St. Louis Firm Maintains Zero Layoffs for 75 Years

The Gund Co. reports seven decades of growth without workforce reductions while scaling to 1,300 employees.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Jobs — General

Isometric editorial illustration featuring interlocking matte metallic volumes and structural components, representing long-term industrial stability and management systems. — St. Louis-based The Gund Co. has marked 75 years of operation without a single layoff, maintaining a steady workforce of 1,300 employees. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should companies prioritize long-term worker job security over achieving maximum short-term corporate profits?

Founded in 1951, The Gund Co. marked 75 years of operation in 2026 without implementing a single layoff. The St. Louis-based firm currently employs 1,300 people and manages annual sales of $400 million.

Why it matters

The company maintains that workforce cuts represent a fundamental failure of executive management. This philosophy has drawn interest from executives across various industries who are visiting to study the firm’s unique management model.

The company reports an 18 percent annual growth rate over the last decade with profit margins that have doubled. Entry-level factory roles currently start between $55,000 and $65,000 annually.

The players

The Gund Co.

A St. Louis-based manufacturer with global operations that focuses on a no-layoff management philosophy.

Steve Gund

A senior leader who joined the company in the early 1990s to help guide its long-term growth and management strategy.

Rich Gund

A senior leader who joined the company in the early 1990s to help oversee operations and company culture.

The details

The Gund Co. utilizes a 12-step management strategy that centers on radical transparency, including the public posting of financial results and floor-level supervision. Employees also use physical red cards to flag operational concerns, which remain prominently displayed until they are resolved.

1951: The company was founded.
Early 1990s: Steve and Rich Gund joined the company full-time.
2009: An employee stock ownership plan was introduced.
2015: The current management strategy was established.
2026: The company marked its 75th year of operation.

Market Landscape

The Gund Co.’s decision to manage its own equity structure following the buyback of its employee stock ownership plan contrasts with the trend of public acquisition. This approach distinguishes the firm from competitors that rely on short-term market fluctuations for valuation.

For job seekers in the St. Louis area, the firm offers entry-level roles starting at $55,000 to $65,000 with a focus on long-term stability. The low 10 percent turnover rate indicates a high level of employee retention compared to standard manufacturing industry metrics.

The takeaway

Management models that prioritize workforce stability can achieve competitive growth rates while maintaining high employee retention. Leaders looking to improve internal culture may find that transparent financial reporting and rapid issue resolution are key drivers of long-term success.