What does it take to lead one of the nation’s most trusted nonprofit service organizations through exponential growth while staying rooted in mission and integrity? In this episode of The Pivot Experience Podcast, we sit down with Howard Pearl, CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).
With over 30 years in the C-suite and a Harvard Business School OPM background, Howard has steered CARS into becoming a powerhouse in nonprofit support—returning over $600 million to more than 10,000 partners, from grassroots community groups to household names like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Under his leadership, CARS has expanded into real estate gifts, launched “On the Go” senior transportation services across 25 states, and earned both ISO 9001 certification and the 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
In this conversation, Howard unpacks the leadership principles that have guided high-stakes decisions, the role of innovation in expanding services, and the practical lessons nonprofits can adopt to create sustainable funding models. He also shares insights on cultivating a culture of trust, building scalable relationships, and balancing strategic growth with a deep heart for service.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, executive, or simply someone passionate about how values-driven leadership can transform communities, this episode offers invaluable takeaways.
