The Family Business CEOs to Watch Class of 2023 recognizes 23 exceptional business leaders. The CEOs honored run the gamut of family business leadership, from entrepreneurial founders to fifth-generation stewards of a multifaceted enterprise to non-family executives trusted by the family ownership group to lead and expand their operations.
Mike Rindy
President | Non-family | Nelson-Jameson Inc., Marshfield, Wis.
Mike Rindy was named president of Nelson-Jameson, a 75+-year-old food and beverage distributor, in 2020. He began his career as a teenager studying the art of cheesemaking at his cousin’s cheese factory and learning the fundamentals of the dairy industry milking cows on his neighbors’ farms. His passion for the dairy industry led him to earn progressively more senior positions across disciplines from technical service to executive management. He came to Nelson-Jameson from a role as executive director at Hydrite.
A lifelong dairy industry veteran, he has more than three decades of experience leading diverse teams to achieve and exceed organizational goals. He serves on the board of the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association and an active member of the International Dairy Foods Association.
“Mike had large shoes to fill, taking over for a president who led the organization for 30 years,” says Adam Nelson, chairman of the board at Nelson-Jameson. “After being a customer of, supplier to and competitor of Nelson-Jameson throughout his career, Mike came to the business with a clear and compelling vision of the future.
“To build team cohesion and ignite passion around his vision, first, he identified and promoted leaders across many different departments to build executive structure and bench strength. Next, he initiated the company’s inaugural executive retreat to clearly define and articulate the vision in a way that resonated with others. The resulting five-year growth plan continues to inspire and empower the executive team.
“Mike’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his presence brings positive energy and buzz to the workplace. He leads by example, fostering trust and demonstrating authenticity through his dedication. Mike’s office door is always open, and he’s accessible to anyone across the organization for a quick chat or an in-depth conversation. In line with Nelson-Jameson’s Golden Rule values, Mike treats customers and employees as he would treat close friends and family.
“Mike understands and values the perspectives and emotions of the employees of Nelson-Jameson. He actively listens and considers the needs and concerns of others. Through his care and compassion, he has created a supportive environment where people feel understood and valued.
“Mike’s leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. He places a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional quality and ensuring that every interaction with the company leaves a lasting positive impression. This customer-centric approach has not only resulted in a loyal customer base but has also driven significant increases in sales and revenue.
“Mike’s influence on the company culture has had a noticeable impact on business results. In addition, his ability to anticipate customer needs and deliver innovative solutions has solidified the company’s position as an industry leader, resulting in an unprecedented surge in revenue. During his short tenure, he has led the company into double-digit growth year over year, regularly breaking daily, monthly and annual revenue records. The growth plan and vision are quickly coming to fruition with blockbuster results.
“Through his strategic vision, exceptional leadership and keen understanding of the market, he has led the organization to reach unprecedented levels of revenue growth. His ability to inspire and empower his team, his innovation-driven mindset and his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction are the pillars upon which this company’s record-breaking success is built.”
“Working at Nelson-Jameson and with the Nelson family has been an incredibly enriching experience,” Rindy says. “Being a part of a tight-knit team where open communication and honesty are at the core of our values has fostered a work environment that is not only productive, but genuinely enjoyable. We trust each other implicitly, which has created a strong foundation for collaboration and growth.
“The Nelson family’s openness to new perspectives drives innovation and sets our organization apart. We recognize that diversity of thought is a catalyst for progress, and we actively encourage everyone to share ideas freely. This inclusive approach has led to fresh insights and unique solutions to challenges.
“What I find particularly fulfilling is that the Nelson family has empowered me and the team to pursue the vision. Collective input is respected, and the sense of ownership fuels passion for the business.
“Overall, working at Nelson-Jameson has been a rewarding journey, grounded in openness, honesty, trust and the understanding that each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the company’s future. I feel fortunate to be part of this dynamic and supportive team, where every individual is valued and inspired to contribute to the business’s success.”