Think Bigger, Lead Better: Rick Tollakson on Building Teams, Culture, and Community Impact

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Rick Tollakson, CEO of Hubbell Realty Company and author of Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success. For more than 20 years, Rick has shaped Hubbell into one of Iowa’s most respected real estate organizations, known for its “Extreme Builds” and deep community involvement. Rick shares how a chance meeting with Sister Stella Neill changed the trajectory of his leadership philosophy, inspiring him to “think bigger” and challenge others to do the same. He discusses how empathy and passion drive company culture, what it takes to balance entrepreneurial freedom with accountability, and how to build a lasting legacy through people and purpose.