Crayola CEO Pete Ruggiero Credits Hands-On Approach for Success

Crayola CEO Pete Ruggiero, known for his analytical background, has shared his unique approach to success, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown and asking questions. Ruggiero, who joined Crayola in 1997 as a staff accountant, has since risen through the ranks to become the company's CEO. His journey is marked by a willingness to take on new challenges and learn from them, a philosophy he attributes to his mentor's advice: "Lose the tie, go to the plant floor, and learn the employees’ names."

Ruggiero's early days at Crayola were spent on the production floor, where he immersed himself in the company's operations. He spent four hours daily interacting with workers, understanding their challenges, and finding ways to improve efficiency. This hands-on approach not only helped him gain a deep understanding of the manufacturing process but also led to significant improvements, such as speeding up production and creating a better label for the crayons.

Ruggiero's success at Crayola is a testament to his ability to adapt and learn. He took on various roles within the company, including running its Europe operations, which involved moving his family to England for three years. These diverse experiences prepared him for the CEO position, which he took on in 2024. Ruggiero's advice to young professionals is to embrace new opportunities, even if they seem illogical, and to learn as much as possible from them. He believes that this sponge-like quality of being open to new experiences is key to personal and professional growth.

Ruggiero's approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity and a deep understanding of the company's operations. He attributes his success to his willingness to take on new challenges and learn from them. His advice to new hires is to embrace the unknown, ask questions, and be open to learning. This philosophy has not only helped him succeed but has also shaped Crayola into a company known for its innovation and creativity.