Kirt WalkerKirt Walker took the reins as CEO of Nationwide in fall 2019, but he got his start on his family’s Century Farm in Iowa. Like so many 4-H alumni, he says he was able to bring many valuable lessons to his career from his time in 4-H.
“My brother and I were officers in 4-H and FFA, and my dad was a 4-H leader for more than 20 years,” Walker shared. “Those experiences helped me understand that leadership is ultimately about serving others.”
The connections between Nationwide and farming run deep. In fact, many people don’t realize the company, now one of the largest insurance and financial services organizations in America, was formed by Ohio farmers who were looking for fair prices for auto insurance.
“We were started by farmers to support rural communities, and we’ll always honor that heritage,” Walker said recently. Nationwide’s first salespeople and customers were farmers who believed in the cooperative spirit that more could be accomplished together than alone.
And the protection company’s leader credits his farming background and positive experiences with 4-H with helping him develop his leadership philosophy.
“Leading in business, just like in 4-H, is about helping people reach their full potential.”
Walker smiling for a photo with his wife, Cindy.
