Innovating to Thrive, and Giving Back (with Larry Rybka)
After taking over the family business unexpectedly with only three years’ executive experience under his belt, Larry J. Rybka was able to help grow Valmark Financial Group into an industry leader by constantly adapting to change, and building a team, second-to-none, that maintains the high standards and values his family established from the start. Listen as Larry shares the importance of why companies must be constantly innovating, making sure they have the right team in place, and then giving back to communities to grow relationships.
Larry is a second-generation owner, Chairman, and CEO of Valmark Financial Group, the premier Broker Dealer of Choice for High Integrity Financial Firms. Valmark Financial Group was founded in 1963 by Larry’s father, Larry S. Rybka and has become an esteemed national powerhouse. Larry is a published author, has written numerous industry articles and White Papers, is often interviewed and quoted in publications like the Wall Street Journal, and has testified before the Ohio legislature on industry matters. Larry received a Distinguished Business Alumni Award, Outstanding Financial Executive Award, and the Lincoln Financial American Award, as well as awards for his authoring of journals and articles. Larry is an active contributor to several organizations including the Association for Advanced Underwriting, the Million Dollar Roundtable, the Institute for Certified Financial Planning, the University of Akron, and as a Board Member of Arise Rwanda Ministries. Larry earned a BS in Finance from the University of Akron and his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University. Larry, his wife Wendy, and their four children live in the Akron, Ohio area.
Bigger Than Business is the show where you’ll discover real-world stories of business owners living their purpose. You’ll encounter men and women all over the world who draw strength from understanding why they do what they do and how they remain true to that purpose through the ups and downs every business owner will face.
