Brave Enough to Tell the Truth: The Leadership of Jon Vrabely
Could you lead a company on the brink of collapse?
It’s easy to be a leader when profits are high and growth is predictable. But real leaders are forged in fire—when the bottom drops out and survival means making painful, unpopular, and high-stakes decisions. That’s the kind of leader Jon Vrabely proved himself to be.
In 2005, Jon Vrabely was one of several vice presidents at Huttig Building Products, based in St. Louis, Missouri. The company was riding high on the back of a booming housing market, bringing in over $1.1 billion in revenue. But by 2006, the U.S. mortgage crisis shattered the housing sector—and Huttig was hit hard.
A Crisis that Required Candor and Courage
As revenues plummeted by nearly 50%, Huttig’s board scrambled for answers. Many floated half-hearted, incremental changes. But Vrabely had the nerve to speak truth to power. “Huttig’s current strategy will kill this 125-year-old company,” he warned, presenting a bold, research-backed turnaround plan. Impressed by his clarity and courage, the board replaced the long-time CEO with the then 41-year-old Vrabely—just as the market continued to spiral.
Radical Change, Relentless Focus
Vrabely didn’t flinch. He quickly made tough calls:
- Wrote off two unprofitable projects worth $16.1 million
- Shut down 18 of 45 distribution centers
- Laid off nearly half the company’s workforce—including close colleagues
At the same time, he went on offense. While competitors floundered, Vrabely seized their talent, their product lines, and even acquired struggling rivals at discount prices.
According to Harvard Business Review, transformative leaders stay agile and opportunistic in the face of adversity. Vrabely embodied that.
A Measured Comeback
Huttig’s recovery was slow—but steady. Since 2012, the company has:
- Rehired approximately 200 employees
- Increased sales by 8.1%
- Returned to consistent profitability
Vrabely didn’t just save Huttig—he future-proofed it. His ability to make tough decisions, act with speed, and embrace uncomfortable truths earned him respect not just within the company, but across the industry. Jon is a model of a leader who faced reality, defied conventional wisdom, and risked everything to steer his company to safety.
His story is a powerful reminder that decisive, ethical leadership can turn even the most dire situations around. It also underscores the need for companies to cultivate and listen to voices within their ranks who are willing to challenge the status quo.
Final Thoughts: Crisis Reveals Character
When the storm hits, true leadership emerges. Jon Vrabely didn’t wait for permission to do the right thing—he acted with urgency, clarity, and conviction. His story is more than a case study in corporate turnaround. It’s a testament to the power of honest leadership, decisive action, and resilience under pressure.
Let Vrabely’s journey serve as a reminder: the next great leader in your organization may already be in the room—ready to speak the hard truth and do what it takes. Will you listen?
Want to Inspire Fearless Leadership in Your Organization?
Ross Shafer shares real-world case studies like Jon Vrabely’s to show audiences how bold leadership—rooted in truth and action—can drive lasting change. His keynotes are equal parts motivational, insightful, and unforgettable.
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