Ralph C. Stayer, Founder of Johnsonville, Building Business With a People First Attitude, Episode 286

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Ralph Stayer, is the founder of Johnsonville Sausage, one of America's most beloved family-owned food companies. From humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town of just 65 people, Ralph helped grow Johnsonville from an 8-person operation into a global brand by radically rethinking leadership, purpose, Capitalism, and what it means to build a business with heart.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Ralph in sunny Naples, Florida, for a deep conversation about faith, capitalism, giving, and legacy. Ralph shares how his own leadership transformation began in frustration and burnout, eventually leading him to create a company culture grounded in empowerment, service, and stewardship. From mentoring his team to consulting for hospitals and leading charitable initiatives that raise tens of millions for children, Ralph’s life is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.

“You’re not building sausage. You’re building people who make sausage.” - Ralph Stayer
“Capitalism isn’t a tool of the rich—it’s God’s gift to the poor.” - Ralph Stayer
“There’s only one real measure of success: hearing, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’” - Ralph Stayer

This Week on the Wow Factor:

Ralph’s early life working summers in the Johnsonville factory and walking the riverbanks with a .22
The pivotal leadership shift that came after a frustrating period of rapid growth and employee disengagement
How consultant Lee Thayer helped Ralph see that the real value of a company is its people
The transformation from being a boss to building a culture of empowerment and trust
Why Ralph believes businesses must talk openly about God and purpose at work
The revelation that led Ralph to embrace giving not just money, but time and wisdom

Why the phrase “give back” needs to be rethought—and how capitalism enables human flourishing
Ralph’s involvement in raising over $33 million in a single afternoon for children’s charities through the Naples Winter Wine Festival

Ralph’s Word of Wisdom:

There’s really only one measure of real success—and that’s whether you hear, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ That’s what I’m working toward. Not money. Not fame. Not status. Just that.

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