Walter Lauridsen, based in Des Moines, Iowa, joined Lauridsen Group, Inc. (LGI) in 2006 as an international business development professional. In this role, he was responsible for crafting strategies related to production plant development and raw materials sourcing. From 2008 to 2023, Walter relocated to Des Moines and took on various leadership roles, including business development leader, production schedule advisor, and project manager. Over the course of 15 years, he contributed significantly to the company’s growth. More recently, Walter has taken on key leadership positions at LGI, including chairman, CEO, and vice president of entrepreneurial initiatives, all while maintaining ownership of the company. He is committed to preserving the legacy of LGI, a company with over 100 years of history, while also advancing his work in Des Moines’ real estate development sector.
Walter holds a degree in applied economics and management from Cornell University. He is actively involved in several community initiatives, including The Other Side Academy Initiative, which supports individuals affected by long-term incarceration. Additionally, he participates in organizations such as Harvest Academy and the Robert and Billie Ray Center National Advisory Council. Outside of his professional commitments, Walter enjoys sailing and spending time with his family.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
This completely depends on where I am and what I am focused on at the time. But nothing grounds my time more than time with my son Nix.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Creativity. Everyone has ideas. You have to be creative to make them come to life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Breaking negative cycles by disrupting the status quo. The work of the Harvest Academy is changing current and future lives. The organization is a residential work program focusing on voluntary rehabilitation and preventing incarceration.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Drinking coffee.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Hurt people often hurt other people. Those who have hurt me have been through a lot of difficulties in their lives and I now feel empathy for them.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I would spend every day fixing cars if I could.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Enjoy life and help others.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Connecting with friends or creating art.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I have never been shy about introducing myself to people or inserting myself into a conversation. You can’t get to know people, and they can’t get to know you, if you don’t. And after hard work, the number one thing about making ideas come to life is connecting with others who want to help.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Just sitting in an office. Once I realized this, I found opportunities to make a difference outside of the traditional workplace. I learned I would be happiest and make the most impact through a less conventional path.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My favorite website is Bring A Trailer, I love checking out old cars.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve been listening to Joe Rogan for years. He’s funny, talks with cool guests and has a good perspective.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I thought Shogun was well done. I liked learning about Japanese culture in a different era. I also like the History Channel.
Key learnings
- The world needs unconventional thinking and living.
- Break cycles through a new approach or perspective.
- Balance business with other pursuits, like art, helps one’s mind find balance.