The Importance of Company Culture: Why Choosing R.S. Hughes Rekindled My Passion for Human Resources
A series of conversations and a shared vision reignited my passion for people and culture, leading me to R.S. Hughes.
Contributed by Jon Leatherbury, Vice President, Head of Human Resources, 1 Month
After 25 years in Human Resources, it takes something special to reignite that early spark. For me, that spark came during my first conversations with R.S. Hughes President, John Mathis. Almost immediately, I realized — this is where I want to be.
It was about getting back to my roots, back to the kind of company culture that reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place.
Returning to My Roots
My first job was with a bakery products distributor. I absolutely loved it. I started in the warehouse receiving items, picking loads and loading semi trucks before I eventually moved into delivery and customer support.
That’s where I learned that distribution is a team game. Meeting the customer’s needs requires accuracy, coordination and trust. When you work together to exceed expectations, you earn a customer’s business, and, in turn, their loyalty.
I loved that it was all about people. That experience ignited my passion for helping others find purpose at work and build environments where their potential can thrive. That’s what led me to a career in human resources, and ultimately, what brought me to R.S. Hughes.
A Strong Foundation
What truly impressed me about R.S. Hughes is the foundation of its culture as an employee-owned company. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.
I’ve heard stories of employees who started in operations, moved into customer success, tried their hand in sales and later joined marketing. R.S. Hughes is a place where curiosity is rewarded, and growth is expected.
It’s a career playground that builds well-rounded, business-minded employees. When people are given the chance to explore, they stay, they learn and grow with the company.
Our culture also stands out for its local focus. Customers know that our people understand their business, their challenges and the products and services they need. We’re proactive in helping them solve problems. That’s at the core of who we are, and it’s something worth protecting.
Building and Protecting Culture
Throughout my career, I’ve helped companies build and strengthen their cultures. I’ve seen how fragile culture can be. A poor culture can eat a great business strategy for lunch.
Culture is built on shared values, rewards, leadership, clarity and manager involvement. It’s shaped by how a company operates, how it serves its customers and how it differentiates itself. A thriving culture aligns those elements and reinforces them every day.
How Great Companies Grow
The companies that consistently make the Great Place to Work list share two things.
First, they treat their people well. Employees have positive experiences with their managers, understand the company’s values and see how those values connect to their own goals.
Second, they invest in meaningful programs, hiring thoughtfully, developing talent and providing benefits that support their health and wellbeing. Employees say great things about the company, choose to stay at the company and strive to deliver their best everyday. In those companies, employees feel seen, supported and valued.
My Vision for Our Team
When I think about where R.S. Hughes wins, it always comes back to people. That’s our greatest strength.
We succeed when we hire great people, invest in their growth and stay relentlessly focused on the customer. My goal is to make R.S. Hughes the employer of choice in our industry and a place where people want to stay, build lasting careers and share financially in the success we create together.
We already have a culture where so many of our employees stay for their entire career. I want to thank our employees for choosing every day to be part of this company, living our values and bringing their best. That choice matters and I don’t take it for granted.
To prospective employees, I’d say this: R.S. Hughes is a unique place. The culture is deeply focused on the customer and everyone here has each other’s back. When you join us, you’re not just joining a company, you’re joining a team that takes pride in serving customers and supporting one another.
A Growing Investment
Something not many people know about me is that I love gardening. I grow vegetables and flowers. I actually have a beehive now so I can make my own honey. I like growing things and then sharing them with family and neighbors. Gardening gives me a chance to take a step back, appreciate nature and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
I look at human resources much the same way. When we invest the appropriate resources in our people, and they dedicate their knowledge and curiosity to help the business grow, we return that growth right back to them. That’s what it means to be business-minded and empowered to do the right thing.
At the end of the day, my purpose is simple: to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If I can do that, then I’ll know I’ve done something that truly matters.