407: Ron Alvesteffer: From $3M to $350M: The Power of Talent & Grit

What does it take to grow a business from 3 million to over 350 million dollars without losing sight of your purpose, people, or principles? In this Leadership With Heart Podcast episode, I reconnect with Ron Alvesteffer, President and CEO of Service Express, who returns with even more perspective, humility, and wisdom than when we first spoke years ago. Ron shares what it means to lead a fast-growing organization in today's business world without focusing only on numbers or scale. At the core of his message is a deep belief that culture starts with people and that sustainable growth is built on the foundation of hiring, empowering, and retaining the right talent. Ron opens up about how his leadership philosophy has evolved since he was first featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning, coaching, and intentionality keeps him energized in the face of new challenges. In our conversation, Ron discusses embracing the journey, not just the milestones. He reflects on lessons learned through failure, why running toward problems is often where the most significant breakthroughs happen, and how he continues to sharpen his self-leadership skills even as his role expands. We also explore how to hold people accountable with care, avoid the burnout trap of being "busy," and what it means to be a leader who builds other leaders. Whether you're a CEO, team manager, or someone simply trying to figure out your next move, there's something in this episode for you. Ron's story is a reminder that growth—real, meaningful growth—isn't about shortcuts. It's about showing up, doing the work, staying humble, and staying hungry. What challenges have shaped your leadership the most? And how do you make space to keep growing when the pace doesn't slow? Let me know what resonated with you and share your thoughts after listening.