Noshing With Ron Rubin – June 11, 2026
Author, Gold in Your Backyard: Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Power of a Dream
What if the greatest treasure in your life isn’t money, but the wisdom, relationships, and dreams waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard?
Ron Rubin, author of Gold in Your Backyard: Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Power of a Dream, joins Ira for an inspiring conversation about success, leadership, mentorship, and living a life of purpose. In this episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ron shares why making money alone is never enough, the importance of finding—and keeping—a mentor, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned during his remarkable 54-year business career. He discusses the three keys to success taught by his current mentor—customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and cash flow—and explains how he built and operated businesses with no debt. Ron also reflects on purchasing The Republic of Tea in 1994, reveals the importance of the Five P’s (“Pre-Plan-Prevents-Poor-Performance”), and explains why “if you’re on time, you’re late.” Along the way, he offers practical advice for younger generations, including the value of buying term insurance early, writing handwritten thank-you notes, and assembling the right team. Ron also shares what inspired him to write Gold in Your Backyard and why pursuing your dreams can lead to a richer, more meaningful life than money alone can provide.
ABOUT RON:
Ron Rubin has spent more than five decades building iconicbeverage brands and giving back to the communities and industries he loves. Ron beganhis career at his family’s business, Central Wholesale Liquor Co. Then in 1994, hepurchased The Republic of Tea, which has become one ofthe most beloved tea brands inthe United States. In 2011, he acquired River Road Family Vineyards and Winery inSonoma County. Under Ron’s leadership, the winery has become known for its quality andcommitment to sustainability as a Certified B Corporation.
Ron has also championed philanthropy and education. In 2017, he provided seedfunding to digitize The Maynard Amerine Wine Label and Menu Collection at UC Davis.That same year, he founded the Trained for Saving Lives program in collaboration with theAmerican Red Cross and ZOLL Medical Corporation, underwriting the cost of AED unitsfor wineries and training winery staff in CPR, AED use, and first aid. More than 450wineries have joined the program. Ron currently serves as President of the Board of theSonoma State University Wine Business Institute. He has received an Honorary Doctoratein Humane Letters from Sonoma State University and the American Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence. Ron was also honored as Culver Academies 2025Graduate of the Year. The award is given annually to a graduate who is highly respected intheir personal and professional endeavors and who has made a significant contribution to society.