Thomas Odermatt (Roli Roti and Butcher's Bone Broth) on Family Rituals, Servant Leadership and Creating a Family within your Team #012

In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Thomas Odermatt, founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, to explore how family values, purpose, and empathy shape modern leadership.

Thomas shares his journey from growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland, where hard work and connection were a way of life, to leading one of America’s most beloved food businesses. He reflects on the lessons instilled by his parents, the importance of family rituals, and how those early experiences laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy today.

Together, Kevin and Thomas discuss the power of purpose in work, the role of empathy in leadership, and why empowering employees is key to building lasting company culture. Thomas also opens up about balancing business growth with family life, lessons from his time in the Swiss army, and what it truly means to lead like a father both at home and in the workplace.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a parent striving to stay grounded through growth, Thomas’s story offers timeless wisdom about purpose, people, and perseverance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How family values and rituals shape leadership style
• Why purpose in work creates fulfillment and direction
• The importance of empathy and understanding in leadership
• How to empower employees and build lasting trust
• Why balancing family and business is crucial for success
• Lessons from the Swiss army that translate to leadership today
• The value of long-term employees in sustaining growth
• Why transparency strengthens company culture
• How to celebrate small wins and maintain a startup mindset

Top Takeaways:
• Strong leadership begins with strong values
• Purpose-driven work fuels both personal and professional growth
• Empowered teams create thriving businesses
• Balancing family and business isn’t easy but it’s worth it
• Leading with empathy transforms culture from the inside out

About Thomas Odermatt:
Thomas Odermatt is the founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, a California-based food company rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and care. Raised in Switzerland in a family of butchers, Thomas built his business around the values of honesty, hard work, and connection. His leadership is grounded in empathy and empowerment, with a deep belief that a company, like a family, thrives when people are valued and purpose guides every decision.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:27) - Growing Up in a Butcher Shop and Large Family
• (00:05:52) - Lessons from Family Values
• (00:08:33) - The Importance of Purpose
• (00:11:29) - Showing Up in the Boardroom and Navigating A New Born Child
• (00:12:53) - Routine Changes and Family Priorities
• (00:19:05) - Leadership Philosophy and Team Empowerment
• (00:25:18) - Cultural Values and Employee Care
• (00:29:17) - Maintaining a Startup Mindset
• (00:33:43) - Celebrating Small Wins
• (00:38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs