24 - Timeless to Trailblazing: How One Family Business Rewrote Its Future
Leading a Family-Owned Business to New Heights: Insights from Ken Ruh, President and CEO of Carby Corporation
In the latest episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia sits down with Ken Ruh, the President and CEO of Carby Corporation, a family-owned precision manufacturing business with a rich 75-year history. Ken shares his journey transitioning from large multinational corporations to leading a smaller, family-run business. This episode explores the cultural and strategic shifts he has implemented to drive growth, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders in family businesses looking to evolve and thrive in today's competitive landscape.
Adapting to Change and Driving Growth at Carby Corporation
Ken Ruh’s career trajectory is a testament to his adaptability and leadership. With a background in operations, project management, and sales, Ken initially honed his skills in large corporations before joining Carby Corporation. His transition to a family business was driven by a desire to have a more significant impact and a passion for the company’s potential. One of the first steps Ken took was to shift the company culture towards innovation and a growth-oriented mindset. By encouraging a more entrepreneurial approach, he empowered his team to embrace competition and seize new opportunities. This cultural transformation has been crucial for the company’s growth and resilience in a rapidly changing market.
As Ken continued to develop Carby’s leadership and business operations, he recognized the need to modernize the company’s internal processes. He introduced data-driven decision-making by implementing a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system to streamline operations and improve financial planning. This technology allowed Carby to identify areas for improvement, measure operations more effectively, and respond faster to market demands. Investing in new technologies and enhancing operational efficiency has been pivotal in keeping the company competitive, while maintaining a customer-focused approach that emphasizes quality and innovation.
Looking to the future, Ken is excited about the opportunities for Carby Corporation, particularly as the company launches new products and explores growth in specific verticals. His commitment to blending the company’s long-standing values with modern strategies positions Carby for continued success. Ken’s story exemplifies how embracing change and leveraging new opportunities can propel a family business to new heights, ensuring long-term success and growth in an ever-evolving industry.
About Ken Ruh
Ken Ruh is the President and CEO of Carby Corporation, a company specializing in precision manufacturing for a range of industries. With extensive experience in large corporations and a passion for entrepreneurial leadership, Ken has successfully transitioned Carby Corporation into a growth-oriented, innovative business. Under his leadership, Carby has embraced new technologies, fostered a customer-centric culture, and positioned itself for continued success in a competitive market.
About Carby Corporation
Carby Corporation is a family-owned precision manufacturing company with a legacy that spans over 75 years. Specializing in producing high-quality components for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense, Carby has built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and excellence. The company’s commitment to evolving its processes and leveraging new technologies allows it to remain at the forefront of the precision manufacturing industry.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Cultural Transformation: Ken discusses how shifting Carby Corporation’s culture towards innovation and a growth-oriented mindset was essential for its success.
Data-Driven Decisions: The implementation of an ERP system allowed Carby to improve operations and financial planning, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
Customer-Centric Growth: Focused on customer needs, Carby adapted its approach to include new technologies and a more agile response to market demands.
Embracing New Opportunities: Ken shares his excitement about the future growth opportunities for Carby, especially as they launch new products and expand into new markets.
Leadership in Family Business: The importance of maintaining family values while adopting modern business strategies is a key theme in Ken's leadership approach.
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