Rob Connelly on How Henny Penny Thrives as a 100% Employee-Owned Company

What if a fried chicken fryer sparked a global movement in conscious business?

In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Rob Connelly, Executive Chairman of Henny Penny, a 100% employee-owned food service equipment manufacturer serving the world’s busiest kitchens, from Chick-fil-A to McDonald’s.

Rob shares the remarkable story of how a small-town company became a global leader in innovation while staying true to its purpose: positively impacting people. 

From navigating COVID without a single layoff, to pioneering employee ownership through an ESOP model, to creating an on-site health clinic and wellness programs for employees, Henny Penny proves that putting people first drives resilience, growth, and innovation.

This conversation goes beyond business mechanics, it’s about culture, stewardship, and the soul of a company. Rob opens up about his leadership journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why he believes companies must focus on people before numbers.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• How Henny Penny doubled its business after COVID without layoffs or pay cuts
• The power of employee ownership and why ESOPs align with conscious capitalism
• Why innovation starts with long-term relationships, not just technology
• Practical ways to build a “best place to work and grow” culture
• Rob’s belief that companies can (and should) have a soul
• Lessons on intentional leadership, well-being, and building businesses that last 100 years

Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply curious about people-first business, this episode offers a living case study in how to thrive by doing good.

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This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.

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- Timothy & Raj