What if the secret to lasting business success isn't talent, but culture and intentional development?

Doug Borchers, President of Superior Aluminum, shares his journey from small-town values to corporate leadership to building a thriving family business. With 19 years at Fortune 500 company Eaton Corporation followed by 19 years at Dickman Supply, Doug learned that true leadership isn't about personal achievement—it's about developing others to exceed what they thought possible.

Doug's philosophy centers on "hire for culture, train for skill"—a principle that has driven Superior Aluminum's growth from a family business plateau to three times its previous size. Through strategic planning, the Four Disciplines of Execution, and a foundation built on faith and values, Doug demonstrates how intentional leadership creates lasting impact.

From starting succession planning nine years before retirement to treating every team member like an owner, Doug reveals how patient development and clear systems create organizations that thrive across generations. His approach to leadership development, strategic execution, and building winning culture offers a blueprint for any leader ready to put people first.

Join us as we explore why talent isn't enough without strategy; how corporate experience translates to entrepreneurial success; the power of mission, vision, and values as decision filters; and why succession planning starts the day you take leadership.

0:00 Intro

2:57 Faith Foundation and Small Town Values

6:04 The Little Engine That Could Mindset

8:37 Corporate Training vs Entrepreneurial Freedom

11:11 Hire for Culture, Train for Skill

14:37 How Mindset Evolves from Self to Team

16:36 The Toughest Decision Returning Home

19:39 Why Team Success Drives Everything

23:44 Mission, Vision, Values as Decision Filters

26:25 Four Disciplines of Execution in Action

29:02 Defining Success Through Strategic Focus

31:58 Succession Planning Start Early, Develop Intentionally

36:38 Life Changing Books and Continuous Learning

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Superior Aluminum: https://www.superioraluminum.com

🌐 Aileron: https://www.aileron.org/

🌐 Father Nathan Cromly: https://www.saintjohninstitute.org/about-us/

📚 "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey

📚 "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

📚 "The Four Disciplines of Execution" by Chris McChesney, Jim Huling, and Sean Covey