Faith-Driven Success in Challenging Times
Ron Alvesteffer
President & CEO at Service Express
Navigating the complexities of today’s world requires more than just strategy and skills; it requires faith, resilience, and a commitment to purpose. In this episode of Anchoring Hope, Ron Alvesteffer, CEO of Service Express, shares his journey of leading a company from humble beginnings to remarkable growth, fueled by servant leadership and faith-driven principles. His story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and business leaders alike who are striving to thrive in challenging times.
From Humble Beginnings to Exceptional Growth
Ron’s journey with Service Express began 27 years ago when the company had just 15 employees, four locations, and under $3 million in revenue. Today, Service Express boasts 53 locations, over 900 employees, and $350 million in revenue. This 100x growth is a testament to strategic vision, disciplined execution, and faith-guided perseverance.
Ron’s guiding principle, inspired by Zig Ziglar, is: “You can get everything you want out of life if you just help enough other people get what they want.” This commitment to servant leadership is deeply woven into the fabric of Service Express’s culture.
Embracing a Culture of Growth
A defining feature of Service Express is its emphasis on people. The company’s core value is creating a culture that empowers employees to achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. This approach has created an environment where employees are motivated to excel and grow, which, in turn, drives business success.
Vision Talks, held twice a year, give employees an opportunity to set goals and align them with the company’s mission. This proactive approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring that employees not only meet their individual goals but also contribute to the company’s overall success.
The Role of Faith in Leadership
Ron’s leadership journey is underpinned by his Christian faith. He shares how he leaned on humility and self-reflection to transform his leadership style. Early in his career, Ron realized he was prioritizing numbers over people, leading to frustration for both himself and his team. Through prayer and self-examination, he committed to serving people first, which dramatically improved both morale and performance.
He emphasizes the biblical principle of servant leadership, noting, “Your ego should be for serving others, not yourself.” By focusing on helping others achieve their potential, Ron has created a thriving and impactful workplace.
Navigating Challenges with Faith and Resilience
Over the years, Service Express has faced numerous challenges, including adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape and navigating the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Ron’s reliance on faith and prayer has been his anchor.
During COVID, Service Express successfully pivoted from outside sales to a fully inside sales model, demonstrating agility and resilience. The company has also expanded internationally, acquiring a managed services provider in the UK, which has positioned them for further growth throughout Europe.
Lessons in Leadership and Success
Ron’s advice for aspiring leaders is both practical and inspiring:
Solve Problems and Add Value: Focus on solving your manager’s biggest challenges and adding value beyond your job description. This not only benefits the organization but also accelerates personal growth.
Run to Problems: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. By addressing issues head-on, you build resilience and create impactful solutions.
Focus on People: Prioritize people over numbers. Investing in your team’s growth and well-being leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Faith as a Guiding Light
Faith has been a cornerstone of Ron’s journey. He draws inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the principle of loving and serving others. This approach not only guides his leadership but also defines the culture of Service Express.
Ron’s perspective on success is deeply rooted in his faith: “You can’t do it all on your own. Trust in God, and He will guide your path.”
Conclusion
Ron Alvesteffer’s story is a testament to the power of faith, servant leadership, and a commitment to people. His journey from a small company to leading a thriving global organization highlights the impact of aligning business practices with Christian values.
As Ron wisely stated, “Solve problems, help people, and the success will follow.” This timeless principle is not only a recipe for business success but also a blueprint for living a life of purpose and impact.
Take a moment to reflect on how you can apply these lessons in your own life and career. Remember, success begins with serving others and trusting God to lead the way.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Solve problems, help people, and the success will follow”
