Chapter 6: Grow Or Die

06/27/23 • 34 min

There comes a point in every company’s history when you have to make a difficult decision.

For Norhart, that decision was who they hire, and how they grow.

In this episode, you’ll hear Mike share his experience building Encore, a heartfelt tribute to his father, Ed, that served as a transformative milestone for their burgeoning company. Drawing inspiration from this endeavor, he shares how they began to adopt a "grow or die" philosophy.

Through the voices of early employees, you’ll hear stories about the lack of workplace safety in those days, and how certain incidents served as a wakeup call for how they were operating. You’ll also learn how Norhart’s hiring mindset shifted—it was no longer enough to hire good employees, they had to hire the best, even if it cost them more.

With this shift, they soon realized the incalculable worth of employees who radiate passion for their craft, have ceaseless hunger for learning, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

Join us for this next chapter as we explore the stories of employees leaping beyond their comfort zones, seizing possibilities, and transforming obstacles into springboards to success.

Beat the banks! Interested in earning up to 8.5% interest? Visit Norhart Invest to learn more!

There comes a point in every company’s history when you have to make a difficult decision.

For Norhart, that decision was who they hire, and how they grow.

With this shift, they soon realized the incalculable worth of employees who radiate passion for their craft, have ceaseless hunger for learning, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

Join us for this next chapter as we explore the stories of employees leaping beyond their comfort zones, seizing possibilities, and transforming obstacles into springboards to success.

Beat the banks! Interested in earning up to 8.5% interest? Visit Norhart Invest to learn more!

Previous Episode

Chapter 5: Stepping Up

Many companies are able to plan for a transition in leadership. For Norhart and the Kaeding family, that wasn’t the case.

With Ed suddenly gone, Mike and Alyssa are forced to wrap their arms around the business in ways they’ve never had to, all while starting a family of their own.

In this episode, you’ll hear how they struggled, and how an almost devastating car accident forced Mike to realize where his priorities needed to be. From confronting personal and familial obstacles to complexities of integrating new technology into their business operations, this next chapter shines a light on the hardships that come with entrepreneurship.

Join us as we delve into the raw and unfiltered realities of navigating the unpredictable waters of the business world for a new leader growing a business and a family.

Beat the banks! Interested in earning up to 8.5% interest? Visit Norhart Invest to learn more!

Next Episode

Chapter 7: Not The What… The Who

Leadership is tested when obstacles arise. Some may see them coming, but for Norhart, crisis fell into their lap.

In this episode, Norhart Facilities Director Keith tells the tale of how a harrowing incident at a construction site prompted Norhart to evolve their hiring practices and become a business empowered by a set of core values.

Furthermore, we uncover the fascinating stories of Dan's children, who earned their positions through meritocracy rather than nepotism. Shaped by their upbringing, they possess exceptional problem-solving skills and a sense of independence that contributes to the company's success.

Through these stories, you’ll witness how the organization’s mindset shifts from the what to the who.

Tune in to this episode of Zero to Unicorn to see how Norhart fights through crisis to become a values-based business.

Beat the banks! Interested in earning up to 8.5% interest? Visit Norhart Invest to learn more!