Minnesota Kenworth Truck Dealership Owner, Kari Rihm, Named 2020 Most Admired CEO
he Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal named Kari Rihm, President and CEO of Rihm Family Companies, one of its 2020 Most Admired CEOs in Minnesota.
Rihm has seen monumental growth recently under Kari’s leadership. In 2017, Kari purchased a leasing company, expanding its footprint in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. Then in 2018, Rihm opened 3 new dealerships, including the relocation of its headquarters. And in 2019, broke ground and then opened another new dealership.
Following this tremendous expansion, Rihm was named the #1 Largest Women-Owned Business in the Twin Cities in 2019 based on revenue, a Women in Trucking Association’s Top Woman-Owned Business and a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation. In 2015, Kari was also named the Most Influential Woman in Trucking by the Women in Trucking Association, was inducted into the Minnesota Women Business Owner’s Hall of Fame, and earned both Regional Finalist and National Finalist awards for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
“Now more than ever, the business, community, and government leaders in Minnesota are demonstrating what leadership is,” said Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s President and Publisher, Kathy Robideau. “Many have had to make tough decisions. Many are finding new and innovative ways to adapt their businesses to mitigate the financial and emotional toll this global pandemic is creating. Many are aiming to balance employee health and safety with shareholder and client expectations.”
For the past five years, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has recognized 10 chief executives at small and middle-market organizations in its annual Most Admired CEOs awards. Out of the large pool of CEOs nominated for the award this year, the team of editors and reporters selected 10 honorees, recognizing professional achievements, community involvement and steady leadership.
The honorees will be featured in the Business Journal's September 18th Most Admired CEOs special edition, as well as online. There will also be a celebration of their achievements at a Thursday, December 3rd awards event at Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.
About Rihm Family Companies
Rihm Motor Company (dba Rihm Kenworth) was established in 1932. Rihm Kenworth is part of Rihm Family Companies, Inc. (RFC), which is family-owned and operated, with its fourth generation in office today. RFC employs nearly 400 people, and includes Rihm Kenworth, a Kenworth truck dealer; RMC Truck Parts, a parts sales company; Rihm Leasing, a truck lease, rental, and maintenance company; and Rihm Global Sales, which handles international truck and parts sales. For more information, visit www.rihmkenworth.com.
