As Founder and CEO of MOM’s Organic Market, Scott Nash has created a company culture focused on environmentalism- MOM’s Purpose is to protect and restore the environment.
Biography
At the age of 22, entrepreneur Scott Nash started MOM’s in his mom’s garage, with only $100. Through innovation and strategic vision, Scott has grown MOM’s into one of the nation’s premier chains of family owned and operated organic grocery stores with 1,300+ employees. Scott also works to close the income gap between the extremely wealthy and poor, as well as to diminish the negative impact of advertising and technology on children. Visit Scott’s blog for elaborations.
Q&A
What defines a successful leader?
I define “success” in leadership as bringing out the best in others and having a positive impact on our world. A successful leader is candid, vulnerable, asks questions, and exposes people to new ideas.
Culture and talent are important to any company’s success. How do you engage and inspire your workforce?
We have a compensation package with good pay and unique benefits. We are dedicated to training our employees in depth with vendor field trips, book sessions, and mindfulness retreats. Most importantly, we’ve created a culture of appreciation, holistic values, and an inspiring Purpose: to protect and restore the environment. We also work to have high functioning teams, feedback channels from stores to central offices and we promote from within.
Innovation and disruption are reshaping industries every day. What do you see as the number one game-changer facing businesses today?
Any business can survive and thrive as long as there is a culture of learning. Companies run with hubris leadership get overrun by disruptors or become obsolete.
Challenges abound in today’s fast-changing business environment. What keeps you up at night?
Not much. I sleep really well, but that’s after being in business for 30+ years. For the first 20 years, there were sleepless nights- mainly as I went through the entrepreneurial learning curve and navigated bootstrapped growth. I’m still paranoid about some things, but I’ve also grown secure and confident in my team’s abilities, our culture, and the value we deliver.
Why did you join Bloomberg Breakaway?
I like to learn and expand my circle of friends and colleagues.
Even CEOs need downtime. How do you recharge?
I go to my cabin for solitude and quiet. I read about 20 books per year, some for business, but mostly for human connection (memoirs) or personal growth. Spiritually, I meditate, listen to podcasts, attend events, read articles, watch videos, etc. More superficially, I like to work in my yard and play pinball. Connecting with friends and my children is very important for recharging as well.
In the news
MD family eats ‘expired’ food for a year — and lives
MOM’s Organic Market evolves as it expands to 19th location
MOM’s Boy: How the founder of MOM’s Organic Market helped lead the organic grocery revolution
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