Ryan Sturm was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent his early years living in Arizona, Nebraska, and Oregon. He graduated from Wayne High School before attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. After college, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 2006, where he developed the leadership, discipline, and accountability that would shape his future career. He served until 2013, gaining valuable experience leading teams in demanding environments and building a strong foundation for his transition into the business world.
In 2015, Ryan became president of Wichita Winsupply, guiding the company through significant growth and expanding revenue from $3 million to $23 million over nine years. In 2024, he assumed the role of president at Winsupply of Omaha, continuing his focus on team development, operational excellence, and leadership.
Outside of work, he has been married to his wife, Karey, for 20 years and is the proud father of two children, Emma (10) and Max (8). He enjoys working out and playing golf, but his greatest passion lies in developing and inspiring the next generation of leaders, believing that strong teams and mentorship are the keys to long-term success.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- That disciplined leadership is the foundation for building high-performing teams in any business environment.
- How to scale a company from $3 million to $23 million in revenue with strategic growth decisions.
- Why the local ownership model outperforms traditional corporate structures in the trades.
- That operational excellence requires consistent processes, accountability, and attention to detail at every level.
- How military experience can translate into effective leadership in the corporate world.
- Why cultivating strong company culture is critical to retaining talent and sustaining growth.
- That measurable goals and clear accountability structures accelerate performance and profitability.
- How to balance business success with personal priorities like family and personal development.
- Why investing in the next generation of leaders strengthens the organization’s future.
- That passion, persistence, and vision are essential to overcoming challenges and achieving lasting results.
about the show
They served their country, and now they’re building something just as powerful.
They led with discipline, purpose, resilience, and have turned their next chapter into a mission.
But in today’s noisy world, even the most dedicated veterans struggle to get the recognition they deserve.
Operation CEO is a groundbreaking TV series that honors the next chapter of America's heroes.
These entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators have served their country and are now building businesses with purpose.
Each episode highlights a veteran who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, showcasing the same grit, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to define their journey today.
From startups to seven-figure brands, these stories prove that the warrior spirit doesn’t fade after service…
It evolves!
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