From Job Sites to the C-Suite: Rusty Arnold on Servant Leadership, Lumber, and Building a Life That Lasts

Rusty Arnold’s story (see his bio below) begins with a hammer in hand at age 10 and a forklift under his control by 13. Today, as COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, Rusty has built his career from the ground up, shaping not just businesses but also the people around him.

In this conversation, Rusty shares:

• Lessons learned from growing up on construction sites and how they shaped his work ethic.

• Why curiosity and a love of people have been the through-line in his career.

• His “Web of Success” philosophy for helping employees grow in their own unique ways.

• How human connection is being lost in business and why it’s still the secret to long-term success.

• His perspective on leadership in today’s multigenerational, tech-driven workplace.

From high school parties with 400 guests to thoughtful reflections on servant leadership, Rusty brings both humor and wisdom. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and grounding leadership in relationships that last.

 

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  About ​Rusty: ​Rusty Arnold is the current COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, where he’s been helping grow the business from the inside out for nearly a decade. Starting in construction at age 10 and managing job sites by 13, Rusty’s built his career from the ground up literally. He’s done it all, from swinging a hammer to trading commodity lumber and leading teams across the building materials industry.
Since joining Frontier in 2015, he’s become a co-owner (10%) and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint. When his buyout is complete in late 2025, Rusty will officially assume the role of CEO, continuing his mission of servant leadership, strong customer relationships, and steady, strategic growth.

Outside of work, Rusty is a creative and adventurous soul; he welds, builds, hikes, mountain bikes, practices yoga, and loves live music. He’s also developing a podcast to help students find their passions and purpose. But at the center of it all is family, his wife Tiffany and their three amazing kids, Vera, Beck, and Olivia.