How to Turn Your Business Around in 100 days


June 24, 2024

Bill Canady's career spans over three decades as a global business executive across various industries, particularly in industrial and consumer products and services. His leadership philosophy revolves around aligning with key stakeholders to craft a clear and compelling vision that drives organizational growth, cost control, and profitability. Central to his success is his ability to develop strong leaders and management teams and foster deep relationships. Bill's extensive experience includes working with global public, private, and sponsor-owned companies.

As the CEO of both OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP), Bill has achieved remarkable milestones. OTC, an industrial distribution company based in Columbus, OH, boasts $1 billion in sales, 1,900+ employees, and over 60 sales/distribution offices across 40 states. Under Bill's leadership, OTC has seen revenue growth of over 43% and earnings growth of 78%. AEP, headquartered in Blaine, MN, is a leading supplier of non-discretionary, mission-critical aftermarket replacement parts for a wide range of motorized vehicles and equipment. AEP generates $1.5 billion in sales, employs 3,600+ people, and operates in over 50 countries.

Throughout his career, Bill has successfully navigated several organizations through their most significant challenges and opportunities, often within complex regulatory, investor, and media environments. His passion for the art and science of business led him to develop the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS), a set of tools and processes designed to help business owners and operators worldwide achieve profitable growth. PGOS fosters a common culture that creates value for all stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, and shareholders. It demonstrates how to increase asset productivity, boost profits, and make better decisions at every business level.

Bill's academic credentials include graduating summa cum laude from Elmhurst University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and earning an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Additionally, he is a proud veteran of the United States Navy.

With his vast experience and strategic insights, Bill Canady continues to inspire and guide businesses toward sustainable and profitable growth.


About the Author

Bill Canady is a national best-selling author, Founder & CEO of The 80/20 Institute, and a global business leader known for transforming companies into high-performing, profitable enterprises. Over the course of his career, Bill has led multibillion-dollar organizations through their most critical challenges—navigating complex regulatory, investor, and media environments—while consistently delivering profitable growth.

Drawing on decades of executive experience, Bill created the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS), a proven framework designed to help leaders cut complexity, focus on the critical few, and accelerate growth. Through The 80/20 Institute, he and his team partner with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs worldwide to apply the 80/20 methodology in real-world settings, unlocking revenue growth, margin expansion, and shareholder value.

As both an operator and advisor, Bill’s mission is clear: to give leaders the tools, systems, and confidence they need to achieve sustainable, profitable growth — without sacrificing focus, culture, or execution.

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