#3 Jason Ruud: President of S.A. Morman and Co.

Jason Ruud is the president of S.A. Morman and Co., a commercial doors, hardware, and security systems company based in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. 

He and his wife Kristin bought the company from her father in 2019. They are proud to be the 6th generation in the family business, which started in 1857. The company has 75 employees between its two locations in Grand Rapids and the Kalamazoo/ Portage area. He cares deeply about his employees and says, ‘we call them family members.’ 

Jason is the father of fraternal twins Bennett & Quinn and son Graham, all under 3! He has a fascinating athletic history, including playing football for Muskegon High School when they won a State Championship and participating in the water ski club at Hope College. 

Outside of time with friends, golf, fishing, and hunting, Jason volunteers for the nonprofit Ele’s Place, which provides a support system for grieving kids.

To connect with Jason Rudd, drop him an email. Visit the YPO West Michigan Website for more information about how to become a member.

(2:39) - Jason’s background & Career 

(7:00) - YPO’s Impact on business owners dealing w/ Covid

(7:45) - How sports played a role in how Jason runs teams 

(10:15) - Do you have childhood experience that shaped your life?

(12:30) - The power of putting your head down and working hard

(13:49) - Jason’s College athletic career

(15:26) - S.A. Morman’s History and Jason’s goals for the organization

(17:13) - Who would be a customer of S.A. Morman?

(18:23) - Jason’s Family dynamic & Family/Business COVID stories

(22:54) - What have been the highs and lows of running a family business and do you want your children to be in the business one day?

(26:35) - Can you gift your children ‘struggle’?

(28:23) - The struggle of growing a business

(33:23) - What extracurricular and volunteer activities are you involved in?

(38:51) - How to contact Jason YPO Connect and asks of other YPO members

Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts