The Winner’s Mindset: Leadership, Legacy, and Learning in Uncertain Times
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Release Date: 03/10/2026
Purpose at Highlights
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Tugboat Institute® Member Kent Johnson is the CEO of Highlights for Children, a family-led legacy brand dedicated to building a more optimistic and empathetic world for children. After an early career in physics and medical diagnostics, Kent has spent the last 20 years leading a media business centered on human development. In this Tugboat Institute talk, Kent explores how their commitment to Purpose acts as both an anchor during tragedy and an engine for innovation. He shares the history of Highlights—from its founding as a "dream child" to navigating a 1960 aeronautical disaster that...
info_outline
Innovation Begins with Observation
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Jim Gilmore is the co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP and the co-author of The Experience Economy and Look: A Toolkit for Making Better Decisions. As a pioneer in the study of consumer experiences and observational methods, Jim has spent decades helping organizations see the world—and their opportunities—more clearly. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Jim challenges the modern habit of screen-induced tunnel vision, arguing that true innovation begins with active, intentional observation of our immediate surroundings. He introduces his "Six Looking Glasses" framework—metaphorical tools...
info_outline
The Winner’s Mindset: Leadership, Legacy, and Learning in Uncertain Times
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Larry Hofstetter is the first non-family president of the 187-year-old Schaeffer Manufacturing Company. As the steward of a business founded in 1839, Larry has mastered the delicate balance of honoring nearly two centuries of history while navigating the complexities of modern disruption. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Larry explores his framework for cultivating a “winner’s mindset” that transforms unforeseen disruptive events from potential crises into strategic opportunities. Drawing on Schaeffer’s historical resilience through depressions, catastrophic fires, and global wars, he...
info_outline
Paddle for a Purpose
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Tugboat Institute® member Joe Motz, founder of The Motz Corporation, has spent nearly five decades building a legacy of innovation and integrity at one of the world’s most respected turf firms. But after transitioning the company to 100% employee ownership in 2018, Joe faced his toughest finish line yet: a 70th-birthday "bucket list" adventure that would take everything he had. In this Tugboat Talk, Joe recounts his grueling 3,000-mile solo paddle to raise $300,000 for The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation, an organization that creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities...
info_outline
Founder Meets Legacy: The Power of Two Perspectives
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Ashley Russo is a visionary leader, award-winning journalist, and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between industrial legacy and modern storytelling. Through her dual roles as CEO of Magnaplate and President of ASR Media, Ashley has mastered the art of blending the technical precision of manufacturing with the creative vision of media. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Ashley explores the unique tension of leading two highly contrasting industries and shares how these seemingly different worlds inform one another in unexpected ways. By harmonizing her family’s multi-generational heritage...
info_outline
Creative Leadership
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Rob Cordova is a thought leader, adjunct professor, and educator who transforms corporate learning into meaningful and inspiring experiences. Through his research on how our personal backgrounds shape our actions, Rob has developed a unique framework of reflective questions designed to help leaders step beyond their comfort zones. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Rob challenges us to confront our natural tendency to avoid uncertainty and reminds us that in moments of ambiguity, creativity isn’t optional—it’s essential. By modeling the very vulnerability and courage he encourages in...
info_outline
Baseball During the Great Depression: Owners Cope with Adversity
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
David Surdam is a historical economist and professor at the University of Northern Iowa who studies how organizations adapt under extreme economic pressure. In this Tugboat Institute® Summit 2025 talk, he shares the story of Major League Baseball during the Great Depression, when team owners faced one of the most challenging economic periods in American history. Their adaptation strategies not only helped them survive, but even thrive, offering timely lessons on resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring power of cultural institutions during difficult times. Listen and be inspired to consider...
info_outline
On P.E. Redux
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Over the last several years, private equity has continued its rapid expansion, reshaping the landscape of business ownership and investment. What was once limited to a small circle of institutional investors now reaches into 401k portfolios, making PE an increasingly dominant force in our economy. While this growth has fueled opportunity for many, it also poses new challenges for Evergreen® companies whose long-term, purpose-driven approach stands in sharp contrast to private equity’s short-term return model. Dave Whorton, Founder and CEO of Tugboat Institute®, revisits his 2019 talk,...
info_outline
From Vader to Evergreen: A CEO’s Journey to Enlightened Ownership
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Mark Steele is the president and owner of Craftsmen Industries and a former turnaround specialist for private equity firms. Early in his career, he stepped into struggling businesses and made the tough calls others avoided. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Mark shares how the opportunity to lead family-owned Craftsmen Industries sparked a profound shift in his career and business philosophy. He explores how leading the company, and ultimately becoming its owner, led him to embrace an approach to leadership and ownership grounded in Evergreen® values. Listen and be inspired by Mark’s...
info_outline
Profit with Purpose: Pricing Tactics for an Evergreen Business
Evergreen Journal+ by Tugboat Institute
Adam Echter is a partner at Simon-Kucher and a global expert in pricing strategy. A thought-leader and consultant, Adam brings decades of experience helping companies shape strategies that drive both profit and purpose. In this Tugboat Institute® Summit talk, Adam challenges the myth that purpose and profit are mutually exclusive. He lays out actionable pricing strategies that align with Evergreen® values, helping leaders create lasting value for customers while sustaining healthy margins. Through case studies and practical tools, Adam demonstrates that pricing, done well, is not just a...
info_outlineLarry Hofstetter is the first non-family president of the 187-year-old Schaeffer Manufacturing Company. As the steward of a business founded in 1839, Larry has mastered the delicate balance of honoring nearly two centuries of history while navigating the complexities of modern disruption.
In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Larry explores his framework for cultivating a “winner’s mindset” that transforms unforeseen disruptive events from potential crises into strategic opportunities. Drawing on Schaeffer’s historical resilience through depressions, catastrophic fires, and global wars, he illustrates how a foundation of trust enables an organization to adapt with speed and clarity. By distilling 180 years of institutional knowledge into an Evergreen® philosophy, Larry provides a roadmap for leading through uncertainty while maintaining a steadfast commitment to future generations.
Listen and be inspired to view disruption as a catalyst for growth, to build deep-rooted trust within your organization, and to lead with a long-term vision that ensures your company is built to last and win for another seven generations.