“Decisions should be made by your brain and implemented by your heart,” Keith Rozolis, the chief executive officer of ABC Supply, said at a lecture Jan. 28.

As an entrepreneur, Rozolis spoke on leadership and gave three practical tips on how to become an effective leader.   

Rozolis joined ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing materials in North America, in 1999. During his talk, Rozolis gave students advice about the approach successful leaders take when starting a business.  

“Leadership requires three things: Do the right thing always. Do your best, always. Show people that you care, always,” Rozolis said.  

He said good leaders are most needed in places where there is no process, like starting a small business.  

“Leadership matters when there’s chaos and uncertainty — what I call dynamic times,” Rozolis said.  

Jen Lutz ’98, career placement associate, said that his talk impacted students in a meaningful way. 

“Keith was incredibly down to earth, which really resonated with our students,” Lutz said. “He spoke thoughtfully about leadership, and from conversations afterward, it was clear that fellows were genuinely impressed by both his insight and his approachability.” 

This talk is mandatory for all students in the Kehoe Entrepreneurial Fellowship. It is one of many in the Executive Speaker Series, which is open to the public. The Kehoe program has 28 students who are all looking to start a new business. A fellow is provided with the training and resources to get their business off the ground. Applications are open to sophomores in the fall. 

Sophomore Ianna Chan, a Kehoe fellow, appreciated Rozolis’s advice for younger people. 

“I liked how he mentioned that we are at the ‘prime of our life,’” Chan said. “We aren’t supporting a family yet, so if it doesn’t work out, we can pivot. It’s easier for us to take risks.” 

Rozolis said that benevolence was an element of good leadership. 

“Take chances in your 20’s. Don’t worry about the money,” Rozolis said. “If you can impact other people’s lives in a positive way, that is the highest good.” 

 Rozolis also said that branding is extremely important for young entrepreneurs. 

“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room,” Rozolis said. “The best thing your brand can be is trustworthy. I want people to say, ‘I trust Keith,’ when I’m not in the room.” 

Lutz appreciated the perspective he provided about leadership. 

“He framed leadership around trust,” Lutz said. “Which is built through competence, honesty, and benevolence, and reminded students that the best leaders consistently do the right thing and genuinely care about others.”