In GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD, Ron Rubin shares 50 lessons that shaped his extraordinary career. Along the way, he presents a master class in values-based leadership, showing readers how to build enduring brands, captivate customers, and engage employees, while doing good in business, life, and the community at large.
Across 50 chapters, Ron shares the pivotal moments that defined his journey: working side-by-side with his father in a regional liquor distribution company; falling in love with winegrowing at age 22; wagering everything to buy The Republic of Tea; purchasing a vineyard; and surviving a near-fatal heart condition that changed the trajectory of his life. Each chapter contains a single, insightful lesson — personal, practical, and often surprising.
The phrase “Gold in Your Backyard” comes from an expression coined by Ron’s father, meaning that there are opportunities close to home. Leaders don’t necessarily need to go far to find their “gold.” The values, lessons, skills, instincts, and opportunities that fuel lasting success often come from the places and people leaders know best.
Personal and Impactful
Throughout GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD, Ron shares his advice in an engaging, conversational style, connecting with readers on a personal level, while discussing the realities of business – the fear, intuition, resilience, and risk-taking needed to succeed.
He begins by urging people to seek mentors who will challenge their thinking and provide guidance. He then turns to the importance of reading – of constantly learning and growing. Lesson Three is devoted to taking risks. Ron advises readers to always evaluate opportunities through a values lens. If a decision aligns with your mission and long-term vision, move toward it even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Other key topics include:
• Surround Yourself with Experts
— Recruit advisors and team members who know more than you do in key areas. Experts help accelerate growth and prevent costly mistakes.
• Make Sustainability Count
— Caring for the earth is both a responsibility and a competitive advantage. Ron recommends auditing operations for waste, energy use, water consumption, and packaging. Replace outdated practices with environmentally responsible ones.
• Build a Dream Team
— Culture is created by how leaders show up every day. Hire people who share your values, not just skills. Model the attitudes and behaviors you want to see. A great team forms when people feel trusted, respected, and excited by a shared purpose.
• Create Your Own Advisory Board
— If you can’t find the right peer group where you’re located, form one. Identify people whose judgment you respect and invite them to meet regularly. Share challenges, review goals, and ask for honest feedback. You don’t need a formal institution — you just need committed colleagues.
• Focus on Priorities
— Customers, employees, and cash flow come first. Satisfy your customers. Support your employees. Monitor cash flow weekly. These three priorities keep a business healthy. Everything else is secondary.
• Live Your Dream
— Purpose and joy are as essential to leadership as strategy. Name the dream you’ve postponed. Set a timeline. Build momentum through small actions. Don’t wait until the “perfect” moment.
GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD is a reminder that meaningful success does not depend on chasing trends or looking far afield. It is created by leading with integrity, treating people well, staying curious, and having the courage to act on the opportunities that are already within reach.