Marty Ozinga IV, CEO at Ozinga, Episode 203
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Marty Ozinga IV is the CEO of Ozinga, a fifth-generation family enterprise that provides concrete and related services. Ozinga was founded in 1928 in Evergreen Park, Illinois as a coal delivery business by Marty’s great-grandfather Martin Ozinga, Sr.
Today, the Ozinga enterprise consists of Ozinga (one of the largest family owned concrete suppliers in the country), Ozinga Ventures (a portfolio of small and middle market businesses) and Ozinga Stewards (the family office).
He is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth-generation of ownership. Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on boards for numerous not-for-profit organizations. Marty and his wife Amy reside in Chicago with their six children. Recently named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace, Ozinga has over 2,500 employees and operates in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Florida and a number of other parts of the country and the world.
We’re delighted to have Marty on the show with us to discuss the value of hard work and dig into the Ozinga’s purpose to positively impact individuals, their families, and the community, for generations. He shares with me how his leadership style has developed since becoming CEO of the company and the value of leaders who have a sense of humility about themselves, in addition to plenty of drive, and who employ their unique gifts in their own style. Marty also shares more about how creating a culture at Ozinga that makes people want to be a part of it.
“The culture of the organization is reflective of the values of the people leading it.” - Marty Ozinga
“If we create the kind of place where coworkers feel valued and cared about, they will treat our customers that way.” - Marty Ozinga
“You don't run away from it, you run into it.” - Marty Ozinga
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Growing up in the Ozinga family and how his dad fulfilled his motto of “trusting young and giving responsibility”
The challenges and highlights of coming into a big company as the third generation to steer the ship
Marty’s leadership style and how grateful and humbled he felt to be selected as the CEO by his brothers and cousins
The family culture baked into the Ozinga culture and how they maintain that feeling amongst their team
The importance of being intentional about treating people with dignity and respect
How they embrace the notion of making lasting daily impacts and why that gives them purpose
Some of the most important developments in the business, particularly in the realm of safety
Marty’s philosophy of taking responsibility when things don’t go to plan
The importance of being empathetic and understanding in business
Marty Ozinga’s Words of Wisdom:
If you really want wisdom, you need to ask for it, and I try to do that regularly in my prayer time. Ask God for more wisdom with what he's entrusted to you at work and at home. He's generous, and he will answer that prayer.
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