Saatva CEO Ron Rudzin Inspires the Next Generation of Changemakers at UC Berkeley
Sharing lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose, Rudzin joined the Berkeley Changemaker course to discuss what it takes to build a successful business
At the University of California, Berkeley’s Changemaker course titled “How to Grow and Scale Family and Friends Small Businesses,” Ron Rudzin, Founder & CEO of Saatva, delivered an honest, high-energy session that left students buzzing with motivation. Moderated by Rhonda Shrader (Executive Director, Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship), Chris Bush (Executive Director, Institute for Business Innovation), and Kelly Ochoa (Jacobs Foundation Program Associate, Berkeley StEP Incubator Program Director, Haas School of Business), The conversation spanned Ron’s journey from his entrepreneurial start at 16, through the challenges of rebuilding during the 2008 recession, to the pivotal moment he chose to deconstruct the leading mattress brands and create a company dedicated to delivering best-in-class mattresses and sleep products.
“As part of our Berkeley Changemaker course, our students had the amazing opportunity to hear from Ron, whose journey, from innovating the mattress industry to leading Saatva’s partnership with Team USA and the LA28 Games, brought such an honest and inspiring energy to the room,” said Kelly Ochoa. “Ron is the definition of what an entrepreneur does—persevere, build with purpose, and bring together a mission-driven community that propels a shared vision forward. He’s the compass that keeps innovation aligned with impact. His story exemplifies how thoughtful leadership and purpose-driven innovation can redefine industries while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
For Saatva, recognized as the Official Mattress and Restorative Sleep Provider of Team USA and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the session reinforced the core message: performance in sport and business begins with the right foundation—quality rest, purposeful vision, and relentless improvement.
During the session, Ron reminded students that real success is about staying grounded, believing in what you build, and keeping the customer at the heart of everything you do. “There are no shortcuts to building something meaningful,” said Ron Rudzin. “It takes grit, curiosity, and genuine care. Every mistake is a lesson if you’re open to learning from it,” said Ron Rudzin. “What matters most is staying true to your purpose and surrounding yourself with people who share your belief in what you’re building—that’s how you build something lasting and become stronger in the process.”
Ron’s visit came at a meaningful moment in Saatva’s 15th anniversary year, reminding us that longevity in business comes from doing things the right way with passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to people. The conversation was a true reflection of what makes Saatva a brand built to last.
