Show 015 / Jerry Kathman, LPK, Cincinnati, USA
Even before Jerry Kathman converted LPK (Libby Perszyk Kathman) into an ESOP in 1994, Jerry Kathman had adopted an open-book management style. Bill Kagler, former president of Kroger, was on the international design agency’s board at the time and encouraged Kathman to be much more inclusive and to share virtually everything. “The salaries and personal development plans are private matters between an employee and his or her manager,” says Kathman, president and CEO of LPK. “But a lot of the other stuff that companies tend to keep closely held, we think it’s wise not to hold that stuff tightly.” By sharing targets and goals, Kathman has guided his company of 400 employees to 2005 revenue of $50 million.
Download: Show 015 // Jerry Kathman, LPK
