What About Bob?

Bob Lauth - Chairman of Lauth Property Group (one of Americas biggest property developers) thinks it's important to buy copies of PDL for his employees. Of course he goes a little overboard with the other perks - but he buys them books! What a wonderful idea - everyone should do this.

"The executives say Lauth’s biggest challenge is to attract and retain the highestcaliber talent. They’ve made it their top priority over the last several years. Perks include an in-house gym, drycleaning service and top-of-the-line pay and benefits. Top employees are awarded with free lunches on Fridays, upscale dinners and all-expenses-paid vacations. All the efforts are paying off: Lauth’s turnover is about 14 percent, compared with an industry average of 36 percent. New employees are welcomed with an actual red carpet and a personal note from Lauth, who also writes to each employee on their anniversaries. They decided to close the office at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, with no exceptions. When the early closing time began, tow trucks circled the lot and hooked up cars still on the premises at 4:35 p.m. They didn’t actually tow the cars away, just circled the lot with them attached to make a point. Some days, Bob Lauth pushes an ice cream cart around the office. He even shares his favorite motivational books with employees. He buys them in bulk, leaving several copies in conference rooms.

Recent selections include “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, “It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy” by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff, and “Father to Daughter: Life Lessons on Raising a Girl” by Harry H. Harrison Jr."

Bob - call me next week. I've got an idea for you. We are launching 10 new Saddleback campuses in the next 40 months. I think "developing" a campus in Indianapolis would be perfect! We can pipe in the video - I'll even speak there once a year on the 500 weekend. Call me - lets do launch!