About this episode
Leslie Grigg is the co-founder of the F. Neefy and Golden Grigg Legacy Foundation and a proud steward of the Tater Tots legacy—an iconic snack created by his family. Born in 1952, Leslie has deep roots with Ore-Ida Foods, which was founded by his grandfather’s brothers and brother-in-law. His father served as a longtime controller there, passing down the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Leslie’s professional path shifted in 1978 when he became a stockbroker, igniting a lasting passion for finance and markets. Today, he fuses his financial acumen with philanthropy through the Protect Your Tots campaign, a national initiative raising awareness about child abuse prevention. He also serves in leadership roles with the National Exchange Club , where he has dedicated decades to civic and community-focused work. Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, host Rudy sits down with Leslie Grigg to explore a remarkable story of family legacy, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Best known for carrying forward the story behind Tater Tots, Leslie is channeling that legacy into a greater purpose—protecting children from abuse. Through the Protect Your Tots campaign and an upcoming documentary, Leslie is leveraging the cultural resonance of Tater Tots to drive national attention to child abuse prevention. The conversation dives into his journey from Wall Street to community leadership, showcasing how legacy, financial wisdom, and philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to create lasting change. Rudy and Leslie also draw fascinating parallels between the stock market and life, as Leslie shares personal philosophies on disciplined trading, emotional control, and market psychology. His multi-decade work with the National Exchange Club further illustrates how civic engagement can be a powerful force for good. 🎯 Key Takeaways Legacy Meets Philanthropy : Leslie’s campaign Protect Your Tots connects his family’s iconic invention with advocacy for child abuse prevention. Market Wisdom : Leslie emphasizes that successful trading stems from discipline, patience, and having a consistent process. A Lifelong Advocate : Through his role in the National Exchange Club, Leslie has worked tirelessly to support efforts around child abuse awareness and prevention. Entrepreneurial Influence : Inspired by his family’s innovative roots, Leslie built a career in finance while preserving and reimagining his heritage. Life Lessons from the Market : From price action to emotional intelligence, Leslie shares how market principles echo broader life truths. 💬 Notable Quotes “I just had this dream that someday, if I ever had the time, I wanted to do something spectacular with this legacy.” “There are so many different ways to be a successful trader… The key is having a disciplined, consistent process.” “When markets function, everybody wins.” “I think a legacy—it's an identifier of who I am.” “Time in the market always has and I believe always will produce a winning result.” Connect with Leslie: Upcoming Documentary - Protect Your Tots FB Page - The National Tater tot fan club protectyourtots.com