About this episode

Rick Tollakson shares insights on leadership and community impact from his four-decade career at Hubbell Realty Company.

What does it take to lead an Iowa legacy for over four decades?In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, we sit down with Rick Tollakson, the recently retired CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. From joining as a construction engineer in 1984 to steering the firm through 170 years of business history, Rick’s journey is a masterclass in local leadership, diversification, and "thinking bigger."Whether you are a Des Moines business owner navigating current economic shifts or an aspiring leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, Rick’s insights on the "Eight to Great" principles and the power of community-driven "Extreme Builds" are essential listening.Topic Conversations & Timestamps(00:06) – The Hubbell Legacy: Introducing Rick Tollakson and the 170-year history of Hubbell Realty.(01:37) – Teamwork Over Ego: Why a CEO’s biggest mindset shift is trusting the team to carry the vision.(05:52) – The Accidental 42-Year Career: How Rick went from a "five-year plan" to a four-decade tenure.(08:56) – Des Moines Renaissance: Lessons from building the Hub Tower and the 1980s real estate climate.(14:15) – Leadership in a Crisis: Stay optimistic—why down markets are the best…

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