Blake Behr never imagined he would start his own company, but, as the saying goes, never say never. Now he’s President of Ridgeline Electrical Industries.
A terrible work environment pushed him to make the leap and create a place where people actually enjoyed working. Pretty crazy concept, right?
Basic things like showing appreciation and creating a positive culture might sound easy enough but require a lot of time and serious commitment – something many bosses aren’t willing to invest in. Blake invests in his employees and students (he also teaches at a trade school) personally and professionally because he knows from experience how much influence people have when they take the time to invest in others.
How does he make time for it all? He makes Zero Excuses, and you can, too.
Key Takeaways:
- When you invest in others, it comes back to you in spades
- You’ll never know if something works or not if you never commit to trying
- People are only loyal if you give them a reason to be
Things to Listen For:
- [01:32] Why Blake started his own company
- [03:23] What makes people enjoy their jobs
- [04:35] Leaning into core values when the going gets tough
- [05:09] How COVID made everyday communication more meaningful
- [06:29] Taking the time to invest in development and growth
- [07:10] The excuses bosses use for not investing in work culture
- [10:57] Building talent rather than trying to find it
- [11:25] Why leaders need to always be improving themselves
- [13:23] What experience really means
- [14:42] Investing in someone personally and professionally
- [15:02] Blake’s hiring process
- [19:22] The signs of success from Blake’s approach
- [22:36] Blake’s motivation for impacting others
After You Listen:
- Connect with Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-behr-841a6818a/
- Learn more about Ridgeline Electrical Industries: https://www.ridgelineei.com
- Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smarrelli/
- Learn more about GadellNet Consulting Services: https://gadellnet.com/
More from the Zero Excuses Podcast:
Episode 001: There is time to travel
Episode 002: There is time to not work
Episode 003: There is time to improve yourself
Episode 004: There is time to build the life you want
Episode 005: There is time for laughter
Episode 006: There is time for relationships
Episode 007: There is time for community
Episode 008: There is time for renewal
Episode 009: There is time for loving others
Episode 010: There is time for giving
Episode 011: There is time for the three B’s
Episode 012: There is time for learning
Episode 013: There is time for others
Episode 014: There is time for listening
Episode 015: There is time for action
Episode 016: There is time for reflection
Episode 017: There is time for Zero Excuses
Episode 018: There is time for change
Episode 019: There is time to plan
Episode 020: There is time to start difficult things
Episode 021: There is time to unplug
Episode 022: There is time to choose your perspective
Episode 023: There is time to reinvent yourself
Episode 024: There is time for everything important
Episode 025: There is time to excel
Episode 026: There is time to do the work
Episode 027: There is time for self-reflection
Episode 028: There is time for healthy living
Episode 029: There is time for whatever you want to do with it
Episode 030: There is time to create a listening culture
Episode 031: There is time to say yes
Episode 032: There is time to confront uncertainty
Episode 033: There is time for empathy