Inheritance to Innovation: The Bonneville Bones Story

Tue, Oct 15th 2024, 10:29 AM

Inheriting a family business often comes with weighty expectations but, for Ryen Fox, CEO of Bonneville Bones, it also became a journey of personal growth, innovation, and reimagining leadership. As one of The Bahamas’ most iconic retail brands, Bonneville Bones has thrived under Ryen’s guidance. Behind the success, however, lies a powerful story of navigating grief, leaning on others, and leading as a woman.

In the latest episode of Mastering Finance: The Podcast, Ryen shared that when she took over the family business following her father’s passing in 2021, she faced not only the challenge of preserving a decades-old legacy but also the personal load of stepping into her role while five months pregnant. Leadership, as Ryen discovered, is not about individual power but about service and collaboration.

“With everything else that was going on in my personal life, trying to juggle all these new responsibilities was extremely difficult. I quickly learned that I couldn’t do it all on my own and that leadership is about knowing when to depend on others. It’s about serving your team and trusting them to help you succeed.”

She shared with Mastering Finance: The Podcast hosts, Nicholas Higgs and Jarrel Hall, that she places a high value on the well-being of her employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Ryen said, “It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about making sure our team feels appreciated and supported. I work for them as much as they work for me.”

Ryen leads the company alongside her sisters, and they divide responsibilities based on each of their strengths. This team-oriented approach has allowed Ryen to innovate and steer Bonneville Bones into a new era. Under her leadership, the company rebranded with a refreshed look while maintaining the essence of what made it a beloved name in Bahamian retail. Yet, Ryen emphasizes that the success of the business isn’t just about the storefront—it’s about the people behind it.

“My father taught me that integrity in business is everything, and I’ve carried that with me. I also believe that a successful leader understands the value of creating a positive work environment where employees feel seen and appreciated.”

For other women stepping into leadership roles, Ryen’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t think you have to carry the weight alone. And remember, leadership is about service—it’s about supporting your team, not just driving results.”

As Bonneville Bones looks to the future, Ryen’s focus remains on creating a sustainable business model that can thrive for the next 50 years. Her leadership, built on a foundation of integrity, service, and collaboration, continues to drive the company’s success, ensuring that Bonneville Bones remains not just a business, but a legacy. More insight is shared in episode 8 of Mastering Finance: The Podcast, available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Inheriting a family business often comes with weighty expectations but, for Ryen Fox, CEO of Bonneville Bones, it also became a journey of personal growth, innovation, and reimagining leadership. As one of The Bahamas’ most iconic retail brands, Bonneville Bones has thrived under Ryen’s guidance. Behind the success, however, lies a powerful story of navigating grief, leaning on others, and leading as a woman.
In the latest episode of Mastering Finance: The Podcast, Ryen shared that when she took over the family business following her father’s passing in 2021, she faced not only the challenge of preserving a decades-old legacy but also the personal load of stepping into her role while five months pregnant. Leadership, as Ryen discovered, is not about individual power but about service and collaboration.
“With everything else that was going on in my personal life, trying to juggle all these new responsibilities was extremely difficult. I quickly learned that I couldn’t do it all on my own and that leadership is about knowing when to depend on others. It’s about serving your team and trusting them to help you succeed.”
She shared with Mastering Finance: The Podcast hosts, Nicholas Higgs and Jarrel Hall, that she places a high value on the well-being of her employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Ryen said, “It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about making sure our team feels appreciated and supported. I work for them as much as they work for me.”
Ryen leads the company alongside her sisters, and they divide responsibilities based on each of their strengths. This team-oriented approach has allowed Ryen to innovate and steer Bonneville Bones into a new era. Under her leadership, the company rebranded with a refreshed look while maintaining the essence of what made it a beloved name in Bahamian retail. Yet, Ryen emphasizes that the success of the business isn’t just about the storefront—it’s about the people behind it.
“My father taught me that integrity in business is everything, and I’ve carried that with me. I also believe that a successful leader understands the value of creating a positive work environment where employees feel seen and appreciated.”
For other women stepping into leadership roles, Ryen’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t think you have to carry the weight alone. And remember, leadership is about service—it’s about supporting your team, not just driving results.”
As Bonneville Bones looks to the future, Ryen’s focus remains on creating a sustainable business model that can thrive for the next 50 years. Her leadership, built on a foundation of integrity, service, and collaboration, continues to drive the company’s success, ensuring that Bonneville Bones remains not just a business, but a legacy. More insight is shared in episode 8 of Mastering Finance: The Podcast, available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
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