Building a Legacy: Blueprint for Leadership and Growth
Ron Alvesteffer, President & CEO at Service Express
In today’s episode of the Break Free Podcast, David Mansilla interviews Ron Alvesteffer, CEO of Service Express. Over 27 years, Ron has grown his company from a $3 million business with four locations to a $350 million enterprise with over 53 locations across the U.S. and Europe. Ron’s journey is one of dedication, servant leadership, and unwavering faith. He shares invaluable insights on building a thriving business while fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.
The Journey of 100x Growth
1. From Humble Beginnings
Ron joined Service Express as its 15th employee, managing four locations with $3 million in revenue. Over the years, he’s led the company to exponential growth, boasting 53 locations and $350 million in revenue today. This remarkable journey is a testament to persistence, vision, and teamwork.
2. Setting Big Goals
Inspired by Jim Collins' concept of a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” (BHAG), Ron and his team set ambitious milestones, such as reaching $100 million by 2020. While this goal took 20 years, the company doubled its achievements twice in just five years, illustrating the power of clear vision and strategic planning.
3. Embracing Change
Ron attributes Service Express’s success to its ability to evolve. By pivoting strategies during challenges like COVID-19 and embracing acquisitions, the company has grown beyond expectations. Adaptability, according to Ron, is essential to long-term success.
Servant Leadership as the Cornerstone
1. Leading by Serving
Ron lives by the Zig Ziglar quote, “You can get everything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want.” This mindset forms the foundation of Service Express’s leadership approach, emphasizing empowerment and collaboration over authority.
2. Building a People-Centric Culture
Under Ron’s leadership, Service Express prioritizes creating a culture where employees can thrive personally, professionally, and financially. By focusing on individual growth, the company ensures its team members achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.
3. Humility and Self-Reflection
Ron emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership. Early in his career, he realized his intense focus on numbers overlooked the well-being of his team. Through self-reflection, he transformed his approach, prioritizing care and connection with his employees.
Faith and Business Success
1. A Journey Guided by Faith
As a Christian, Ron acknowledges the role of faith in his journey. He believes his success is a “God thing,” attributing the blessings and guidance he’s received to divine intervention and trust in God’s plan.
2. Praying Bigger Prayers
Ron encourages leaders to dream big and pray even bigger. Early in his career, he couldn’t have imagined Service Express’s trajectory, but his faith gave him the confidence to pursue seemingly impossible goals.
3. Living the Golden Rule
Ron draws inspiration from the biblical principle of servant leadership, striving to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This philosophy underpins his efforts to serve employees, clients, and the broader community.
Overcoming Challenges Through Self-Reflection
1. Learning from Mistakes
Ron candidly shares how his early leadership mistakes—such as being overly driven and focusing solely on numbers—led to frustration for both him and his team. These experiences taught him the value of caring for people first.
2. Balancing Care and Performance
Service Express fosters a “care plus performance” culture, blending compassion for employees with the drive to achieve results. Ron emphasizes that focusing solely on either care or performance can hinder growth, but the right balance creates sustainable success.
3. Continuous Improvement
Ron believes in solving problems and learning from failures. He sees every mistake as an opportunity to grow, both individually and organizationally, reinforcing the idea that success comes from consistent effort over time.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Leaders
1. Adding Value Beyond Expectations
Ron advises leaders to consistently go above and beyond their roles. Whether it’s arriving early, staying late, or solving problems proactively, these small efforts compound into significant achievements over time.
2. Embracing a Growth Mindset
Ron stresses the importance of evolving as a leader and encouraging others to grow alongside you. He shares how Service Express helps employees achieve personal and professional milestones through tools like vision talks.
3. Pursuing Opportunity, Not Perks
Ron challenges aspiring leaders to focus on creating value rather than chasing titles or pay raises. True leadership, he explains, comes from serving others and taking initiative, even without recognition.
Conclusion
Ron Alvesteffer’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and servant leadership. From his early days as a restless 20-something to leading a $350 million company, Ron’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a thriving business while staying true to their values. By prioritizing people, embracing change, and staying humble, he’s created a legacy that inspires others to dream big and lead with purpose.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“You can get everything you want out of life if you help enough other people get what they want.”
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