Episode 15: Bob Chapman explains how treating employees like family is key to business success

In this episode I interview Bob Chapman, CEO of St. Louis based,
Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion global, capital equipment business
with more than 12,000 plus employees. Bob is committed to building
a better world through business. When the financial crisis hit in
2008, Bob Chapman was faced with an impossible choice: layoff
thousands of his workers, or go out of business. A few years prior,
Barry Weymiller – had publicly committed to “measure success by how
they touch the lives of people”. Determined to not break that
promise, Chapman came up with a third seemingly impossible option
that would allow his companies to survive the recession without
laying off any of his 12,000+ employees. By finding creative ways
to avoid letting people go, his business emerged on the other side
of the recession stronger, with a workforce not only intact, but
energized. Bob shares his leadership journey as CEO of
Barry-Wehmiller and explains how a “simple Accountant with an
unremarkable education” achieved remarkable success in business by
staying committed to his core values, caring for employees like
family. He says, “It’s not a cliche, it really works”. Even more,
Bob emphasizes it’s the key to having a sustainable. thriving
business that can ride the storm during difficult times and emerge
successful. He gives specific strategies for building a loyal
culture where people are excited to come to work & want to
contribute their talents to benefit the organization. Bob’s story
is incredibly inspiring and his practical advice can be applied to
for profits and non-profits of all sizes and in any industry.