EP34: Richard Klein on Realizing a Dream Through Daily Best Practices

It’s a classic American success story – Richard Klein started his business out of the back of a truck and grew it to a place of success over the years. In fact, he was recently honored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce as small business person of the year. In this podcast Richard shares his secrets of success, work philosophy, daily habits and book recommendations.

After attending California State University, Northridge, Richard Klein became the general manager of a retail battery, starter, alternator and auto electric company. After reorganizing and growing the business by over 70% over a 4 year period, he started what would grow to become Advanced Battery Systems, Inc., in 1986 and he has been at the helm ever since, serving his customers, employees, and community for over 30 years.

Richard has been active with, and served on, several community and industry boards including; The Automotive Service Council (ASC Vice President), Battery Electric Specialists Association (BESA as  Chairman of the National Marketing Committee), American Youth Soccer Association (Board Member, Coach, Referee), Marina Del Rey Chamber of Commerce, Valley Professionals Network, Toastmasters, and many others.

His graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program helped him see Advanced Battery Systems, Inc. through fresh eyes, which resulted in record sales growth (the business more than doubled)  and prompted the development of his current growth plan.

He has 4 amazing, successful adult children, a wonderful, supportive wife and enough energy to create an effective work life balance. His current mission is to promote his staff’s involvement on industry boards and his employees now hold several community positions.  His hobbies are golf, bowling, motivational and business reading and helping mentor other small business owners.