Hemingway’s Idaho: Code, Companions, and Characters
Ernest Hemingway first came to Sun Valley, Idaho in 1939 upon invitation from the Sun Valley Resort to promote the local hunting and fishing opportunities to potential guests. The celebrated author fell in love with the area and would return regularly, ultimately building a home in the community and creating life-long friendships with local outdoorsmen.
In this Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 presentation, Phil Huss, Upper School English teacher at Sun Valley Community School, shares Hemingway’s deep connections with the land and community in the Sun Valley area and describes the parallels between the “heroic code” that reappears throughout his works and Evergreen principles.
David Versus Goliath: Purposeful Growth in a Mature Industry
Former Whelan Security President and CEO Greg Twardowski had two impactful, early lessons in the transformative power of connecting emotionally with employees. These lessons guided his stewardship of the 70-year-old contract security business and the company's unique culture.
In his presentation from Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Greg shares the very personal experiences that shaped his time at Whelan Security and the values and strategy that propelled the company to 30 years of unprecedented, purposeful growth under his stewardship.
The Importance of Evergreen Values in Business and Life
Why Evergreen? What key events or values lead a business owner or CEO to launch with or evolve to embrace the 7Ps that define the Evergreen movement?
In this panel discussion, presented at the Fourth Annual Olin Family Business Symposium at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis in October 2018, three Tugboat Institute members describe their Evergreen journey and specific events and experiences that reflect their companies’ commitment to Evergreen principles.
Featuring: Jess Rovello, Michael Dierberg, Greg Twardowski, and John Stupp Jr.
Culture by Design
When Jay Wilkinson opted to attend a four-day leadership training course to earn credits he needed as a high school student, he had no idea it would transform his life. The CEO of Firespring says the experience was pivotal in his journey as an entrepreneur and in the award-winning culture he has built at his global integrated marketing, printing, and software company.
In this presentation from Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Jay shares the story of his personal development, early business challenges, and the essential role that the Evergreen principle of People First plays in the success of Firespring.
What Do You Look for in an Evergreen Employee?
When Evergreen leaders seek employees for their Private, Purpose-driven companies, they are looking for team members who embody theEvergreen 7Ps. At Tugboat Institute Summit 2017 in Sun Valley, Idaho, our members described the traits they value most in their employees.
Featuring: Bryan Papé, Ross Evans, Jim Creel, Chip Dickinson, and Rick Sutton.
The Enduring Advantage of Strategic Ownership
In this panel discussion, presented at the Fourth Annual Olin Family Business Symposium at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis in October 2018, Tugboat Institute members Alaina Macia and Penny Pennington offer insight into their companies’ approaches to ownership and leadership through the Evergreen lens. Alaina offers the perspective of assuming leadership in and growing her family business, MTM Inc., while Penny, Managing Partner of Edward Jones Financial, shares insights around leading a nearly-100-year-old firm. These inspiring Evergreen leaders speak to what it takes to steward strategic ownership and thrive in the long term.
The Indelible Advantage of IN-N-OUT Burger
The story of In-N-Out Burger is, like many Evergreen businesses, a love story. Esther and Harry Snyder were deeply committed to each other and to their shared Purpose of building In-N-Out Burger. Their journey and the legacy of their shared dream reflects the foundation they built of People First principles and the continual Pragmatic Innovation and Paced Growth that has led to the iconic restaurant’s lasting success.
As part of his Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 welcome address, Dave Whorton, CEO of The Tugboat Group, shares the In-N-Out Burger story as an example of a business that exemplifies Evergreen principles.
Earliest Lesson in Perseverance
Evergreen leaders share a commitment to the long view as they build and scale their businesses. For many, lessons in perseverance and grit learned early in their lives have been formative in their approach to business. At Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, members told stories of their earliest experiences working through challenge to accomplish goals and find success.
Long Term Thinking in a Short Term World
We all have our own cognitive maps, unique to us and determined by our individual experiences and history. Sometimes, these maps can be limiting—in business and in life. While challenging, having the courage and Perseverance to see beyond the borders of your own cognitive map—and those of others—can lead to transformative expansion, innovation, and success for Evergreen businesses.
In his presentation from Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Arpad Molnar, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Obsidian Wine Co., shares his experience building a business that has continually disrupted the cognitive map within his industry and has maintained a steadfast focus on the long term, rather than on short-term gains.
Finding the Joy in Unpacking
In business and in life, many of us fill our packs with emotional, physical, and professional weight that can impact our ability to move efficiently and in good health. Intentionally unpacking obligations, habits, and control that don’t serve us can create opportunity for transformative growth—in self and in Evergreen business.
In his presentation from the Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Joe Motz, President and CEO of The Motz Corporation, describes the pivotal, personal experience that set him on a journey of intentional unpacking and the joyful changes that process has brought to his business and his physical and emotional wellbeing.
