Central States Manufacturing started in 1988 as a small plant in Rogers, Arkansas. Today the company produces metal roofing and siding for thousands of customers from 10 locations across the country. It is also 100% employee owned.

John Williams, VP of Sales & Marketing, shared with the Tugboat Institute® in 2016 the keys to the company's tremendous success—a strict adherence to open-book management (aka the Great Game of Business), rigorous accountability, and a commitment to putting their people first. Although John has retired from CSM, his words and insights are still relevant for business leaders and Evergreen® CEOs dedicated to building leading and lasting companies.