In this episode, Billy Duren sits down with Ben Holder, CEO of Plastic Products Company. This is a 100% employee-owned business that employs over 900 people across ten plants nationwide. Ben shares the company’s remarkable journey, which began in a garage in 1962 and grew into a major contract manufacturer serving industry giants like 3M and GE Appliances.
Ben dives deep into how employee ownership through their ESOP empowers team members, boosts engagement, and builds real retirement security for everyone, not just the executives. He also highlights the “Find a Better Way” program, which invites every employee to suggest improvements. This initiative has fostered a strong culture of continuous progress, shared pride, and collective ownership of results. The conversation explores what it takes to celebrate that ownership mindset, thoughtfully manage risk, and successfully integrate new acquisitions while preserving the company’s core culture.
Billy and Ben also discuss the power of hands-on leadership, clear communication, and intentional mentoring to prepare the next generation of leaders. Ben makes it clear that true leadership isn’t about issuing orders from the top. It’s about serving others, showing up on the floor, staying present, and committing to lifelong learning. The episode wraps up with practical advice for anyone looking to grow as a leader: stay curious, develop a thick skin, and never underestimate the value of bringing humor and heart to the job.
The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Podcast
What does it mean to be a leader? Why does learning about leadership matter? How can we become servant leaders? The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Podcast drills into the foundations of leadership for both the emerging and established leader. Billy Duren brings in dynamic leaders each week to discuss what being a lifelong learner and people developer really looks like. Join us as we bring you proven leaders who want to serve you with their story, as well as teaching us how to grow as leaders. We will be mining for the nuggets of wisdom from these dynamic leaders from throughout the country.
“The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership” is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and IHeart Radio. For more information, please visit the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Website.
This Podcast is edited by our friends at Deep Fried Studios.
Threaded Fasteners, Inc
Threaded Fasteners Inc. (TFI) is a 100% employee-owned business that specializes in the manufacturing, custom packaging, and distribution of steel fasteners. With over 450 dedicated employee-owners, TFI maintains over $21 million worth of inventory across 18 locations, to meet the global needs of customers from industries including electrical utilities, chemical and electrical, commercial marine construction, steel fabricators, metal building manufacturers and Department of Transportation (DOT) fabricators. More information about TFI can be found on its website at threadedfasteners.com or through social media platforms including Facebook and LinkedIn
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