In this episode, Dan Thieken and Ted Cooke from Kreager Tire and Service share their journey navigating leadership, friendship, and business partnership. Dan reflects on the challenges and rewards of compartmentalizing personal relationships to make tough business decisions, including hiring and even having to let go of family members. Ted discusses the importance of empowering team members to exceed their own expectations and highlights the impact a leader can have by believing in others.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome: Meet Dan Thieken & Ted Cooke
02:06 – The Early Days: From Colleagues to Friends
03:22 – Reuniting: Taking the Leap to Work Together Again
05:30 – The Challenge of Hiring Friends (and Family!)
10:45 – Stepping Back to Let Others Lead
15:37 – Building Team Camaraderie & Changing Faces
18:19 – Winning Over the Community
19:23 – What True Leadership Means to Ted
20:45 – Growing Talent: Success Stories from the Garage
25:51 – The Best Advice from Mentors
31:23 – Final Wisdom: “Don’t Be a Jerk”