Building a Fortune 500 Culture at Tractor Supply with Joe Scarlett

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Joe Scarlett, retired CEO of Tractor Supply Company, to explore the leadership principles behind one of retail’s most remarkable turnarounds. For nearly 30 years, Joe helped transform Tractor Supply from a struggling retailer into a Fortune 500 company with more than 2,500 stores nationwide. But Joe believes the company’s greatest achievement wasn’t its growth—it was the culture that made that growth possible.   Joe shares how listening to frontline employees, empowering others to make decisions, building trust with partners, and creating a culture of accountability helped reshape an entire organization. He also reflects on the mentors who influenced him, the lessons he’s learned about humility and delegation, and why he has always considered himself a “head coach” rather than simply a CEO.   Whether you lead a business, a nonprofit, or a team of any size, this conversation offers practical insights on building organizations where people thrive, culture drives performance, and leadership is measured by the success of others.   You can find more of Joe's advice on life, leadership, and giving back, by signing up for his newsletter at joescarlett.com