This series highlights the diverse backgrounds and leadership styles of Taylor’s top executives, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for the entire organization. This month’s Leader of Taylor is Chris Austin, Vice President of Tax at Taylor Corporation.
Chris grew up in Mankato, Minnesota, where his parents owned and operated Austin Repair Center. From an early age, he was immersed in entrepreneurship, learning the value of hard work, community service, and financial discipline. His mother sparked his love for numbers, while his father modeled a deep commitment to helping others, values that continue to shape Chris’s leadership today.
Outside of work, Chris is a lifelong BMX racer, a passion that spans three generations of his family. From dominating big wheel races as a child to winning over 15 state championships, BMX has been a cornerstone of his life. Today, he races alongside his two daughters, continuing a family tradition built on competition, camaraderie, and shared adventure.
Chris is also deeply involved in the world of Peruvian horses. What began as a childhood interest evolved into a family-run breeding and showing program that has produced national champions. He’s now an international judge, having officiated in six countries, and credits the horse community for introducing him to his wife and enriching his family’s life.
After earning his accounting degree from MSU, Chris began his career in public accounting before joining Taylor Corporation. His deep knowledge of tax strategy and his long-standing relationship with Taylor made him a natural fit. In 2023, Chris led a landmark philanthropic initiative, helping Glen Taylor donate $173 million in farmland to launch the Taylor Family Farms Foundation. The foundation’s first year focused on supporting emergency medical services in rural communities—an effort Chris describes as both humbling and deeply rewarding.
Chris’s story is one of passion, purpose, and people—whether he’s solving complex tax challenges, restoring a 1966 pickup with his dad, or cheering on his daughters at the track. He brings heart and precision to everything he does.
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