Hormel’s Chief Point of Difference
Feature Article, Spring 2010
Champion of Innovation in a Troubled Industry
Published in Portfolio (magazine of Leeds School of Business, CU-Boulder)
IN 1979 RICHARD “DICK” KNOWLTON (’54 geography and economics) took over as president of Hormel Foods, home of the food pop culture icon SPAM®. Over the next six years, he and his Austin, Minn. based company witnessed failures of other leading meat companies, faced a 14-month strike considered one of the most significant in history, and incurred debts that exceeded the value of the entire company … read full article at ZMags.com
Web Extra: Overhauling Attitudes
In Knowlton’s new book, Points of Difference, learn about his request to work the line before taking the helm of the company’s largest (but unprofitable) factory … link to excerpt