How Leaders Lead with David Novak #246: Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries – Grow the business so your people can grow with it
Jul 3, 2025
Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries, shares insights on business growth that prioritizes opportunity for employees and culture over mere profits. He discusses how his company evolved from a golf irrigation supplier to a global distributor, emphasizing resilience and innovation. Kirchdorfer also reveals why 'do what you love' may be misguided advice, the importance of psychological safety in teams, and unearths a humorous story about bailing Scottie Scheffler out of jail during the PGA Championship.
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Growth Creates Opportunities
- Growth in business creates opportunities for employees and is essential for long-term success.
- Companies in growing industries can offer career advancement, unlike those in stagnant sectors.
Hole-in-One on SportsCenter
- Jimmy once made a hole-in-one during the American Express Pro-Am which was featured on SportsCenter.
- He enjoys watching the video repeatedly as the shot was his best ever.
Do What You're Good At
- Transitioning from a small golf irrigation company to HDPE piping allowed ISCO to scale globally.
- Doing what you are good at, not just what you love, can lead to success and fulfillment.
