WHE31: Building a High-Performance and Health-Driven Culture at Trek Bikes | with John Burke, CEO

The organizations that are most successful in building a culture of health begin at the top, with key leaders championing a vision that includes the wellbeing of every employee. In this episode, Jesse interviews John Burke, CEO of Trek Bikes, who took a stand 13 years ago that launched a culture that has produced improvements in employee health every year since then.

Trek Bikes grew out of one man’s belief that he could build a different kind of company. In a barn in southern Wisconsin, Dick Burke instilled the simple principles that continue to guide the company as it has grown into a worldwide brand: build things that last and leave a legacy of positive change. Dick’s son John Burke began working at Trek in 1984 and has been president of the company since 1997.

Jesse and John discuss:

What makes Trek different from other high-end bike makers;

How Trek got started;

How John joined Trek and eventually came to lead the company;

Why John decided to do something to make the country better;

The problems-and-solutions approach that John teaches as one way to create a high-performing team;

How Trek makes sure it has the best people;

How Trek creates a positive culture, including developing its leaders; and

Why John decided to create a culture of health within Trek, and how they did it.

John Burke is president of Trek Bikes. He is also the author of two books: 12 Simple Solutions to Save America and One Last Great Thing. John served as chairman of President George W. Bush’s President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports and is a Founding Board Member of the Bikes Belong Coalition. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, John is an avid cyclist and runner and has finished Ironman Wisconsin as well as the Boston and New York Marathons.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Website: https://www.trekbikes.com

Recruiting video: Let Me Show You Our Bicycle Company 

Book: 12 Simple Solutions to Save America 

Book: One Last Great Thing 

Twitter: @JBTrek08

Facebook: /12SimpleSolutions 

Website for Great Place To Work Institute: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/

Subscription Links

iTunes

Stitcher

RSS

Your Feedback

If you like our show, please rate us on iTunes. That makes a huge difference in helping more people discover it. We love to know your thoughts about this episode. Please submit your comments below! You can also email comments to Jesse [email protected],