In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Bruce Osterhaven, President of Big O Smokehouse. Bruce shares insights on the values and culture that guide his family-owned business, focusing on the importance of authenticity, customer service, and employee engagement. He discusses the challenges and rewards of taking over a family business, the significance of mentorship and peer groups, and the vital role of being coachable. Bruce also underscores the necessity of continuous learning and self-improvement as a leader. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how heart-centered leadership can create a thriving organizational culture, especially during generational transitions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building a business with heart means serving both employees and customers with passion and authenticity.
• Family businesses face unique challenges, especially during generational transitions; clear planning and open communication are essential.
• Coachability and willingness to learn are core values that drive company culture and success.
• Dependability and quality are critical in the food industry, where one mistake can impact many.
• Seeking advice, learning from peers, and staying open-minded are vital for leadership growth.

QUOTES

• “If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit, have a big head too much.”
• “Being able to go to a peer group, you know, bouncing ideas and issues with other people is priceless.”
• “The heart has to be all the way through… make products that are delicious and great, but also being able to serve everybody in a way that works for everybody on all levels.”
• “If I wouldn't eat this product… I want them to be able to get the message through all the systems so that we're able to produce what people want all the time.”
• “Coachability… once somebody's not coachable, then you can't keep going.”
• “If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit… I need to get outside myself and listen to podcasts and read books to keep myself on track and to think bigger.”
• “You got to earn some respect from the people… If they know their processes and what they're doing, then you're gonna get a lot more respect and a lot better feedback.”
• “Great cultures start with the heart.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Bruce Osterhaven.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-osterhaven-571624121/

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