To mark the end of our CEO year, we took a final capstone tour with both our current team and next year’s incoming members. It was an impactful day of learning, networking, and inspiration, with stops at 1st Phorm, Grace Meat + Three, and Companion Bakery.
1st Phorm – Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Walking into 1st Phorm, you immediately feel the intensity of their culture. From their massive American flag (the size of the original building where it all began) to their bold core values on every wall, the focus is clear: build a team of disciplined, driven leaders.
Key takeaways:
• Values-Driven Culture: Employees are hired and fired based on 12 core values, creating a tightly aligned, high-performance culture.
• Total Accountability: Everyone is measured against their goals, and the company encourages a mindset of helping, not just selling.
• Commitment to Personal Growth: Every employee starts at the ground level, reading mindset books and writing reports before moving up, emphasizing that success starts with small steps.
• Community Impact: Their charity work, like the #30ForTheKids initiative, highlights a commitment to giving back and making a difference beyond just business.
Grace Meat + Three – Community and Connection
At Grace Meat + Three, owner Rick Lewis shared his journey from working in a restaurant to owning his own, emphasizing the importance of building a loyal customer base and supporting the community. During the pandemic, they stepped up to provide free meals for those in need – a powerful reminder of the role businesses play in their communities.
Key takeaways:
• Serve First, Profit Follows: Focus on the needs of your community, and the business will thrive.
• Resilience Through Adversity: Lean on your values and adapt quickly when challenges arise.
• Plan for Growth: With a goal of expanding to five locations, they’re always looking forward and building for the future.
Companion Bakery – Scaling with Quality and Precision
At Companion Bakery, we saw the power of operational excellence. With over 40,000 pounds of bread produced daily and distribution to 30+ states, their focus is on precision, consistency, and customer relationships.
Key takeaways:
• Efficiency is Everything: Faster processes lead to better quality and higher output.
• Personal Touch Matters: Despite their scale, they prioritize relationships, making custom products and maintaining strong client connections.
• Never Stop Growing: Be prepared to say “yes” to opportunities and constantly improve.
Thank you to everyone who made this capstone tour possible. We’re excited to see what our group of young entrepreneurs will accomplish!
