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.
The Big Future of Small Town History
What do you envision when you picture idyllic small-town life? Beautiful historic buildings? A walkable downtown core filled with thriving businesses? Connected neighbors and a vibrant sense of civic pride?
All of these points are goals for Amy Simmons, founder of Amy’s Ice Creams, and her husband, who have been revitalizing the town of Smithville, Texas. As they work with other community members and encourage outside investment, their hope is to offer opportunity, encourage entrepreneurship and make lasting, positive, sustainable change. In her Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 presentation, Amy shares the Smithville story and her observations about the joy—and challenge—of revitalizing a small town.
The Evergreen Advantage
There are freedoms and advantages that come with being an Evergreen company. In this Tugboat Institute Summit video, our members share what being Evergreen allows them to do that they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. Some lessons are practical; others are personal. All of them are true.
Featuring: Don MacAskill, Will Snook, Dan Kenary, and Wynne Odell
Early Stories
We love hearing about the memorable early stories that defined our Evergreen companies. They often evoke the passion and perseverance that’s especially important to bootstrapping a company. Whether it’s a memorable employee, a disastrous situation, or a nickname that evolved into a badge of honor, our members recall the details in their own words.
Featuring: Jay Wilkinson, Stephane Fitch, Courtney Kingston, Jairemy Drooger, Amy Simmons, Daniel Goldstein, and Steven Jacob
Profit With a Purpose: The REI Story
Dennis Madsen’s journey at outdoor retailer REI started in the stock room at REI’s first store when Madsen was 17. Under his leadership as CEO, and later as a board member, REI grew to the national brand it is today, respected for its products, inviting stores and quality customer service.
In this Tugboat Institute Summit talk, Madsen acquaints us with REI’s remarkable history, its unique co-op model, his growth with the company and how REI focuses on its employees, customers and local communities.
My First Buck
We all remember how we made our first buck — and for many Evergreen leaders it was something quite entrepreneurial, or an entry-level job that unveiled their passion for serving customers. In this Tugboat Institute Summit video, our members look back on their first-buck moments.
Featuring: Will Snook, Don MacAskill, Dan Kenary and Wynne Odell.
