Joy Luedtke: Building Resilience, Housing, and Hope as a CEO of Influence

Joy Luedtke: Building Resilience, Housing, and Hope as a CEO of Influence
By Joy Luedtke Thursday, June 5, 2025

Joy Luedtke: Building Resilience, Housing, and Hope as a CEO of Influenceidahobusinessreview.com

Joy Luedtke, founder and CEO of First Wave Group, has been recognized as a 2025 CEO of Influence by the Idaho Business Review. Her journey from making pizzas in high school to leading a purpose-driven company exemplifies resilience and a commitment to community impact.idahobusinessreview.com

From Pizza to Purpose

Luedtke's early work experience taught her that success stems from hard work and ownership. This mindset has been a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy, emphasizing that success isn't solely about talent but about outworking the competition and taking responsibility for one's role.idahobusinessreview.com

Even as a child, Luedtke aspired to lead and create meaningful change. She recalls being eight years old and contemplating how to balance being a mom, teacher, and CEO, indicating her early inclination toward leadership and impact.idahobusinessreview.com

Mission-Driven Leadership

At First Wave Group, Luedtke focuses on providing stable housing for low-income individuals, aiming to offer them a foundation to rebuild their lives. Her leadership is characterized by transparency, adaptability, and learning from mistakes. She believes in developing people, not just managing them, and fostering a culture of growth and resilience.idahobusinessreview.com

Luedtke's approach to leadership includes mentoring others, empowering women, and creating opportunities that contribute to a culture of growth and impact both within her company and the broader community.idahobusinessreview.com

Learning Through Experience

Without many traditional mentors, Luedtke learned through experience, books, and the challenges of business. She emphasizes that every job, even those seemingly unrelated to her goals, served as a stepping stone to her current role. Her involvement with the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) later in her career provided valuable mentorship, refining her leadership and business strategy.idahobusinessreview.com+2idahobusinessreview.com+2idahobusinessreview.com+2

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Luedtke advises aspiring leaders to act, work, and dress for where they're headed, not just where they are. She underscores the importance of having a clear vision, putting in the necessary time and effort, and embracing resilience and persistence. According to her, true leadership involves a willingness to evolve and take risks.idahobusinessreview.com

Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Luedtke enjoys connecting with nature through biking, hiking, birding, and relaxing in her hot tub, reflecting her appreciation for balance and well-being.idahobusinessreview.com

Joy Luedtke's recognition as a CEO of Influence highlights her dedication to purpose-driven leadership and her impact on the community through First Wave Group.idahobusinessreview.com+2idahobusinessreview.com+2idahobusinessreview.com+2


https://idahobusinessreview.com/2025/05/23/ceo-of-influence-joy-luedtke-first-wave-group/

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Joy Luedtke
Owner
I am a serial entrepreneur with a relentless focus on team growth and development. I've carved my path in the world of accounting, transport, real estate, and property management. Now, I am launching into real estate development. My passion is to build value for my residents, investors, owners, and community through sustainable and affordable housing. In my accounting career, I've cultivated a reputation for precise financial management. I have managed the books for a broad spectrum of clien...
I am a serial entrepreneur with a relentless focus on team growth and development. I've carved my path in the world of accounting, transport, real estate, and property management. Now, I am launching into real estate development. My passion is to build value for my residents, investors, owners, and community through sustainable and affordable housing. In my accounting career, I've cultivated a reputation for precise financial management. I have managed the books for a broad spectrum of clientele, from restaurants and retail, to large property portfolios. Together with owners, I have navigated complex tax regulations and optimized property budgets to maximize ROI over many years. As a property manager, I'm deeply committed to fostering thriving residential and commercial spaces that resonate with residents and investors alike. From tenant relations to asset optimization, our teams prioritize excellence and resident satisfaction. In the realm of land development, I thrive on identifying and transforming underutilized properties into vibrant, sustainable communities. From concept to completion, I am leading diverse teams through the complexities of zoning, planning, and construction, to ensure our projects aligns with the vision of enhancing neighborhoods and maximizing ROI. Across these ventures, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, operations, and customer service, to anticipate market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities. My approach centers on empowering teams to excel, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional value at every touchpoint within the real estate ecosystem.
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