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.


Tom Rosztoczy speaking at Summit 18

Growth through Acquisitions—A Learning Journey

Paced Growth is an essential principle of successful Evergreen businesses. While growth can be organic or accomplished through new ventures, some Evergreen companies will choose to grow through acquisition.

Tom Rosztoczy, CEO of Stotz Equipment, has guided his Evergreen company to grow from three John Deere dealerships in Arizona to 25 stores in eight Western states over the past 20 years. In his presentation from the Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Tom shares the key factors of that successful acquisition journey and the core values that are integrated into each new acquisition to continue to propel his Evergreen business forward.


It's a Family Tradition

Bobby Jenkins grew up working in the pest control business his father built in San Antonio, Texas, which has since grown to become ABC Home & Commercial, a company with multiple locations throughout Texas, which Bobby and his two brothers own.

In this presentation at Tugboat Institute Summit 2018, Bobby shares the story of how the Jenkins family has navigated succession and multi-generational ownership to this point, describing the key factors in their success and his hopes for the future of the business.


Introduction to Evergreen Principles

In this keynote presentation from the Fourth Annual Olin Family Business Symposium at Washington University in St. Louis on October 12, 2018, Dave Whorton shares the journey of discovery that led to his founding of Tugboat Institute and the Evergreen Movement.

Throughout his talk, he debunks common myths about business and contrasts them with the competitive advantage of Evergreens, and describes how Tugboat Institute is supporting Evergreen leaders and businesses today.


Primacy of Purpose

Fifty percent of every sale of Double Good gourmet popcorn is donated to support children with special needs. Alongside that clear focus on making a difference is 20 years of consistent revenue growth.

In his Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 presentation, Double Good CEO Tim Heitmann describes the powerful sense of purpose that has evolved over the company’s history—and the significant period of challenge that he feared would derail the business.


The Competitive Advantage of Evergreens

How does ownership of a company affect its ability to compete—for better or for worse? With a professional background that spans 20 years and includes consulting roles with Fortune 500 companies, the philanthropic sector, and family businesses, BanyanGlobal Partner and Co-Founder Josh Baron is uniquely qualified to answer that question.

In his Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 presentation, Josh describes the sustainable, competitive advantage of Evergreen businesses in this century, the survival strategies that will allow Evergreens to make the most of that advantage, and why he feels these businesses can make a dent in the universe.