In this episode of The Steward Chair, host Jeff Bond sits down with Steve Kruger, the fourth-generation leader of L.E. Schwartz & Son—a commercial roofing legacy that has anchored the Georgia landscape since 1910. Steve shares the raw reality of earning respect on hot roofs rather than leaning on a bloodline, and how a 116-year-old firm successfully navigates crises by choosing long-term integrity over the "quick fix" challenge.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to the future of the company as Steve is joined by his son, Michael Kruger. Representing the fifth generation, Michael talks about the unique synergy of working alongside his father and grandfather, balancing historic family traditions with modern technology, and leading a century-old mission with "pull instead of push".

Key Takeaways

• Earning Leadership Through Shared Labor: True stewardship in a hands-on trade isn't handed down through a bloodline; it is validated by serving on the front lines to gain deep empathy and mutual respect for the people doing the daily work .
• The "Golden Rule" in Crisis Management: Preserving a century-old reputation means choosing long-term success over short-term gains, proving that there is no right way to do the wrong thing when navigating business challenges with clients and employees .
• Deepening Impact through Local Convening: True community stewardship moves beyond stilted, transactional relationships by giving back, celebrating shared history, and intentionally gathering diverse groups to build a lasting local bond .

Resources Mentioned

• Visit L.E. Schwartz & Son: http://www.leschwartz.com/
• Follow Steve Kruger on LinkedIn: Steve Kruger
• Follow L.E. Schwartz & Son on social media:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l-e-schwartz-&-son-inc-/

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