Episode 074 - Charles & Spencer Tenney
Listen now on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to podcasts)
Charles Tenney founded Tenney Group in 1973, and even now at 73, is still passionate and active in ensuring that hardworking transportation business owners achieve the best possible transaction every day. When not managing deals, Charles speaks at events across America focused on educating business owners on how to increase the value of their companies, protect their wealth and prepare for their best possible exit at the appropriate time.
Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Spencer currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty.
Today Charles shares some of the leadership experience and business acumen that he learned from his role as Sergeant in the U.S. Army and how that role helped him when it came to setting up Tenney Group. Spencer describes why he joined his father in the Tenney group as President and CEO, and how the pair navigated working together successfully and smoothly. He also shares the company’s philosophy on serving their customers and their communities and why what they do transcends the financial aspects of the business.
"Military training gave me discipline, gave me encouragement, gave me confidence, and founded me on leadership.” - Charles Tenney
“I learned that failing at that time was a necessary part of my development. And it didn't happen immediately. But I needed to fail to evolve into a better leader.” - Spencer Tenney
“The impact the transaction has on the ripple effect is tremendous, and so I think that's what lights us up as a team. That's where our passion comes from. Because we know that the impact is well beyond what happens at the closing table. It's generational, spiritual, it's community, it's everything.” - Spencer Tenney
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How looking back at the USA from the war in Korea gave Charles perspective on all the opportunities in his home country
How Spencer’s leadership skills were shaped at high school
Why Spencer and his brother loved having a project to do with Charles and why Spencer ultimately decided to go and work at Tenney Group
How Tenney Group helps transportation companies go to the next level
Why having clear boundaries can help professional relationships
Some of the moments when deals have gone off the rails and what the team did to problem solve
Challenges Charles anticipates in the next few years
Common traits of business owners in the trucking industry
What the ‘Good News Report’ is and how they use it at Tenney Group
Spencer Tenney’s Words of Wisdom:
If you can align the passions and the people in the purpose, it is such a multiplying factor. It brings purpose and richness to life that is well beyond the work that you're doing.
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