614 - Growing a Family Business with Kaiden Routh

614 - Growing a Family Business with Kaiden Routh

Author: Henry Lopez July 21, 2026 Duration: 39:34

How he earned his way into leadership, developed a capable management team, and transformed a hands-on family equipment dealership into a scalable business that no longer depends on him for every decision.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/614-kaiden-routh-growing-family-business/

How do you step into a multigenerational family business, earn the respect of employees and customers, and then change how the company operates without damaging its legacy?

In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Kaiden Routh, CEO of Routh Sales and Rentals, a second-generation family-owned equipment dealership with locations in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Kaiden grew up around family businesses and initially considered pursuing a different career. When he eventually joined the family company, he was not immediately placed in charge. He worked at the parts counter, supported the service department, handled sales, and learned nearly every part of the operation.

That experience helped Kaiden understand the business and earn credibility with employees. However, stepping into leadership created a different challenge: longtime customers and team members were accustomed to bypassing him and going directly to his father.

Kaiden explains how he and his father navigated that challenging transition, established new boundaries, and accepted that the next generation would need to operate the business differently.

Henry and Kaiden also discuss Kaiden's evolution from being the person who solved every problem to becoming a CEO focused on growth, people, culture, customer experience, and the future growth of the company.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
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