#198: Joe Scarlett is the former CEO, President, and Chairman of Tractor Supply Company. He spent nearly thirty years in leadership roles with the company. Today Joe is engaged in teaching and writing about leadership, working in the family foundation, and striving to improve Tennessee.

In 1982 Scarlett played a key role in the initiative to return the company to profitability through improved customer service and focused product selection as part of a classic leveraged buyout. He was instrumental in developing the company culture which today is admired and often copied.  In 1994 Joe led the successful effort to take the company public.

Tractor Supply Company was honored by Forbes as one of the “Best Managed Companies in America” and Scarlett was recognized as Ernst & Young’s Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year. Joe also served twenty years on the board of the nation’s largest retail trade organization, including four as its chairman.

On the show Joe shares his story of growing up, hard work, common sense, working at Two Guys Discount Store alongside Bernie Marcus who went on to found The Home Depot, leading and growing Tractor Supply Co, focusing on people, listening to the customer, using the corporate jet (aka Southwest Airlines), adapting, over 50 years of marriage, intentionality with your kids, and much more. 

For more on Joe his book newsletter and foundation check out joescarlett.com as well as scarlettfoundation.org 

Enjoy the show!