Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The organizations that are most successful in building a culture of health begin at the top, with key leaders championing a vision that includes the wellbeing of every employee. In this episode, Jesse interviews John Burke, CEO of Trek Bikes, who took a stand 13 years ago that launched a culture that has produced improvements in employee health every year since then.
Trek Bikes grew out of one man’s belief that he could build a different kind of company. In a barn in southern Wisconsin, Dick Burke instilled the simple principles that continue to guide the company as it has grown into a worldwide brand: build things that last and leave a legacy of positive change. Dick’s son John Burke began working at Trek in 1984 and has been president of the company since 1997.
Jesse and John discuss:
- What makes Trek different from other high-end bike makers;
- How Trek got started;
- How John joined Trek and eventually came to lead the company;
- Why John decided to do something to make the country better;
- The problems-and-solutions approach that John teaches as one way to create a high-performing team;
- How Trek makes sure it has the best people;
- How Trek creates a positive culture, including developing its leaders; and
- Why John decided to create a culture of health within Trek, and how they did it.
John Burke is president of Trek Bikes. He is also the author of two books: 12 Simple Solutions to Save America and One Last Great Thing. John served as chairman of President George W. Bush’s President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports and is a Founding Board Member of the Bikes Belong Coalition. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, John is an avid cyclist and runner and has finished Ironman Wisconsin as well as the Boston and New York Marathons.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Website: https://www.trekbikes.com
- Recruiting video: Let Me Show You Our Bicycle Company
- Book: 12 Simple Solutions to Save America
- Book: One Last Great Thing
- Twitter: @JBTrek08
- Facebook: /12SimpleSolutions
- Website for Great Place To Work Institute: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/
Subscription Links
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
iTunes | Stitcher | RSS |
Your Feedback
If you like our show, please rate us on iTunes. That makes a huge difference in helping more people discover it. We love to know your thoughts about this episode. Please submit your comments below! You can also email comments to Jesse atjesse@engagingleader.com, subscribe to him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.