# Scaling Smart with Intentional Leadership with Matthew Rooda at SwineTech

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/growth-think-tank-480988/scaling-smart-with-intentional-leadership-with-matthew-rooda-at-swinetech.md
Podcast: [Growth Think Tank](https://stenobird.com/podcast/growth-think-tank-480988)
Published: 2026-03-09T02:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://leaders.libsyn.com/scaling-smart-with-intentional-leadership-with-matthew-rooda-at-swinetech
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/leaders/1265_Matthew_Rooda_EDITED-auphonic.mp3?dest-id=185578
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Duration seconds: 1654

## Resource

On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address cultural issues early, build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and truly understand what your customers want, especially in the meat industry. He also dives into the importance of honest customer discovery, hiring the right people, and creating a team environment where collaboration, ownership, and accountability thrive. Matthew also shares practical tips on listening to your team, even in the small things, and why these simple wins can have a big impact on morale and engagement. He closes with advice for leaders on maintaining reasonable expectations, staying adaptable, and continually reinventing themselves and their businesses to navigate growth successfully. If you're a founder or CEO looking to scale without losing your culture or your sanity, this episode is full of actionable insights. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:12 The Journey of Swine Tech 9:31 Defining Scaling Smart 11:30 Building a Strong Foundation 15:56 Hiring the Right Talent 21:24 The Cost of Tolerating Culture 24:14 Key Takeaways for CEOs Key Takeaways ✅Culture is foundational small issues left unchecked can derail growth. ✅True product-market fit comes from deeply understanding your customers' real problems. ✅Growth requires balance: business goals, customer satisfaction, and your team's well-being. ✅Hiring isn't just about talent; it's about mindset and alignment with your mission. ✅Small gestures, like payroll frequency or listening to feedback, can significantly improve morale. ✅Leaders must…

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