Episode 338 – Don & Kris Richardson – Leading at the Speed of Trust (Live from the 2026 HPBExpo)
Audio Stream:
“If you don’t make the hard decisions, you actually make it worse for yourself—but they’re very difficult.”
In this episode, Tim sits down with Don and Kris Richardson (founders of RPG Brands) to unpack their remarkable journey from humble beginnings to industry empire. Don started with his wife Debbie in a house with no clue what they were doing, while Kris learned to work hard by jackhammering feather rock in 120-degree heat for $5 an hour.
In this episode, the Richardsons cover:
• How owing $750,000 to Majestic Fireplaces in the late ’80s became the defining moment that taught them resilience—and why Don treasures those dark times as foundational training
• The gutsy decision to cash in a life insurance policy for $254,000 to fund Modern Flames in 2009, and how admitting failure on a steam fireplace project eight years later pivoted them toward massive success
• Why starting three separate companies within the family business allowed each Richardson to build their own identity while staying collaborative and how they continue to prioritize connection.
Don’t miss this candid conversation about confronting brutal facts, leading by example, and the servant leadership required to hand off the reins while you still have plenty to give.
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