Earl J. Hesterberg is a business leader with an impressive track record. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Consolidated Auto Retailers, he led the company to remarkable growth and success. Under his tenure, Consolidated Auto Retailers achieved a compounded annual growth rate of more than 19 percent and grew its market share to one of the largest in the industry.
Hesterberg’s leadership style was based on his own values and beliefs. He focused on creating an atmosphere of empowerment in which employees were given responsibility and encouraged to use their creativity and innovation. He saw the need for change and was willing to take risks in order to move the company forward. His philosophy was bolstered by his commitment to customer service, which drove the company’s focus on creating a strategy that would meet customer’s needs.
Innovation was a core principle for Hesterberg. He believed that it takes innovation to identify and take advantage of opportunities, develop products and services, and differentiate his company from competitors. He fostered an environment where employees were free to experiment, take risks and make mistakes in the pursuit of novel ideas and opportunities. He had a knack for recognizing great ideas and quickly transforming them into actionable strategies.
Hesterberg was a master of execution. He was able to quickly and effectively implement new strategies, taking advantage of available resources. He was also able to motivate team members to reach their full potential. By leading by example, setting a clear vision, and providing feedback and praise, he was able to inspire and engage his leadership team in their progress.
Hesterberg was also an effective communicator. He was adept at presenting complex situations in clear and inspirational terms. He was respectful of those he worked with and was able to extract the best from those around him. These communication skills allowed him to bridge the gap between creative ideas and effective implementation.
Earl J. Hesterberg exemplifies the modern CEO. He was a leader who not only focused on results but also empowered, listened and invested in his team. His leadership style enabled Consolidated Auto Retailers to grow, adapt, and innovate in pursuit of business success. His ability to form relationships, recognize talent, and effectively motivate a team had an immediate and long-lasting impact on the organization. Hesterberg is an example of what can happen when a CEO takes an innovative and empowering approach to leading a company.
