
How Leaders Lead with David Novak #246: Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries – Grow the business so your people can grow with it
Jul 3, 2025
Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries, shares insights on business growth that prioritizes opportunity for employees and culture over mere profits. He discusses how his company evolved from a golf irrigation supplier to a global distributor, emphasizing resilience and innovation. Kirchdorfer also reveals why 'do what you love' may be misguided advice, the importance of psychological safety in teams, and unearths a humorous story about bailing Scottie Scheffler out of jail during the PGA Championship.
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Effective Employee Recognition
- Recognize employees frequently, even when growth makes face-to-face praise difficult.
- ISCO's Starfish Flinger Award honors individual impact, fostering a culture of appreciation.
Brotherly Business Partnership
- Jimmy and his brother Mark complement each other; Jimmy excels in sales and vision, Mark in operations.
- They maintain daily communication and trust each other completely in managing ISCO.
Reinvest to Grow People
- Reinvest in your business and people to sustain growth and create opportunities.
- Promote from within to nurture culture and develop leaders familiar with your values.



