Malibu Boats CEO Jack Springer takes an integrated approach to product development.
“It’s not just sales, marketing or engineering — finance, quality and operations all join in the development,” Springer told CEO Magazine.
Springer told the magazine that his drive comes from junior high school, when he was cut from the school’s basketball team.
“It was a moment that shaped my life forever,” Springer said. “Since then, I’ve never been cut from anything. I want to win with integrity, and I want Malibu Boats and my team to be the best.”
Springer outlined some of his biggest challenges since coming on board with Malibu in 2009 and being named CEO the following year.
“When I arrived at Malibu, it was a pretty divisive culture,” Springer said. “In some cases, people couldn’t necessarily be trusted. It was difficult to sift through but now it is such a reward and pleasure to work with the team here. It ultimately comes back to getting the right people.”
When he finds people who are the right fit, Springer said he does not micromanage.
“We discuss this internally and challenge people to be CEOs of their area,” said Springer. “It’s important that I’m involved and know what’s going on, but I don’t meddle. At times you have to let people make mistakes and learn from those mistakes, as long as it doesn’t hurt the brand.”
