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Episode Summary
What does it take to build a company that thrives for more than a century? In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Steve Gullickson, President of MGK (McLaughlin Gormley King), to unpack the leadership principles, innovation strategies, and long-term thinking behind one of the pest management industry’s most respected manufacturers.
Steve shares MGK’s remarkable journey from importing spices in the early 1900s to becoming a global leader in insect control solutions serving more than 35 countries. The conversation explores the evolution of product development, navigating stringent EPA regulations, fostering a culture of transparency, empowering employees to make decisions, and balancing family legacy with corporate growth. Steve also reveals how leadership has evolved throughout his career—from solving every problem himself to building systems that allow people to thrive independently.
Whether you’re building a family business, leading a growing organization, or trying to create a culture that outlives you, this episode delivers timeless leadership lessons rooted in humility, innovation, and long-term stewardship.
Key Takeaways:
- A 100-year business survives by continuously reinventing itself without abandoning its core mission.
- Sustainable growth comes from solving customer problems—not simply selling products.
- Innovation requires patience; highly regulated industries demand long-term strategic planning.
- Great leaders shift from making every decision to empowering others to own solutions.
- Strong company culture is built through transparency, communication, and trust.
- Hiring for cultural fit is just as important as hiring for technical ability.
- Market share—not short-term revenue—can be a stronger long-term growth metric.
- Independent boards provide perspective rather than permission, helping leaders make better decisions.
- Family businesses succeed when stewardship outweighs ego.
- Legacy isn’t about your name on the building—it’s about creating an organization that thrives without you.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Steve Gullickson and MGK
01:00 – What MGK does and its global impact
02:35 – The fascinating origin story of MGK
05:15 – Growing up in a fourth-generation family business
06:20 – From pharmaceutical sales to company president
09:15 – Why MGK launched its own brands
10:20 – Selling solutions instead of products
13:10 – Innovation, EPA regulations, and long product development cycles
16:00 – Lessons learned after becoming president
18:00 – Building empowered teams instead of bottlenecks
20:45 – Leadership systems and “hallway management”
23:00 – Creating a culture people want to be part of
24:30 – Navigating multiple generations of family ownership
27:40 – Why every business needs an effective board
30:20 – Selling MGK while protecting its legacy
31:35 – What legacy really means to Steve
33:20 – The future of botanical and natural pest control
38:30 – Growing market share through innovation
39:40 – Why MGK continues to call Minnesota home
41:45 – Leadership advice for building businesses that last generations
GUEST RESOURCES:
Website: www.mgk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGKInsect/
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/mgk
