42:47 Discussing executive coaching styles

46:19 Podcast outro and contact info

In this episode, Billy Duren sits down with Ben Holder, CEO of Plastic Products Company. This is a 100% employee-owned business that employs over 900 people across ten plants nationwide. Ben shares the company's remarkable journey, which began in a garage in 1962 and grew into a major contract manufacturer serving industry giants like 3M and GE Appliances. Ben dives deep into how employee ownership through their ESOP empowers team members, boosts engagement, and builds real retirement security for everyone, not just the executives. He also highlights the "Find a Better Way" program, which invites every employee to suggest improvements. This initiative has fostered a strong culture of continuous progress, shared pride, and collective ownership of results. The conversation explores what it takes to celebrate that ownership mindset, thoughtfully manage risk, and successfully integrate new acquisitions while preserving the company's core culture.

Billy and Ben also discuss the power of hands-on leadership, clear communication, and intentional mentoring to prepare the next generation of leaders. Ben makes it clear that true leadership isn't about issuing orders from the top. It's about serving others, showing up on the floor, staying present, and committing to lifelong learning. The episode wraps up with practical advice for anyone looking to grow as a leader: stay curious, develop a thick skin, and never underestimate the value of bringing humor and heart to the job.

3 Key Listener Takeaways Here are three key takeaways for leaders in any industry: 1. Empowerment Drives Engagement and Improvement Ben Holder showed how educating employees about ESOP, celebrating ownership, and running programs like "Find a Better Way" creates pride, accountability, and nonstop innovation. When people feel like true owners, they step up with ideas and energy that benefit the entire organization.

2. Intentional Succession Planning Sustains Organizational Health At Plastic Products Company, building the leadership pipeline is a deliberate, multi-layered effort. By identifying talent early, mentoring consistently, and developing future leaders, including Ben's own successor, the company protects its culture and ensures long-term success even as it grows and evolves. 3. Leadership Means Serving Others, Not Commanding Ben challenges the common misconception that leadership is reserved for the CEO or about telling people what to do. Instead, he emphasizes that anyone can lead by serving, supporting, and helping their colleagues, regardless of title. This servant leadership approach builds trust and brings out the best in teams.

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Lindsay Funkhouser, co-founder of Strategic Mixtape, to explore the true value of executive coaching.

Lindsay explains that coaching is not just for fixing problems. It is a powerful growth tool for high performers. Drawing on her sports psychology background, she shows how leaders, like elite athletes, must continuously upgrade their power skills: self-awareness, listening, trust-building, and adaptive communication.

The conversation highlights a common leadership trap: assuming what got you to this level will keep you there. As responsibilities grow, new skills become essential, especially the ability to truly connect, read your audience, and stay visible across all levels of the organization.

Packed with practical insights on transparency, resilience under pressure, and creating high-trust cultures, this episode underscores that great leadership is a lifelong pursuit of learning, honest feedback, and bringing out the best in every team member.

3 Key Listener Takeaways Here are three key takeaways for leaders in any industry:

1. Executive Coaching Is Not Remedial - It's for High Performers

Lindsay Funkhouser explains that executive coaching is often misunderstood as something for "fixing" weaknesses. In reality, it is designed to help high-performing leaders gain deeper self-awareness and develop human-oriented skills to reach their next level of effectivenes.

2. Clear Communication Differs from Effective Communication

Communicating clearly is not the same as communicating effectively. Lindsay Funkhouser highlights that true leadership effectiveness comes from ensuring your message creates understanding, trust, and actionable alignment in your audience - not just making sense to yourself.

3. Leadership Self-Awareness Drives Organizational Health

The emotional maturity and self-awareness of leaders directly shape company culture and can either multiply functional or dysfunctional behaviors. Lindsay Funkhouser emphasizes that leaders must know their own strengths, blind spots, and the gap between their intent and their real impact on people to avoid stagnation and foster healthy, resilient organizations.

Show Overview

00:00 Discussing Lindsey's qualifications

06:03 Understanding Executive Coaching Benefits

08:24 Marriage coaching versus counseling myths

13:48 Encouraging open communication for leaders

15:50 Creating a safe work environment

20:37 Leadership lessons from CEO training

22:00 Evolving company culture with growth

26:20 Athletes training for high-pressure situations

31:32 Leadership communication skills

32:24 Challenges in effective communication

37:36 Being thoughtful about your audience

40:26 Impact of leadership self-awareness

44:14 Learning to manage ambitious ideas

46:04 Encouraging creativity in children

50:54 Building self-awareness with feedback

54:00 Lindsay's leadership and sports psychology

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, Billy Duren interviews Jared Levin, CEO of Mainely Tubs, based in Scarborough, Maine. Jared shares his journey of becoming CEO right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the company faced and adapted to the challenges. He talks about Mainely Tubs' unique employee-owned culture, their focus on hiring team players who are "humble, hungry, and smart," and keeping a "low jerk factor."

Jared gives examples of how the company goes above and beyond for customers, emphasizing the mission to "leave you saying wow." He also discusses how leadership means setting an example, like picking up trash in the parking lot, and the importance of steady communication across locations with regular meetings and welcome breakfasts for new team members.

The conversation covers lessons learned from leadership challenges, the value of reading management books, and the role of mentors. Jared gives practical advice for emerging leaders: focus on learning, find mentors, and lead for the right reasons, not just for rewards.

3 Key Listener Takeaways Here are three key takeaways for leaders in any industry: 1. Culture of Teamwork and "Low Jerk Factor"

Jared emphasized that Mainely Tubs places high value on hiring and retaining humble, hungry, and smart team players, openly communicating their "low jerk factor" policy. This approach fosters a positive, collaborative work environment where teamwork is essential to both employee satisfaction and customer service. 2. Ownership Mindset in an Employee-Owned Company

Mainley Tubs is 100% employee-owned, and Jared explained how this drives an ownership mentality, with team members often going the extra mile, whether it's staying late to help a customer or pitching in across departments. This sense of ownership translates into pride, responsibility, and exceptional service.

3. Service as the Core Differentiator

In a commodity-driven industry, Jared highlighted that the only true differentiator is customer service, not product. The company's mission, "Leave you saying wow," depends on under-promising, over-delivering, and training all teams, from sales to service, to consistently exceed customer expectations.

Show Overview

00:00 Adapting business during the pandemic

08:13 Why Jared loves his hot tub

13:43 Focusing on customer experience

21:18 Thinking like an owner

22:50 Leading by example

29:51 Company growth and customer focus

36:16 Team going above and beyond

40:40 Managing team dynamics

47:40 Leadership lessons and smooth transition

54:26 Advice for aspiring leaders

56:46 Experiencing Whitewater after rapid growth

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with Sarah Billings, CEO of Centrol Ag Consulting. Sarah Billings shares her unique journey from small-town Minnesota to leading a company that helps farmers grow better crops using smart science and technology. They talk about how farm consulting is like being a "doctor for crops," giving advice but not selling products, which helps keep their recommendations unbiased.

Sarah explains how farming is full of new technology, including GPS-guided tractors and data-driven approaches to make fields more efficient. She shares how her experience working "in the dirt" helps her connect with her team and understand their challenges. The two discuss the importance of building trust with both farmers and younger employees, and the value of sharing knowledge across generations.

Leadership advice highlights staying flexible, always learning, and not being afraid to ask questions. Sarah Billings uses simple metaphors, like choosing between a hat, a haircut, or a tattoo, to talk about decision-making risks. Throughout, she stresses helping others succeed, whether it's farmers, co-workers, or the next generation, and encourages emerging leaders to get comfortable being a little uncomfortable to grow.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Here are three key takeaways for leaders in any industry:

1. Build Trust Through Experience: Walking the fields before stepping into the boardroom helped me "speak the language" of my team and clients. Credibility is earned by sharing in the real work.

2. Embrace Change & Technology: The Ag industry isn't just legacy, it's cutting edge. Staying curious and integrating new tools and thinking keeps you and your business ahead of the curve.

3. Culture Unlocks Growth: Even in a geographically spread-out company, fostering open communication and a willingness to ask questions drives collaboration, innovation, and individual development.

Show Overview

00:00 Crop health checks for farmers

05:48 Learning about soybean farming

07:41 Discovering a passion for agriculture

10:52 Precision farming technology

13:01 Connecting with employees and farmers

17:09 Building trust and company culture

20:02 Building trust with your team

25:22 Building culture across distances

27:28 Making thoughtful vs. quick decisions

31:53 Framing the mission in agriculture

36:04 Recruiting young farmers today

38:31 Promoting employee ownership benefits

43:10 Reflecting on curiosity and confidence

44:42 Advice for young CEOs

In this episode, Billy Duren chats with Bert Thornton, former president and COO of Waffle House, about his journey from manager trainee to the top of an iconic restaurant chain. Bert Thornton shares how Waffle House became known for "good food fast" and how the company grew from a single diner to over 2,000 locations. The conversation dives into leadership lessons, including the importance of taking care of people "on both sides of the counter, "meaning both customers and employees. Bert Thornton talks about the value of hard work, perseverance, attitude, and mentoring. He explains that leaders aren't born but developed over time through discipline and learning from others. Listeners also hear some fun Waffle House stories, like how "Bert's Chili" became a menu staple and why grits were introduced to Texas customers. Bert's advice for young leaders? Surround yourself with successful people and find a great mentor—plus, never give up when things get tough. Whether you're a fan of Waffle House or want practical leadership wisdom, this episode delivers valuable insights in a down-to-earth style.

3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Leadership is Developed, Not Innate Bert Thornton emphasizes that leaders aren't simply born—they're made through discipline, hard work, and a willingness to learn from others. He points out that personal growth and leadership come from acting, thinking, and communicating differently, and that much of his own leadership journey involved learning from mentors and real-world experiences. 2. Take Care of People on Both Sides of the Counter

One of the foundational philosophies at Waffle House, highlighted by Bert Thornton, is the focus on caring for both employees and customers. By investing in associates (team members), they in turn take great care of the customers, creating a strong and sustainable company culture.

3. Mentorship is a 'Silver Bullet' for Success

Bert Thornton shares that seeking out successful people and finding a great mentor is one of the most impactful things you can do for your career growth. He stresses that great mentors have a genuine interest in your success, a track record, expertise in your field, and respect from their peers.

Show Overview

00:00 Origins of Waffle House

03:47 Waffle House's Second Generation Success

07:06 Efficient Waffle House Production Strategy

13:24 How Waffle House Chili Began

15:59 Southern Charm of Waffle House

18:17 Waffle House Leadership Principles

22:20 Waffle House Leadership Meetings

25:20 Creating Value by Serving Others

28:10 Leadership: Learned, Not Born

32:41 Parents and Coaches Shape Lives

35:46 8 Social Tells for Impressions

38:09 Perseverance and Leadership Insights

41:45 Leadership Begins with Ingredients

46:11 Advice for 25-Year-Old Self

48:34 4 Traits of Great Mentors

51:58 Mentorship and Leadership Insights

55:02 Leadership and Mentoring Insights

58:32 Success Through People and Leadership

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with financial consultant Darryl Bryant about the importance of financial planning, especially for young leaders. Darryl Bryant shares how starting small and staying consistent with savings, like in a 401(k) or ESOP, can make a huge difference over time, thanks to the magic of compounding. They discuss the challenges many people face, such as living paycheck to paycheck and being afraid to start budgeting, but stress that budgeting is actually a path to saying "yes" to your goals.

The conversation also touches on employee ownership and how being an equity partner in a company creates added motivation and value for everyone involved. Darryl Bryant advises leaders to share their own experiences, communicate honestly about finances, and lead by example. For young people just getting started, he recommends beginning with a simple budget and taking small steps toward saving and planning for the future. The episode wraps up with advice about learning from older mentors, sticking with your plan, and the impact of everyday financial choices.

3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Consistency Is Crucial in Financial Conversations Darryl Bryant emphasized the importance of leaders consistently discussing financial benefits and planning with their teams. Regular, relatable conversations help employees better understand the value of tools like 401(k)s and ESOPs, making these concepts "stick" and become actionable.

2. Start Early and Stick With It Both Billy Duren and Darryl Bryant highlighted that beginning financial planning early, even if it's just a small contribution, is foundational for long-term wealth. Staying in programs like the 401(k), despite economic ups and downs, can lead to exponential growth thanks to compounding and company contributions.

3. Leaders Influence by Sharing Personal Stories and Setting the Example The conversation pointed out that leaders, especially those with experience, can have the most impact by sharing their own financial journeys (successes and mistakes) with younger employees. This "lead by example" approach makes the topic less intimidating and encourages others to begin their own financial planning without feeling overwhelmed.

Show Overview

00:00 Financial Planning and Responsibility

05:30 Prioritizing Pay and Benefits

09:02 Impact of Employee Ownership

12:02 Legacy, Stewardship, and Financial Planning

15:53 Stay In It: Lessons Learned

18:22 Employee Ownership & Value Creation

21:18 Darrell Bryant's Leadership Journey

24:47 Leadership Through Example

28:28 Comprehensive Financial Planning Basics

32:16 Built for Chaos; Seek Calm

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Chris Adee and Lynnette Fritz from OwnersEdge, an employee-owned company in Wisconsin. They talk about how Owner's Edge grew from a single business into a family of diverse operating companies, all united under one ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Chris Adee explains the importance of culture and choosing the right leaders when acquiring new businesses. Lynnette Fritz shares how the HR team helps find and retain talent across industries, and the value of leaders being self-aware, caring, and supportive.

The group also discusses competitiveness, collaboration, and what it takes to scale up leadership in a growing company. One big takeaway? To be a strong leader, you have to "learn how to do hard better" - meaning, embrace challenges and keep improving. They wrap up with advice for new and future leaders: be self-aware, keep learning, and grow your network. If you're looking for real-world guidance on leadership, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration.

3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Employee Ownership Drives Culture and Performance

The discussion highlights how Owner's Edge utilizes a shared ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure across its diverse family of companies. This approach gives every employee a stake in the company's success, fostering a unified culture and incentivizing high performance and collaboration.

2. Self-Awareness Is Foundational to Leadership

The speakers emphasize self-awareness as a critical trait for leaders and emerging leaders. Knowing your strengths, values, and triggers enables better decision-making, authenticity, and creates a foundation for developing others as leaders.

3. Learn to "Do Hard Better" as a Leader

One of the standout points is about embracing challenges rather than expecting things to get easier. Leaders must learn to navigate difficult conversations, decisions, and situations. Developing resilience and adaptability is essential for growth and long-term success.

Show Overview

00:00 Expert Insights on Employee Ownership

05:10 Building a Diversified ESOP Portfolio

07:57 Evolution of an Employee-Owned Business

09:39 Business Diversification and Divestment

15:52 Mastering the Holdco Discipline

19:29 Leadership, Culture, and Trust

21:47 Leadership Traits and Ownership Vision

23:41 Core Values: Humble, Hungry, Aware

28:56 HR Collaboration and Competitiveness

31:30 Vertical Integration and Leadership Scaling

36:15 Leadership Feedback and Decision-Making

38:42 Ownership Mentality in Decision-Making

43:35 Leadership Blind Spots and Empowerment

46:45 Starting Your Leadership Journey

47:51 The Power of Networking

52:16 Nuts and Bolts Podcast Insights

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren welcomes Dr. Endel Lee, a Marine Corps veteran and retired Navy chaplain, to discuss leading with gratitude, even in the face of life's challenges. Endel Lee shares powerful stories from his time serving in combat and surviving Hurricane Katrina, explaining how those experiences helped him focus on what truly matters: people and faith.

They discuss the idea that leadership is about influencing with compassion and conviction, not just authority. Endel Lee offers practical advice, like counting your blessings even in adversity and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. He also emphasizes the importance of listening and asking great questions to build strong teams.

This episode reminds us that leadership isn't just a position; it's a mindset rooted in gratitude, empathy, and a commitment to serving others. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, these real-world lessons will help you lead with a grateful heart.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Gratitude as a Leadership Posture, Not Just an Event Endel Lee and Billy Duren emphasize that true gratitude isn't just reserved for holidays like Thanksgiving; it's an ongoing posture and mindset. Leaders who cultivate a daily attitude of thankfulness are better equipped to handle challenges and inspire those around them.

2. The Power of Perspective and Reframing Challenges Endel Lee shares how both military and life crises can force us to reconsider what really matters. By "expanding the box" (our worldview) and searching for blessings even in adversity, leaders, and anyone, can foster resilience, adaptability, and personal growth.

3. Leadership Through Influence and Empathy, Not Authority Alone Throughout the episode, Endel Lee discusses transitioning from an authoritarian to an influencer mindset, stressing that successful leaders are those who listen, show empathy, and compel others to follow because they want to—not because they have to. Gratitude and humility are central to this approach.

Show Overview

00:00 Dr. Lee: Veteran & Chaplain

05:04 Leadership, Values, and Life's Reality

07:44 Navigating Trauma with Understanding

11:36 Reframe and Count Blessings

15:00 Iraq, Katrina, and Starting Over

19:58 Finding Peace During Chaos

23:36 Djibouti Desk Alignment Conflict

25:49 Letting Trust Take Priority

27:34 Buffalo Bonding in Crisis

31:59 Leadership: Influence Over Authority

35:01 Faith, Leadership, and Marine Corps

38:01 Superpower: Lifelong Leadership Impact

42:24 Listening, Questions, Gratitude, Faith

44:13 Repurposed, Not Retired

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with Alberto Aguilar, President and CEO of Carris Reels, and Erick Ramos, Senior VP of Business Development at Threaded Fasteners. Alberto shares his journey from General Manager to CEO and discusses what makes Carris Reels unique, including their employee ownership and a focus on continuous improvement. For this special episode, most of the conversation is in Spanish, highlighting the importance of diversity and reaching a wider audience. Alberto talks about leadership principles, building a strong workplace culture, and the excitement of managing teams across different locations, such as Indiana, Connecticut, Canada, Mexico, and California. He shares insights on profit sharing, mentoring future leaders, and the importance of caring for employees. The episode wraps up with book recommendations, including "Cracking the Leadership Code" and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team." Overall, it's an inspiring look at leadership, teamwork, and the power of communication in both English and Spanish.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Importance of Employee Ownership Alberto Aguilar highlights the impact of employee ownership through the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and how it creates a powerful difference in employees' lives. This ownership model encourages greater commitment and a sense of pride among staff.

2. Continuous Improvement and Leadership Development Alberto emphasizes his focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence. He also mentions leadership development through external coaching programs and the preparation of potential future leaders, reflecting the company's dedication to evolving leadership at all levels.

3. The Value of Communication Across Cultures The episode's unique feature, a full conversation in Spanish, demonstrates the value of inclusive communication, particularly in organizations with diverse and international teams. This commitment not only bridges language barriers but also strengthens organizational culture and employee engagement.

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, Billy Duren welcomes Lynn Bruns, CEO of ISG Architect and Engineering Services. Lynn shares his journey from engineer to leader and the importance of recognizing leadership potential in others early on. He discusses how ISG's unique growth model allows talent to flourish no matter their location, emphasizing trust, open communication, and a culture of celebrating wins and learning from challenges. Lynn highlights ISG's Leadership Acceleration Program, which develops emerging leaders with coaching and group experiences. He describes how the company's "blueprint for growth" and transparent communication help keep their widespread teams aligned and energized. As an employee-owned company, ISG focuses on both building people up and achieving business goals together. The conversation wraps up with Lynn giving advice to young leaders: surround yourself with people who make you better and always be willing to learn. He also shares his concern about focusing on developing "thinking people" in a world of rising technology. If you're interested in real stories on leadership, team energy, and people development, this episode is full of practical takeaways.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Intentional Leadership Development Drives Growth

Lynn Bruns emphasizes the critical role of investing in leadership development programs, such as ISG's Leadership Acceleration Program. By intentionally identifying and nurturing emerging leaders, organizations create a strong leadership pipeline that supports ambitious growth goals and builds a shared culture across wide geographies.

2. Building Trust Through Candid Communication

The episode highlights how trust is foundational in any successful organization. Bruns discusses the importance of open, honest feedback and accountability in building a culture where people feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and clarify intentions—essential for reducing wasted time and enhancing collaboration.

3. Leaders Must Focus on People Over Processes or Technology

While acknowledging advances in technology and the challenges they bring, Bruns asserts that the real competitive advantage lies in developing thinking people. He cautions against depending too heavily on technology at the expense of critical thinking and authentic relationships, underscoring that investing in people pays off in sustainable business success.

Show Overview 00:00 Decentralized Growth Model Strategy

05:02 Discovering Leadership Potential at 13

09:52 Leadership Development and Communication

12:24 Building Momentum: Strategic Flywheel

15:47 Clarifying Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

18:38 Blueprint for Growth and Alignment

21:49 Resolving Friction Through Communication Framework

25:19 Building Trust Through Behavioral Feedback

30:57 Exploring Business Ownership Options

33:23 Celebrating Wins and Achievements

38:24 Strategic Relationship-Driven Growth

41:32 Unprecedented Strength and Future Goals

46:15 Leadership and Critical Thinking Challenges

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Ray Brown, CEO and board chair of Scintilla EG holding company, which leads the Esco Group. Ray shares how the company's three unique business units, electric, automation, and safety, work together while embracing their own cultures. He explains why a holding company model allows each group to shine, drive innovation, and attract new opportunities through mergers and acquisitions.

Ray and Billy delve into why automation and AI are crucial for manufacturers, not to replace workers, but to meet the increasing demand as older generations retire and fewer young people enter the workforce. Ray stresses how curiosity, permission to try (and fail), and employee ownership fuel Esco's culture of growth. He also discusses the importance of community involvement and shares stories about Esco's support during local crises.

For businesses facing workforce and technology challenges, Ray's advice is to invest in people, encourage curiosity, and create lasting value for employees and their families. This episode is packed with real-life leadership wisdom and inspiration for helping teams grow and succeed together.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Importance of Cultivating Distinct Cultures Within Business Units

Ray Brown explains the decision to adopt a holding company model, emphasizing that different business units often have unique cultures and operational styles. By allowing each to develop its own identity, Esco Group empowers its teams to excel and fosters innovation tailored to their distinct workforces and client needs.

2. Staying Curious Fuels Innovation and AI Adoption

Ray highlights curiosity as a core value, driving both personal and organizational growth, particularly in the adoption of new technologies such as automation and AI. He encourages leaders to model curiosity, share use cases, and give employees permission to experiment and even fail, all of which help demystify new tech and build a culture ready to adapt and improve.

3. Investing in People Creates Lasting Value

Throughout the conversation, Ray and Billy stress that people are at the heart of successful organizations. Whether through mentoring, leadership development, or supporting employees during community crises, investing in people not only strengthens organizations but also creates a positive ripple effect for families and the broader community. This people-first focus is central to both Esco and the broader employee ownership movement.

Show Overview 00:00 ESOP Strategy: Exploring Holding Companies

06:16 Ray Brown: A High-Energy Innovator

07:35 Origins of Esco Automation

12:26 Scaling AI for Organizational Efficiency

13:51 Teaching Leadership Through Experience

19:12 Holistic Career Development Journey

21:35 Understanding Millennial and Gen Z Communication

26:04 Dedicated Leadership and Employee Ownership

30:12 Community Resilience and Support Strategies

32:29 Fostering Leadership and Growth Strategy

36:19 Strategic Business Planning Approach

On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Jason Bader, principal of the Distribution Team and an expert in strategic business coaching for wholesale distribution companies. Jason talks about his journey from working in his family's contractor supply business at a young age to becoming a teacher and trusted advisor in the distribution world. The conversation covers the importance of trust and communication between sales and operations, the challenge of managing change, and the need for setting clear goals and measures within organizations.

Jason also shares insights about his "Branch Manager Bootcamp," which focuses not just on operational skills but on teaching new leaders how to manage people and grow into their roles. The episode highlights the future of distribution—especially how technology like AI is changing the industry—and emphasizes that success comes from being teachable, staying curious, and leading with humility. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to improve their leadership and business management skills.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Build Trust to Manage Change Effectively

Jason emphasizes that the foundation of any successful organizational change is trust. Without it, efforts to improve operational efficiency or implement new processes will face resistance. Leaders must focus on transparent communication and building relationships to create a culture that embraces change.

Holistic Approach to Distribution Leadership

Jason explains that operational areas like inventory management don't exist in a vacuum—they are interdependent with other parts of the business, such as sales and broader leadership. He shifted his consultancy to address the whole organization, not just one department, in order to truly help companies implement lasting improvements.

Embrace Humility and Lifelong Learning

Jason's advice for emerging leaders centers on humility—remaining teachable and coachable at any stage of one's career. He believes that being open to learning and staying curious is a "superpower" that sustains growth, both personally and organizationally.

Show Overview 00:00 Discovering Jason's Teaching Passion

05:32 Streamlining Wholesale Distribution Strategy

09:58 "Balancing Change in Operational Culture"

12:39 Effective Leadership Through Clear Communication

16:28 Establishing Trust Before Expertise

18:25 Consultants: Experts or Listeners?

21:38 Soft Skills Training Focus

24:04 Holistic Inventory Management Challenges

27:56 "Evaluate Tech Needs Before Investing"

30:50 Reviving Dormant Accounts with AI

36:51 Maximizing Operational Efficiency

39:21 Choosing Service Over Family Business

41:04 Servant Leadership and Purpose

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Dr. Stacy Wellborn, a serial entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and professor at Spring Hill College. Stacy shares how her real-world business experience shapes her teaching, making classroom lessons more practical and relatable for students. She discusses the importance of blending academic theory with real examples, helping students prepare for real challenges after graduation.

The conversation covers how today's students are interested in entrepreneurship and the idea of having control over their careers, including side hustles and the importance of thinking like an owner, even as an employee ("intrapreneurship"). Stacy also touches on the differences between Gen Z and previous generations, especially around setting boundaries and valuing flexibility at work.

The episode dives into why teamwork matters, the value of learning from failure, and the power of vision and communication in leadership. Dr. Wellborn encourages young leaders to embrace continuous learning, seek out new information from multiple sources, and always ask good questions. If you're passionate about leadership growth or want practical tips on preparing for the workforce, this episode is for you!

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Value of Combining Real-World Experience with Academic Theory:

Stacy Wellborn highlights how bringing practical, real-world business experience into the classroom, coupled with academic theory, enhances student learning. She discusses how sharing current challenges from her consulting career allows students to see the direct application (and limitations) of theoretical models. 2. The Importance of Teaching and Embracing Failure:

Stacy stresses the need for young leaders and students to learn how to handle failure effectively. She notes that success often comes from how you respond to setbacks, not just from your initial achievements, and emphasizes that failure offers essential lessons for growth and resilience. 3. Communication of Vision is Essential for Leadership:

Both Billy and Stacy discuss that having a vision isn't enough, a leader must clearly communicate that vision to rally their team. Leaders need to articulate where the organization is headed, how to get there, and each person's role, ensuring alignment and buy-in across the group.

Show Overview

00:00 Leadership Insights Podcast

05:46 From Classroom to Warehouse Insight

07:34 Entrepreneurial Shift for Gen Z

11:09 Balancing Leadership and Contributor Development

15:29 Customer Engagement and Future Vision

19:04 Team Communication Strategies

19:35 Animal Personality Test Insights

24:12 Digital Influence Degree Launch

27:40 Leadership Influence and Role Models

31:39 Empowering Youth for Entrepreneurship

35:50 Gen Z: Balancing Technology and Life

38:28 Embracing Hustle Culture Across Generations

42:22 Impact of Emotional State on Personality Tests

44:06 Understanding My Introverted Energy

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Jimmy Messer, Head of School at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Jimmy shares how his background in basketball coaching shaped his approach to leading teams of educators, emphasizing the importance of putting the right people in the right roles and building a team culture focused on shared goals.

Jimmy explains that a coachable attitude, being open to feedback and putting the team first, is key to successful leadership in any setting. He also highlights the value of modeling positive behaviors, consistent communication, and creating an environment where staff and students can thrive. Jimmy discusses the importance of celebrating wins, both big and small, and staying true to your own leadership style while learning from others.

From building strong parent partnerships to navigating challenges like the rise of AI in education, Jimmy offers practical insights and real-world stories for anyone interested in leadership or education. His advice? Be genuine, listen and learn, surround yourself with good people, and don't forget to celebrate the journey.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Importance of Team Alignment and Coachability

Jimmy Messer draws strong parallels between coaching sports teams and leading staff in education. He highlights how vital it is to not only have the right people on your team but to ensure they're in roles that fit their strengths. A coachable individual, he says, is someone who puts team goals before personal ambitions, making them invaluable to building a strong, high-performing culture.

2. Modeling Culture Over Merely Talking About It

Messer emphasizes that culture is built by example, not just by words or stated values. Leaders and teachers must model the behaviors and standards they expect from others—whether that's picking up trash on campus or going above and beyond in their roles. Consistent actions, not just slogans, are what truly shape and reinforce a school's culture.

3. Adapting and Growing with Feedback

Both internal (staff/teachers) and external (students/parents) feedback are pivotal to Messer's approach. He shares how he actively seeks candid input and uses it as a guide for continuous improvement. Whether through teacher surveys, parent meetings, or student exit interviews, Messer keeps clear communication channels open so the school can evolve to meet current needs and build trust throughout the community.

Show Overview

00:00 Coaching's Impact on Leadership

05:58 Differing Approaches: Athletes vs. Staff

08:26 Modeling Leadership Through Actions

12:39 Performance Metrics and Accountability

13:25 Importance of Classroom Effectiveness

17:35 Coaching Adults vs. Students

22:09 Consistency and Culture in Coaching

24:34 Parental Feedback in Capital Campaign

28:44 Tribal Leadership Through Community Service

30:56 Unplanned Talent Show Impact

35:48 AI's Power and Limitations

37:53 Coach Green's Humble Leadership

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Don Monistere, CEO and President of General Informatics, to talk all things artificial intelligence (AI) in the business world. Don explains how fast AI is changing and how companies are struggling to keep up. He shares that most leaders recognize the need to utilize AI but are unsure of where to begin. Don recommends a "crawl, walk, run, fly" approach—start small, learn quickly, and gradually use more advanced tools.

They also discuss the importance of training employees on AI, being cautious with company data, and keeping everyone informed about the AI tools being used. Don says AI is not about replacing people, but rather about helping them do their jobs more effectively. He provides examples, such as using AI to write blog posts, answer emails, or schedule meetings automatically. Looking ahead, Don believes AI will continue to improve and help make businesses more efficient, allowing people to focus on what matters most. The main message: embrace AI now, or risk being left behind.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Start Small and Iterate with AI (Crawl, Walk, Run, Fly)

Don strongly recommends a gradual, iterative approach to adopting AI, rather than trying to overhaul processes all at once. This allows organizations to quickly gain value with low-risk applications (like automating simple tasks) and build confidence and expertise before tackling more advanced uses.

2. AI is a Worker Enhancer, Not a Replacement

Both Don and Billy emphasize that AI shouldn't be viewed as something that will immediately replace human jobs. Instead, it can make employees far more efficient and productive, allowing them to focus on higher-value, fulfilling work by automating repetitive or mundane tasks.

3. Data Security and Transparency are Essential

As companies move toward integrating AI, Don emphasizes the critical importance of transparency in data usage and the tools employees are using. Organizations need to strike a balance between accessibility and robust security, ensuring that sensitive information is properly governed and that employees are clear about the safe and ethical use of AI.

Key Topics:

- AI is Everywhere: Don explains that AI is developing faster than any technology he's seen in his 37-year career. Companies know they need AI, but many don't know where to begin.

- How to Get Started: Don advises companies to start by understanding their data and being open to slowly trying AI in different areas—crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and then fly.

- Leadership in the Age of AI: Great leaders must be flexible and willing to try new things, rather than being stuck in old ways. Being open to experimenting and learning from mistakes is key.

- Using AI at Work: Simple uses include writing job descriptions or memos. More complex uses involve having AI analyze lots of data or streamline company processes.

- Security and Trust: With AI utilizing a significant amount of company data, keeping information secure is more important than ever. It's vital for companies to be transparent with their employees about the tools they use and to establish robust security protocols.

- People and AI Together: AI isn't here to replace people but to help them do their jobs even better. Investing in training so employees know how to use AI is essential.

- Facing Fears: Don says that people shouldn't be worried about AI taking their jobs if they learn how to use it. Businesses are more likely to grow by making employees more productive, not by cutting jobs.

- Looking Ahead: Over the next few years, AI will continue to improve at assisting humans in decision-making, data analysis, and mundane tasks, thereby freeing workers to focus on more meaningful work.

Episode Lessons:

Start small and experiment with AI in the workplace.

Leaders should be flexible and encourage innovation.

Security and open communication are critical with new tools.

Training workers to use AI is now part of being a successful company.

AI is best used to help people, not replace them.

Quote of the Episode:

"AI isn't a worker replacement, it's a worker enhancer."

Show Overview 00:00 Corporate America's AI Monetization Challenge

05:03 Starting AI Integration Conversation

10:11 Investing in AI: Efficiency Gains

12:38 Model Suite Tailored to Projects

14:38 RFP Automation Efficiency

20:37 Balancing Efficiency and Employee Engagement

23:14 AI Essential for Modern Content Writing

25:55 Embrace AI or Risk Obsolescence

30:05 "Agent Training for Content Creation"

32:34 AI's Impact on Future Writing

35:28 AI's Future Impact on Interfaces

40:21 Unified AI-Driven Data Integration

43:14 AI's Future Business Advantages

46:27 AI Assistant Handles Calls

On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren welcomes Shelby Sledge, co-founder of Strategic Mixtape, to discuss the power of authentic communication inside organizations and with customers. Shelby breaks down how her team helps companies tailor their messaging, like making a custom mixtape, so that it fits their unique needs and values. She explains why it's vital for organizations to align their internal messaging with how they communicate with customers, and shares why being genuine, transparent, and consistent builds trust.

Shelby also dives into customer journey mapping, the importance of ongoing conversations with both employees and customers and the need for leaders to keep learning, especially as technology and social media keep changing how we share information. The conversation explores handling feedback, crafting brief and effective messages, and why storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to connect with people. Shelby wraps up with advice for future leaders: stay curious, work hard, and focus on serving others.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Authentic Internal and External Communication

Shelby emphasizes that organizations thrive when their internal health supports their external messaging. Being true to core company values and ensuring consistency between what happens "inside the house" and what's shared with the outside world builds genuine trust with both employees and customers.

2. Customer Journey Mapping Starts with Listening

A critical step in effective communication and marketing is truly understanding your audiences—not just through assumptions, but by engaging in ongoing conversations, seeking feedback, and identifying real pain points. This kind of curiosity and dialogue helps companies align messaging with what their audiences actually need.

3. Balancing Technology and Humanity in Communication

As digital tools and AI rapidly evolve, Shelby points out the importance of maintaining the human aspect in storytelling and communication. While AI can enhance efficiency, organizations should use these tools to support, not replace, authentic human connection and empathy in their messaging.

These takeaways offer actionable insights for leaders who want to cultivate stronger, more aligned communication strategies that resonate both inside and outside their organizations.

Show Overview 00:00 Shelby Sledge - Marketing Expert with A Stellar Track Record

03:46 Integrated Internal & External Communications

08:25 Understanding Audience Needs

10:12 Continuous Customer Engagement Essential

15:40 Defining Values Through Intentional Planning

16:57 Integrity: Living Core Company Values

22:01 AI's Pervasive Influence & Human Communication

25:09 Effective Six-Second Storytelling Ads

29:28 Strategic Content Targeting

32:56 Audience-Centric Service Focus

37:07 Empathy's Role in AI Communication

38:06 AI's Uncanny Valley vs. Human Touch

41:18 Lessons from Intro to Journalism