Summary:
Brian Rist founded Storm Smart with just three employees, now expanded to 500.
The company's growth was significantly influenced by Hurricane Ian.
Rist emphasizes the importance of community engagement and trust in leadership.
Innovative products like the Storm Catcher have positioned the company as a leader in hurricane protection.
Burris prioritizes building a strong company culture and empowering employees.
The Rise of Storm Smart
Brian Rist founded Storm Smart nearly 30 years ago with just three employees and minimal leadership experience. Today, he reflects on his journey and the leadership lessons learned along the way.
Transition of Leadership
After selling the company to Rotunda Capital Partners in 2021, Rist has remained involved as a shareholder. The new CEO, Scot Burris, has overseen significant growth, expanding the workforce from 250 to 500 employees amid unprecedented hurricane damage.
Making a Difference
Burris highlights the company's impact during Hurricane Ian, stating, "We saved lives. We take that very seriously." His leadership philosophy draws from books like Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizing the importance of understanding others.
Resiliency and Growth
Rist and Burris have cultivated a brand synonymous with resiliency, especially after the devastation of Hurricane Charley in 2004, which propelled the company into rapid expansion. Rist recalls, "It went from 23 people when Hurricane Charley happened, and three months later, we had 100 people."
Innovative Products
The Storm Catcher, a unique hurricane protection product, became a game-changer for the company. Rist describes it as a blend of materials used in trampolines and bulletproof vests.
Leadership Evolution
As the company grew, Burris adopted a coaching approach rather than micromanagement. He believes that empowering employees leads to greater ownership and success. Lean Six Sigma manufacturing principles were implemented to enhance operational efficiency.
Building Culture
Burris emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture, especially after the experiences brought about by Hurricane Ian. Rist, who initially struggled during the early years, learned the value of community engagement and empowering employees. "You have to trust the people that you hire," Rist advises.
Strategic Partnerships
Rist's journey included strategic hiring, such as bringing on Barry Feldman as vice president, which allowed him to focus on growth while Feldman managed the financial aspects. This partnership proved crucial for Storm Smart's success.
Future Prospects
Under Burris's leadership, Storm Smart continues to expand, recently opening a new showroom in Palmetto and installing products in over 100,000 homes in Southwest Florida. Burris is focused on accelerating growth and maximizing employee potential.
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