In this compelling book, GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD, Ron Rubin, a visionary leader, and incredible businessman, shares the wisdom and insights he has gained over a remarkable 50-year career. This book is a must-read for anyone inspired by leadership and the power of following their dreams.

– Eli Beer, Founder of United Hatzalah
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Gold in Your Backyard by Ron Rubin

about the book

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE

How does one take the first seeds of an idea and grow them into an exciting and prosperous company? And how do you create a company culture that prizes innovation and inspires your employees to become the very best they can be? These are just some of the questions that Ron answers for us in this brilliant book. Ron is a true expert in entrepreneurship and business leadership. As you will see in the pages ahead, GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD is not a typical business book. It is a book of rare wisdom and inspiration, shining a bright light on how to live your life to the fullest and how to help others all along the way. Enjoy!

Book Endorsements

“Ron takes readers on an inspiring journey through his 70+ years of life, sharing the invaluable leadership principles, life lessons, and business wisdom he’s garnered along the way.”

Karissa Kruse,
President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers

"There are not many people who have built and grown a single start-up. Ron has done it three times. In his memoir, he’s super generous in sharing what he’s learned from both the triumphs and mistakes."

John Wood
Founder Emeritus of Room to Read, Founder and CEO of U-GO

"With its down-to-earth approach and powerful lessons, this book captures the essence of navigating challenges with clarity and humility."

Becky Robinson, author of
Reach and CEO of Weaving Influence

"Whether you’re just starting out or are already on your path, these lessons will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and live with purpose."

David Cygielman
Founder and CEO of Moishe House

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about the author

In 1971, Ron began dreaming about owning a winery, while studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis. Forty years later in 2011, that dream came true when he purchased River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, located in Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.

Ron began his beverage career starting in 1972 with his family’s business, Central Wholesale Liquor Co. in Mount Vernon, Illinois, staying with the family-owned company for the next 22 years.

In 1994, Ron purchased The Republic of Tea, a Marin County, California specialty tea business that his son, Todd currently leads.

In 2017, Ron funded The Maynard Amerine Wine Label and Menu Collection, at U.C. Davis, by providing the seed funding to create a searchable online database making the collection usable around the world. He also began TRAINED FOR “SAVING LIVES” program in collaboration with the American Red Cross and ZOLL Medical Corporation. River Road Family Vineyards and Winery is covering the cost of one ZOLL AED PLUS (Automated External Defibrillator) unit. To date, 450 United States wineries joined this program with over 2,000 newly trained staff members in CPR, AED, and First Aid.

Ron currently serves as Board President of the Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, and he is a current member of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

In 2022, Ron received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters from Sonoma State University. Also, he received the American Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence. His winery became a Certified B Corporation, one of only thirty-three worldwide.

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