A lifetime of leadership wisdom—told with humility, heart, and the belief that every person deserves to feel valued.
In Tighten the Lug Nuts, veteran UPS executive and CEO Rocky Romanella shares the lessons, stories, and defining moments that shaped his leadership philosophy over four decades. Drawing from real experiences leading teams of all sizes, he reveals how small decisions, simple acts of kindness, and everyday moments can become the foundation of a powerful leadership legacy.
This is not a book about titles or authority. It’s a book about character—and how the way you treat people ultimately determines the culture you build and the success you achieve. Through practical insights and relatable stories, you will learn how
• Lead with integrity, clarity, and consistencyDiscover how to make decisions that honor both your values and your responsibilities.
• Build a culture where people feel respected and inspiredSee how dignity, trust, and genuine connection drive long‑term performance.
• Navigate tough conversations and high‑pressure moments with confidenceUse a proven framework to balance results, relationships, and long‑term vision.
• Create a leadership style rooted in service, not egoLearn why the best leaders focus on lifting others, not elevating themselves.
• Leave a legacy that lastsUnderstand how small, intentional actions shape how you will be remembered.
Romanella’s warm, accessible storytelling makes complex leadership principles feel simple, human, and actionable. His message is leadership is a privilege, and the way you show up—every day, in every interaction—matters more than you think.
If you believe leadership is about service, accountability, and treating people the right way, Tighten the Lug Nuts will become a trusted companion on your journey.
Lead with purpose. Act with integrity. Build a legacy that stands the test of time.
The format of this book makes it easy to read and absorb the information. There's practical tips that can be used across personal and professional interactions. Highly recommend.
A book on leadership cannot be written in an easier way. Thoroughly covered the ideas of Balanced leadership with anecdotes to elucidate each of the three cornerstone principles. And why to tighten those lug nuts quickly. A weekend well spent.
I read this as a lead-up to a leadership workshop with Rocky himself. If you have the opportunity to attend a workshop, I definitely recommend it. Regarding the book, Rocky presents solid leadership concepts through endearing anecdotes. That style resonated well with me. If you've been in leadership for a while, some of the presented concepts won't be revolutionary but Rocky's perspectives on how he applied the concepts undoubtedly made me think about leadership situations differently. The book is an easy ready and, in my opinion, time well spent.