Ramsey Solutions

Last updated
The Lampo Group, LLC
(Ramsey Solutions)
Company type Private
Industry
  • Personal finance education
  • Publishing
  • Broadcasting/podcasting
  • Self-improvement
  • Leadership development
  • Professional development
Founded1991
Founder
Headquarters1011 Reams Fleming Boulevard,
Franklin, Tennessee
,
U.S.
Number of locations
1
Key people
  • Dave Ramsey (CEO)
  • Daniel Ramsey (president)
Products
  • Financial Peace University
  • EveryDollar
  • The Ramsey Show
  • Podcasts and YouTube shows
  • Books
  • Live events
Services
  • Financial coaching
  • Leadership coaching
  • Professional referral services
OwnerRamsey family
Number of employees
~1,000
Website ramseysolutions.com

The Lampo Group, LLC, doing business as Ramsey Solutions, is an American company specializing in self-improvement products and services in personal finance, leadership development, interpersonal relationships, and professional development. Founded in 1991 by Dave Ramsey and his wife Sharon, Ramsey Solutions is based in Franklin, Tennessee. [1]

Contents

History

Dave Ramsey, 2023. Dave Ramsey by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Dave Ramsey, 2023.

After going bankrupt buying and selling real estate on margin in September 1988, Dave Ramsey developed a personal wealth-building system based on his study of biblical money principles. [2]

In the midst of his financial recovery, Ramsey began providing one-on-one financial counseling sessions in the evenings at his church. [3] His counseling demand grew over time and Ramsey formed The Lampo Group in 1991 as a financial counseling service, which included live group seminars conducted by Ramsey himself. [4] The name came from the Greek word for "glitter" or "shine"—a reference to Matthew 5:14 ("You are the light of the world…"). [2]

In the summer of 1992, Ramsey self-published his first book, Financial Peace, in which he explained his personal finance principles and sold the book out of the trunk of his car. [2] [5] Viking Press picked up the book and published a revised edition in 1997—becoming Lampo's first New York Times bestseller. [4]

Also in 1992, Ramsey was a guest on a local radio show on WWTN in Nashville, answering money-related questions from callers. [6] The experience went well and after the host quit when the station was going bankrupt, Ramsey and two other money experts began hosting a show called The Money Game, where one of the three would provide callers with financial counseling on the air. [7] [2]

In 1994, Ramsey began offering a financial course—a once-a-week, six-month seminar called "Life After Debt." [1] The course was eventually renamed Financial Peace University (FPU) and was streamlined from six months to nine weeks. [4]

In 1996, Lampo established its first website (FinancialPeace.com). [4] Also in 1996, Dave Ramsey became the solo host of The Money Game and took the show national, handling syndication himself. [4] [6] Three years later, the show was rebranded from The Money Game to The Dave Ramsey Show. [4]

Though Dave Ramsey had been teaching his Financial Peace University course in-person since its inception, in 1997, Lampo began producing live events around the country featuring Ramsey—26 in the first year alone. [4] Lampo also began to offer FPU on VHS in 1997, which went to DVD in the 2000s, and finally became an all-digital product. [4] Ramsey claims FPU has helped over 10 million people with their finances. [1]

In 2000, Lampo went into the youth market with the Financial Peace Jr. program, a child-centered version of FPU. [4] Lampo also began offering personal finance education curriculum for schools called Financial Peace for the Next Generation (now known as Foundations in Personal Finance). [4] And with The Dave Ramsey Show now self-syndicated, Lampo built a new radio studio at the company office in Nashville. [4]

In 2002, Lampo moved to the Cool Springs commercial center between Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee. The grouping of offices and buildings Lampo occupied became known as "Financial Peace Plaza" and included a coffee shop and seating for visitors to view the radio show broadcast, and a designated area for people to come do their "debt-free scream" live on the air. [4]

Lampo went into the leadership development business in 2005 when Dave Ramsey first began teaching EntreLeadership, a combination of entrepreneurial and leadership principles. [4] Originally created to build up his own team of leaders, Ramsey adapted the system for outside business leaders as a weeklong workshop series. [8] Ramsey wrote the book EntreLeadership, outlining his business and leadership philosophy, in 2011. [8]

In 2007, Ramsey began hosting a TV version of his radio show for Fox Business (one of the channel's original programs when channel launched). The Dave Ramsey Show was broadcast from Lampo headquarters and was broadcast from 2007 to 2010. [9]

Dave Ramsey began a long-term succession plan in 2008. [1] Ramsey would "incrementally let go" of his CEO responsibilities over a period of years until he is no longer in corporate leadership, but simply talent for the radio show and speaking engagements (though he will remain an owner of the company with his wife and children). [1]

A large part of Ramsey's succession plan was establishing new people to carry on his teachings. [1] In 2010, Ramsey created the Lampo Speakers Group and handpicked a group of keynote speakers to be his surrogates—appearing at live speaking engagements, doing media appearances, and writing books. [10] The Lampo Speakers Group evolved into the Ramsey Personalities program in 2012. The personalities also act as co-hosts on The Ramsey Show and several host their own podcasts and YouTube-based shows as part of the Ramsey Network.

Also in 2012, the company established an operating board with "key players at the top of the leadership food chain" who advise and collaborate with Ramsey to make long-term decisions for the company. [1] Ramsey and his children are all operating board members. [11]

The Lampo Group was publicly rebranded as Ramsey Solutions in 2014—though the company is still legally named The Lampo Group, LLC. [4] The same year, Lampo launched EntreLeadership Summit—an annual event dedicated to Dave Ramsey's leadership and business teachings, featuring the Ramsey Personalities and several well-known keynote speakers. [12]

Also in 2014, The Daily Beast reported that Dave Ramsey had lashed out against former Ramsey Solutions employees he claimed were discussing working conditions at the company on Facebook and Twitter. At company staff meetings, Ramsey recounted conversations from a private Facebook group of former employees that he had infiltrated, offered cash rewards for the identities of some members who took to anonymous Twitter accounts once they realized Ramsey had joined the private group, and "pulled a gun out of a bag to try to teach a lesson about gossip." [13]

In July 2019, Ramsey Solutions moved to a new campus in the Berry Farms commercial area of Franklin, Tennessee. [14] The campus opened with one office building, studio facilities for The Ramsey Show and other Ramsey Network productions, an employee cafeteria, and a lobby for visitors featuring a café, museum displays, seats for watching live broadcasts, a new debt-free stage, and a gift shop. [14] In 2021, the second office building was opened, and a 2,500-seat auditorium for weekly staff meetings and live events was finished in 2023. [15] [16] All the land purchases and building construction were paid for with cash, and a tax incentive program was established between Ramsey Solutions, Williamson County, and the city of Franklin to ease the cost. [17] [18]

The Dave Ramsey Show was renamed The Ramsey Show in 2020 to better incorporate the show's Ramsey Personality co-hosts, the company's gradual conversion from being centered around Dave Ramsey, and to, according to Ramsey, "set the show up for generational success; that it doesn’t die when I do." [1] Ramsey says that he will continue to co-host The Ramsey Show "as long as I make sense." [1] The show remains the largest self-syndicated radio show in the United States. [6]

In July 2020, Caitlin O'Connor, a former Ramsey Solutions employee, filed a federal lawsuit against the company alleging that she was fired for being pregnant and, since she wasn't married to the baby's father, for violating Ramsey Solutions' employee conduct policies. [19] On May 27, 2021, O'Connor gave her first interview about the termination and her experience working for Ramsey. [20]

In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a complaint was filed with the Williamson County Health Department alleging that caterers hired for the Ramsey Solutions Christmas party at its company headquarters were instructed not to wear masks or gloves while serving, which the company said was "absolutely not true. There was no prohibition on that." [21] Ramsey Solutions responded further that there was no truth to the complaint and a worker indicated that many workers in fact chose to wear masks and/or gloves. [22] Earlier in the pandemic, the company remained open after employees tested positive for the virus, ignored recommendations to avoid large gatherings, and hosted a July business conference at the company headquarters after the Marriott hotel originally booked for the event canceled citing safety concerns. [23]

On March 10, 2021, Ramsey Personality Chris Hogan left the company, citing "things going on in my personal life . . . that are not in line with Ramsey Solutions." [24] Hogan's resignation followed accusations of having several extramarital affairs, including one with a co-worker at Ramsey Solutions. [25]

In May 2021, Religion News Service (RNS) obtained recordings of Dave Ramsey mocking employees over the policy and explaining Chris Hogan's 2019 absence as a "rest break" following the affair accusations. Melissa Hogan, Chris Hogan's ex-wife, issued a statement to RNS claiming that the company downplayed Chris's behavior, covered for him, and characterized her behavior as "anger, hyperbole, and drama." [26] [27]

According to a September 2021 lawsuit, when Julie Anne Stamps, a Ramsey Solutions employee on the customer care team, approached her supervisor regarding coming out as a lesbian in May 2020, the supervisor allegedly explained that company policy would not allow Stamps to continue to be employed at Ramsey Solutions. Stamps alleged that her departure from the company was further expedited once the United States Supreme Court June 15, 2020, ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County was decided. Ramsey Solutions denied the accusations and the matter was settled without the need for a trial. [28] [29]

Ramsey Solutions released its first full-length documentary in October 2021. Titled Borrowed Future, the film was about the student loan industry and highlights several individuals who are living with large amounts of student loan debt. [30]

In a December 2021 federal lawsuit, a former employee alleged that Ramsey Solutions violated his religious rights by firing him when he took scientifically prescribed precautions against COVID-19. The employee, Brad Amos, stated he was following the Golden Rule in protecting others from the virus. [31] The lawsuit said Dave Ramsey ran a "cult-like" environment where employees who worried about the pandemic were accused of "weakness of spirit" and told to pray if they wanted to ward off the virus. [32] Ramsey Solutions has denied all accusations and has claimed the suit was "completely false." [33] In December 2023, A U.S. district judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling there was no proof of religious discrimination. But in August 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit overturned the dismissal, allowing the case to proceed. [31]

In 2023, Ramsey continued his gradual succession plan by making his son, Daniel, president of the company, with the goal of Daniel eventually taking over as CEO. [1] Ramsey's two other children, Rachel Cruze and Denise Whittemore, also work for the company—Rachel is a Ramsey Personality and Denise is director of the Ramsey Family Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm. [11]

In his teachings, Dave Ramsey has described the timeshare industry as "scummy." [34] In April 2023, a group of listeners of TheRamsey Show filed a $150 million lawsuit against Ramsey Solutions alleging Ramsey received $30 million to promote a timeshare exit company who engaged in deceptive practices. [35] [36] Ramsey Solutions disputes the allegations and is currently fighting the litigation. In December 2023, a U.S. district judge allowed the lawsuit to move forward, though one of the claims was dismissed. [37]

Business model

Ramsey Solutions specializes in products and services in several self-help categories such as personal finance, business and leadership development, relationship building, career development, estate planning, etc. All of it is done under Dave Ramsey's philosophy of what he calls "helping people through people" [1] And in keeping with Ramsey's principles, Ramsey Solutions operates with no debt—all expenses are cash flowed. [11] Ramsey also sees what his company does as a ministry to spread his Christian faith. [1]

Ramsey Solutions is owned by Dave Ramsey (who is also CEO) and the Ramsey family and is governed by an operating board. [11] Ramsey Solutions employees, called "team members," are held to a moral and ethical standard based around traditional Christian principles such as putting family first, Colossians 3:23, no gossip, and "righteous living." [38] The company currently has around 1,000 employees. [1]

Ramsey Personalities

Since 2012, Ramsey Solutions has hired expert communicators from a variety of fields to become the public faces of topics the company covers with its products. These Ramsey Personalities co-host The Ramsey Show with Dave Ramsey, as well as host their own shows and podcasts, author books, make media appearances, speak at Ramsey live events, etc. [39] The current Ramsey Personalities are:

Products and services

Financial Peace University

Ramsey Solutions’ original personal finance course. The nine-week course is based on Dave Ramsey's "Baby Steps" to building wealth, which includes the debt-snowball method: [40]

  1. Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund.
  2. Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball.
  3. Save 3–6 months expenses in a fully funded emergency fund.
  4. Invest 15% of household income in retirement.
  5. Save for children's college fund.
  6. Pay off home early.
  7. Build wealth and give.

The product is completely digital and can be purchased individually or through an organization like a church.

EveryDollar

A budgeting app developed by Ramsey Solutions that uses the zero-based budgeting method. [41]

Ramsey Network

The company's multimedia division which produces its shows and podcasts. [42] The Ramsey Network shows collectively have millions of subscribers and have ranked in the top 100 on Apple Podcasts. [43] Current shows include:

Ramsey Press

The company's publishing arm—originally founded as Lampo Press. Produces books written by Dave Ramsey and the Ramsey Personalities. Topics range from personal finance to career development and mental health, as well as children's books. Some of the Ramsey Press bestsellers have included: [44]

Several Ramsey bestsellers like The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership were released by outside publishers.

Ramsey Education

Produces the company's financial literacy school curriculum, Foundations in Personal Finance, for public and private schools as well as homeschool. Curriculum is available for kindergarten through high school, and college. [45]

SmartDollar

An employee benefit for businesses that includes access to Ramsey financial literacy tools. [46]

RamseyTrusted

The company's service referral program for real estate agents, tax preparation professionals, and insurance professionals. [47]

SmartVestor

Ramsey Solutions’ service referral program for investment professionals. [48]

EntreLeadership

Ramsey Solutions’ leadership and business development arm that centers around Dave Ramsey's philosophy of entrepreneurship and leadership. [49]

Coaching

The company trains a team of independent coaches who guide consumers through their individual financial plans. [50]

Live Events

Ramsey Solutions produces seminars, conferences, livestreams, and other events across the U.S. and at their headquarters in Tennessee. They feature the Ramsey Personalities and other well-known experts and keynote speakers on topics from all the areas Ramsey covers—money, relationships, leadership, etc. The most well-known of these events is the annual EntreLeadership Summit, a multiday event with recognized business and leadership speakers. [51]

Efficacy of teachings

Critics of Ramsey Solutions’ core teachings point out that they are often a "one-size-fits-all" approach that disregards income disparities, investment horizon, and ignores financial emergencies. [52] [53] The debt snowball method is debated, and studies have returned results that both support and oppose its efficacy. [54] [55] Ramsey's investing advice has also drawn criticism over its reliance on stock investment, as opposed to bonds, using mutual funds with load fees, and its frequent claim of 12% annual returns on investments. [56] [57] [58]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Nieuwhof, Carey (2023-10-03). "Episode 601: Dave Ramsey on Leading a Gen Z and Millennial Team, His Strategy for Successful Succession, and Rules for Working with Your Adult Kids". CareyNieuwhof.com. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Dave Ramsey, Founder and CEO". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  3. ↑ Ross Jr., Bobby (March 31, 2003). "Christian financial guru crusades against overspending". Google News. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Company History". DaveRamsey.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  5. ↑ The Ramsey Show Highlights (2014-08-15). Live Like No One Else—Dave Ramsey's Story . Retrieved 2025-01-20– via YouTube.
  6. 1 2 3 The Ramsey Show Highlights (2017-09-18). Never Give Up—The Dave Ramsey Show Documentary . Retrieved 2025-01-20– via YouTube.
  7. ↑ Wilson, Hal. "Wilson Group Real Estate". Wilson Group Real Estate. Archived from the original on March 8, 2007. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  8. 1 2 Ramsey, Dave (2011). Entreleadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches (1st ed.). New York: Howard Books. ISBN   978-1-4516-1785-6.
  9. ↑ Riddle, Scott B. (2007-10-16). "The Dave Ramsey Show Premiers On New Fox Business Channel". Georgia Bankruptcy Blog. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  10. ↑ LampoSpeakersGroup (2010-12-21). Dave Ramsey's Speakers Group . Retrieved 2025-01-20– via YouTube.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Leadership". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  12. ↑ "EntreLeadership Summit 2024". ZoneofGenius.com. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  13. ↑ THE LAMPO GROUP, LLC, D/B/A RAMSEY SOLUTIONS v. KEVIN HELMUT PAFFRATH, PAFFRATH ORGANIZATION, MEETNDONE CORPORATION, 18 (M.D. Tenn. 29 Oct 2019), Text.
  14. 1 2 Vissman, Donna (2019-09-08). "7 Things to Know About Ramsey Solutions' New Headquarters". Williamson Source. Archived from the original on 2023-02-01. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  15. ↑ West, Emily R. "Ramsey Solutions creating 600 more jobs on Franklin campus". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  16. ↑ "Ramsey Solutions Event Center". IP Design Group. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  17. ↑ "Ramsey Solutions Breaks Ground for New Corporate Headquarters in Williamson County". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  18. ↑ Cowan, Jill. "Franklin approves incentives for Dave Ramsey's company". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  19. ↑ West, Emily R. "Lawsuit: Former Ramsey Solutions employee alleges firing over pregnancy". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  20. ↑ Finley, Jeremy (May 27, 2021). "'It's Like Leaving the Cult': Former employee suing Dave Ramsey speaks out for the first time". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  21. ↑ Finley, Jeremy (December 11, 2020). "Dave Ramsey's company Christmas party subject of non-mask compliance complaint". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  22. ↑ Hale, Steven; Jamieson, Dave (December 14, 2020). "Personal Finance Guru Dave Ramsey Just Threw A Huge Indoor Christmas Party". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  23. ↑ Hale, Steven (2020-07-08). "Dave Ramsey to Host Business Conference in Franklin as COVID-19 Cases Rise". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  24. ↑ Finley, Jeremy (March 11, 2021). "Lawsuit alleges Dave Ramsey's company fired/disciplined employees for premarital sex". WBIR 10 News.
  25. ↑ Smietana, Bob (2021-03-10). "Chris Hogan, retirement expert and Dave Ramsey protégé, departs Ramsey Solutions". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  26. ↑ Finley, Jeremy (May 24, 2021). "Secretly recorded audio of Dave Ramsey reveals question of double standards in company". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  27. ↑ Smietana, Bob (2021-01-15). "Is Dave Ramsey's empire the 'best place to work in America'? Say no and you're out". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  28. ↑ Morris, Chuck (September 30, 2021). "Woman sues Dave Ramsey company after being fired for coming out as lesbian". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  29. ↑ Hale, Steven (2021-09-30). "Former Ramsey Solutions Employee Says She Was Fired for Coming Out as a Lesbian". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  30. ↑ Mettler, Zachary (2021-10-20). "New Documentary 'Borrowed Future' Exposes Student Loan Crisis". Daily Citizen. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  31. 1 2 Dallas, Kelsey (2024-08-12). "Dave Ramsey faces religious discrimination case". Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  32. ↑ Cramer, Maria (2021-12-14). "Dave Ramsey Fired Employee for Taking Covid Precautions, Suit Says". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  33. ↑ "Dave Ramsey fired staffer for taking Covid precautions, ran work environment where masks were 'mocked', lawsuit says". NBC News. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  34. ↑ Smietana, Bob (2021-05-27). "Dave Ramsey declares war on timeshare industry: 'You done pissed off the wrong hillbilly'". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  35. ↑ Bella, Timothy (June 3, 2023). "Dave Ramsey promoted a timeshare quick-fix. His listeners called fraud". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  36. ↑ Smietana, Bob (2023-06-01). "Dave Ramsey sued for $150 million by former fans who followed his timeshare exit advice". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  37. ↑ Foley, Ryan; Reporter, Christian Post (2023-12-29). "Judge dimisses lawsuit against Dave Ramsey as class-action complaint moves forward". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  38. ↑ "Ramsey Solutions Careers". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  39. 1 2 "Ramsey Personalities". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  40. ↑ "Financial Peace University". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  41. ↑ "EveryDollar | Make a Budget and Track Expenses". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  42. ↑ "Ramsey Network". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  43. ↑ "Chart history for The Ramsey Show". Podbay. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  44. ↑ "Ramsey Press". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  45. ↑ "Ramsey Education". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  46. ↑ "SmartDollar". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  47. ↑ "Dave Ramsey Trusted Providers". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  48. ↑ "Ramsey SmartVestor—Find Your Pro". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  49. ↑ "EntreLeadership - Take Control of Your Business". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  50. ↑ "Financial Coaching". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  51. ↑ "Ramsey Live Events". Ramsey Solutions. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  52. ↑ Olen, Helaine (2013-10-28). "The Prophet". Pacific Standard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  53. ↑ Bahler, Kristen. "Broke Millennials Are Flocking to Financial Guru Dave Ramsey. Is His Advice Any Good?". Money. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  54. ↑ Sweeney, Libby (2019-01-18). "Debt Snowball Vs. Debt Avalanche: The Best Way To Pay Off Credit Card Debt". Forbes Advisor. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  55. ↑ "The 'snowball approach' to debt". Kellogg School of Management. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  56. ↑ Carrns, Ann (May 13, 2011). "Dave Ramsey's 12% Solution". The New York Times . Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  57. ↑ Stoffel, Brian (2013-06-03). "Dangerous Retirement Planning Advice From Financial Guru Dave Ramsey". The Motley Fool. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  58. ↑ Salmon, Felix (September 26, 2013). "Save like Dave Ramsey ... Just Don't Invest Like Him?". Money. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
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