Learning from the Best: Welty Leadership Visits The Gund Company

Building a Culture That Lasts: Welty Leadership Learns from The Gund Co.

What does it take to build a successful company without laying off a single employee in 75 years?

Founded in 1951, The Gund Company is a family-owned manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri, that has built a reputation for its people-first leadership approach. With a commitment to employee development, transparency, and continuous improvement, the company has achieved significant growth while maintaining its longstanding no-layoff philosophy.

At the heart of its success is a unique 12-step management model that empowers employees, encourages open communication, and creates a shared sense of ownership and accountability. The approach has attracted leaders from more than 200 companies seeking to learn how investing in people can drive long-term business success.

Among those leaders were Welty’s Don and Michael Taylor, who visited The Gund Company to learn firsthand about its leadership model and workplace culture. Their visit reflects Welty’s continued commitment to growth and exploring new ways to invest in its people, strengthen relationships, and build a culture that lasts.

The Gund Company’s story reinforces a simple but powerful belief: When you take care of your people, business success follows.