Tugboat Institute

How do you build a sustainable talent pipeline in the skilled trades? For Andrew Lozier, President & CEO of Lozier Corporation, the skilled trades labor shortage wasn’t just a challenge—it was an opportunity. Faced with a workforce gap as tradespeople retired faster than they could be replaced, Andy and his team launched the Sponsorship for the Trades program. This innovative initiative partners with local schools and community colleges to build a pipeline of skilled workers. High school graduates receive: → Paid on-the-job training → Fully covered tuition for earning an associate degree → A guaranteed full-time job upon completion The impact has been remarkable: one-third of Lozier’s skilled trades workforce now comes from the program, building a sustainable talent pipeline while changing lives. It’s an inspiring story of Purpose-driven leadership and community investment that’s transforming the perception of trade careers. ?? Click the link to read the full article and learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggrC-QGi #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #Leadership

What does it take to build a business that lasts 100 years or more? (Hint: It’s not easy and a much bigger challenge than just building a company to flip) The answer lies in the Evergreen 7Ps principles that work together as a system to build enduring, profitable, growing businesses that make a difference for employees, customers, communities, and society. My upcoming book, Another Way: Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last, dives deep into how we identified these principles, created a straw man to test them, and saw them coming to life over and over again in hundreds of Evergreen companies, and importantly by dozens over 100-years-old already. We would further validate them with primary and secondary research, including Gary Kunkle, PhD extensive research on sustained growth companies. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more insights on the 7Ps and how they have fostered the success of top private Evergreen companies for decades and centuries. Swipe through to learn how we define each principle and start to gain insight on what it takes to build a company that lasts. Pre-order your copy of Another Way here: https://bit.ly/4jrWRG2 #AnotherWayBook #Evergreen7Ps #EvergreenCompanies #TugboatInstitute

Supporting employees through life’s challenges isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a strategic advantage. For Jack Larkin, President & CEO of The Larkin Company, a deeply personal experience sparked an innovative People First solution that is changing the way companies support employees navigating eldercare. In our latest Evergreen Journal? article, Jack shares how his company’s partnership with a startup (Ways and Wane) led to the creation of a high-touch eldercare navigation service: helping employees balance work and family responsibilities without needing extended leave. Key insights from Jack’s journey include: → Values-Aligned Partnerships: How teaming up with mission-driven startups accelerates impact. → Empathy Meets Strategy: Why investing in real employee needs creates long-term business value. → The Future of Employee Benefits: How eldercare and family care support will become essential in the workplace. Want to learn how The Larkin Company is redefining employee benefits through innovation and purpose-driven partnerships? ?? Read the full Tugboat Institute? article now: https://lnkd.in/gXdQsEDd #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #PeopleFirst #Innovation #Leadership

Until five years ago, I never imagined I’d become a published author. Since our inaugural Tugboat Institute gathering in 2013, members and friends have urged me to write a book about discovering an important alternative to Silicon Valley’s model—namely, Evergreen companies. For years, the idea of writing such a book felt daunting. Then, in 2019, my dear friend Bo Burlingham, one of the greatest business authors of our time, proposed that we work together—and I was an enthusiastic yes. Over countless meals and coffee chats at Sun Valley Resort and over Zoom, including answering hundreds of Bo’s questions, he pulled together the initial, wonderful manuscript in early 2024. By August 1st, Scott Berinato and Harvard Business Review were officially onboard as our senior editor and publisher, respectively. Scott took Bo’s wonderful manuscript and made it even better. Today, I am thrilled to share that?Another Way: Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last?will be published on May 6, 2025. You can pre-order your copy from your favorite online bookstore or learn more at:?https://lnkd.in/ekMyzJQu Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more details. My hope is that?Another Way?greatly increases awareness of Evergreen companies and their incredible importance to our communities and society—and inspires new founders to build their own Evergreen companies that endure for generations. I welcome your being part of our Evergreen movement. #AnotherWayBook #EvergreenCompanies #TugboatInstitute

We were honored to have Sonja Lyubomirsky, Professor at University of California, Riverside, speak at Tugboat Institute? Summit 2024. Sonja’s research on happiness and connection offered powerful insights into how small daily actions can create lasting well-being—for individuals and organizations alike. Her presentation highlighted: → The Science of Happiness: How happiness is more than just a feeling—it drives success, resilience, and stronger relationships. → Connection Matters: Acts of kindness, gratitude, and social engagement don’t just make us feel good—they measurably improve our health and performance. → Practical Strategies: Simple, research-backed ways to cultivate happiness in daily life and within our companies. Sonja’s insights are essential for leaders looking to build People First cultures where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered—fostering both personal fulfillment and long-term business success. ?? Click the link to watch Sonja’s full presentation: https://lnkd.in/gk9uj7fM #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #Happiness #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Miklos Systems! For over 30 years, Miklos Systems has been delivering cutting-edge software engineering and IT solutions to support mission-critical government programs. As a 100% employee-owned company, they demonstrate how employee engagement and long-term vision drive innovation and success. As a Certified Evergreen? company, Miklos Systems exemplifies: → Employee Ownership: Empowering their team through an ESOP structure, fostering accountability and pride. → Private Independence: Remaining privately owned to prioritize mission-driven growth and sustainable impact. → Purpose-Driven Innovation: Delivering exceptional solutions while staying true to their values of integrity and excellence. → People First: Cultivating a workplace culture where employees are valued, supported, and inspired to excel. Miklos Systems proves that when employees are at the heart of a company’s success, the possibilities are endless. Want to learn more about Miklos Systems’ journey? ?? Check out their story here: https://miklos.com/ #MiklosSystems #EmployeeOwnership #PurposeDriven #Innovation #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

Evergreen? companies have been shaping our economy for generations… Yet until recently, they remained largely unrecognized as a business phenomenon. In our latest Evergreen Journal? article, Bo Burlingham, longtime business journalist and author of Small Giants, shares his coming to understand the Evergreen business path that Dave Whorton has uncovered. From his first introduction to Dave Whorton and Tugboat Institute in 2014 to co-authoring their upcoming book Another Way, Bo recounts how he came to see through Dave and his Tugboat Institute community how Evergreen companies are a vital force in business and society: one that prioritizes People First leadership, long-term impact, and enduring success. Want to learn more about Bo’s journey and how he helped bring the Evergreen story to light? ?? Read the full Tugboat Institute? article now: https://lnkd.in/ggZbtYUF ?? Another Way arrives in May—pre-order your copy here: https://lnkd.in/gaYXrxNu #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #AnotherWay

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on MiiR! Since its founding, MiiR has redefined what it means to be a business with Purpose. Known for their beautifully designed drinkware, MiiR donates a portion of their topline revenue to community led nonprofits working at the intersection of people and planet. As a Certified Evergreen? company, MiiR exemplifies: → Purpose-Driven Innovation: Infusing every product with intentional design and a mission to create positive impact. → Private Ownership: Maintaining independence to focus on long-term sustainability and ethical practices. → Community Impact: Donating over $5.2 million to nonprofits focused on clean water, conservation, sustainable coffee farming, and resilient food systems. → Sustainability Leadership: Leading by example with a commitment to reducing environmental impact and giving back with every sale. MiiR proves that great design and meaningful impact go hand in hand, inspiring a business model that’s built to last. Want to learn more about MiiR’s journey? ?? Check out their story here: https://www.miir.com/ #MiiR #PurposeDriven #Sustainability #DesignForGood #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

Compensation isn’t just about the numbers… It’s about trust, transparency, and growth. For Frank Schaner, Founder & CEO of Home Science Tools, a thoughtful overhaul of his company’s pay structure wasn’t just a catalyst for success: it was the key to scaling the business effectively. In our latest Evergreen Journal? article, Frank shares how rethinking compensation transformed his company, improved employee engagement, and helped drive revenue from $6 million to nearly $12 million. Key insights from Frank’s journey include: → Investing in People: Why a People First approach leads to higher retention and stronger company performance. → Scaling Through Transparency: How a clear, structured compensation model fostered trust and positioned the company for long-term success. → Thinking Ahead: The importance of implementing scalable systems early to support long-term growth. Want to learn how Home Science Tools built a compensation model that fuels both employee and company success? ?? Read the full Tugboat Institute? article now: https://lnkd.in/gq2S5XF4 #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #PeopleFirst #BusinessGrowth

We were honored to have Paul Seck, Partner at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc., speak at Tugboat Institute? Summit 2024. Paul’s talk explored how leaders can create the conditions for creativity within their organizations: balancing vision with adaptability, fostering collaboration, and embracing iteration. As both a creative and a business operator, Paul brings a unique perspective on cultivating innovation while delivering real-world impact. His presentation highlighted: → The Power of Collaboration: Why great projects require input from diverse experts across disciplines. → Iterative Thinking: Embracing adaptability, curiosity, and problem-solving to create truly impactful spaces. → People First Design: How thoughtful public spaces foster connection, inspire creativity, and enhance well-being. Paul’s insights are a must-watch for leaders who value creativity, innovation, and the power of thoughtfully designed environments. ?? Click the following link to watch Paul’s full presentation: https://lnkd.in/dXWiVS8m #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #Leadership #Innovation #DesignThinking