"To be successful, it has to be about everybody else" - Chris Odegard of Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
In this episode of the Land and Lead Podcast, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Chris Odegard, President, Chief Merchandising Officer, and part owner of Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, about growing into senior leadership from within and leading with clarity, trust, and service. Chris shares his 23-year journey at Murdoch’s, beginning as a part-time store team member during college and progressing through buying, merchandising leadership, executive ownership, and ultimately the presidency.
Rooted in his upbringing on a Montana ranch, Chris describes a leadership philosophy shaped by serving customers, removing friction for frontline teams, and continuously improving systems and processes. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on key transitions; leading former peers, bringing in outside talent to address growth constraints, and protecting a strong, values-driven culture while scaling from a handful of stores to nearly 50 across six states.
Chris discusses the challenges of stepping into the top role, including the loneliness of executive leadership, navigating unexpected departures, and making high-stakes decisions without perfect answers. He emphasizes servant leadership, humility, and accountability as essential to building trust and sustaining performance.
The episode closes with practical advice for leaders in high-stakes transitions: shift the focus away from yourself, center your team’s success, and lead in a way that makes others’ work easier and more impactful.
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