ScottsMiracle-Gro CEO Jim Hagedorn On Overcoming Losing $2 Billion

In this episode of The CEO Series, William Salvi sits down with Jim Hagedorn, CEO of ScottsMiracle-Gro. Hagedorn opens up about the most turbulent chapter of his career: a $2 billion gamble on the cannabis industry that nearly ran the company into the ground. He discusses the intense pressure of "burning money," the isolation of leadership during a crisis, and the difficult reality of cutting hundreds of millions in operating expenses to keep the business afloat. Hagedorn also shares insights into his unconventional path to CEO, from running away from home at 15 to join a commune to flying F-16s in the Air Force. He reflects on the "ruthless" but influential relationship with his father, Horace Hagedorn, and how he eventually spearheaded the massive deal between Scotts and Miracle-Gro.