1st Tuesday: 5 Things About Rick Olson

Minnesota Carlson welcomes Rick Olson, '10 MBA, the CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Company, as the featured guest of the 1st Tuesday Speaker Series on October 7. Secure your seats for the next 1st Tuesday at this event registration link. Before Olson takes the stage at the McNamara Alumni Center, here are five things to know about him: 

What was your first job? 

I grew up on our family farm in Iowa. My father worked full-time for Winnebago Industries, so I spent my summers and time after school working on and leading work crews on the farm. My passion for engineering, manufacturing, and business developed from my exposure to Winnebago, where I eventually worked as an industrial engineer intern.

What about Toro excites you?

Our products are often central to our customers’ lives. Most of our products are sold to professionals—whether a fiber optics contractor or a golf course superintendent—we make the critical equipment and solutions that help them succeed. These are incredibly exciting times as we go through a once-in-a-generation technology transition, bringing transformational technology like alternative power, smart, and robotic solutions to our customers.

What’s a trait you value in a leader?

There are base qualifications like integrity, judgment, and perseverance. I believe one of the most important and underrated is the ability to listen and fully engage the unique skills, abilities, and perspectives around you—realizing the exceptional value of your strong and loose networks to drive innovation and improve decisions.

What’s a lesson from school you still use today?

There were many! My strategy professor imprinted principles that influence my thinking every day—strategy as choices, market attractiveness, and the constant pursuit of inimitable advantages.

What’s your top advice for students pursuing careers in business?

Business is a team sport. Your ability to succeed with others is just as important as your personal knowledge and capability. Build a great team and network, and never stop learning.