Crimsonking
Been here a while
I know this thread has run its course (and then some), but I should make good on my word to share my experience.
One obstacle I've faced in writing about the gathering is being able to write in a linear manner, according the the sequence of events. So, instead, I will write about the people I met and my impression of them and of the company they represent.
I had already met some of the staff a couple times, which I've mentioned before. Brandon and Sean stand out, because they are the reason I gave Sherrill another chance. When I first met them, I saw that they were earnest, hard working guys trying to do their part and hoping to turn their reputation around.
Brandon- Brandon is an approachable, diligent man. He started in the warehouse, moved his way through the company, and now is an integral part of the team. He does tree work in his spare time, though he has little time to spare. Every time I've spoken with him I can tell he's quite busy. While on our tour of the facility, it was obvious that he contributes wherever there is a need. His passion is to help Customer Service better understand the products they sell and the needs of their customers. Seeing someone of his character encourages me.
Sean- Sean Larkin is held at legend status in the company. He's been there for over a decade and has weathered many storms, including the recession of 2008 and more than one change in leadership. He is a calm, quiet guy that doesn't let much get to him. You've read his posts. He knows how to handle himself and represent his company well.
Tom- I first met Tom at Arborfest in April. He's an enthusiastic listener and has a conviction for serving- I know this because I watched him be the first to move furniture and pick up trash from the floor so the room could be ready for a sales team meeting. He's the Sales Director. He wasn't doing it for show, because he didn't know anyone was watching. He did what needed to be done to get the job done, even if it meant "lowering" himself to picking up trash for a meeting he was to lead. I'm camping on this because servant-style leadership is a strong foundation for a team, and that is very encouraging to me, knowing that he is leading the team responsible for making sales. If you want to talk ethics, think about Tom. He is a leader, which means his standards will be passed down to others in the company. Also, people over him hired him, knowing what he brought, which means they want what he brings.
Mike- Mike is not a prominent face for SherrillTree, but he has a lot on his shoulders in product development. What struck me at the gathering was the work load and weight of responsibility that Mike has. Yet, he still keeps family in focus. In fact, I've not had a conversation with Mike that I can remember that did not involve some mention of his daughter. While talking to him about his work, it was clear to me that his goal is to meet our needs with gear that works. We are a small market, and his job depends on us. He can't afford to take a scam mentality. If he just wanted to rip us off, he'd bury the business and himself. Like us, he wants to do a good job, serve his customers well, and go home to his family at the end of the day. Moreover, he wants to make that easier for us to do every day.
Tripp- Well, his name says a lot. Spending time with Tripp is quite a trip. He's a cut up, outdoor enthusiast, and organized businessman. Honestly, businessman may not suit him, as it has a stiff connotation, which he is anything but. He is a regular guy who happens to be responsible for a leading supplier in the tree industry. He likes us and is intrigued by us. He has a genuine interest in our industry. I asked him a couple questions that are very important to me, and I felt that he handled them well, with good perspective. Tripp wants to run a good business, which can only happen if he takes care of his customers and makes money at the same time. I think most of us are or have been in that position. We hate being thought of as thieves. We desperately want our customers to understand that we have to eat, too. Honestly, I feel that Tripp has a good handle on his position. In regards to the merger- I felt that he was an organized leader with a solid plan and an appreciation for what he had acquired. He likes TreeStuff, and his main goal is to not mess it up.
Nick- Nick hates the Cubs. And likes drones.
Okay, seriously, I was glad to finally meet Nick. He is a crazy idea guy, which I appreciate. I'm starting to get really tired as I'm writing this, which stinks, because I don't want to short-change anyone. Sorry, Nick. Everyone on here knows Nick is passionate, eager to do whatever it takes to retain customers, and full of so much energy. Wow. Don't cheer against his team. Just. Don't.
To wrap up with staff: These guys, and everyone else on the team that I met and talked with have some things in common. They are just people (many of them outdoorsy) who want to do their job well and go home with a paycheck. Their business has its own types of challenges and growing pains. They have strengths and weaknesses, like the rest of us. Whatever corporate shroud many perceive to envelope SherrillTree simply does not exist. The team is approachable and wants input so they can know how they are doing. They know their jobs depend on us.
I will say that my greatest concern coming away from the gathering is Sherrill's communication. To their credit, we are a different breed that want what no other market wants: open, consistent communication. Our lives depend on the gear they sell, so we are more demanding than other industries. Since this behavior differs so much from other markets, I think it has been challenging for Sherrill to engage with us in a way that builds our trust. Having met them, I doubt they will let this weakness remain. It is, however, the greatest problem I see as they try to move forward.
As for meeting other buzzers, I really enjoyed meeting you all and wish there had been more time to engage more deeply with each of you. I always appreciate meeting people that make up our industry. Most of us have similarities that allow us to be "tree people", yet each soul is so unique. It's a living mosaic. (Go ahead, laugh.)
All in all, I felt good about what is happening at Sherrill, Inc., and I think the buzz was well represented and well heard.
Good night, and Happy Thanksgiving!
One obstacle I've faced in writing about the gathering is being able to write in a linear manner, according the the sequence of events. So, instead, I will write about the people I met and my impression of them and of the company they represent.
I had already met some of the staff a couple times, which I've mentioned before. Brandon and Sean stand out, because they are the reason I gave Sherrill another chance. When I first met them, I saw that they were earnest, hard working guys trying to do their part and hoping to turn their reputation around.
Brandon- Brandon is an approachable, diligent man. He started in the warehouse, moved his way through the company, and now is an integral part of the team. He does tree work in his spare time, though he has little time to spare. Every time I've spoken with him I can tell he's quite busy. While on our tour of the facility, it was obvious that he contributes wherever there is a need. His passion is to help Customer Service better understand the products they sell and the needs of their customers. Seeing someone of his character encourages me.
Sean- Sean Larkin is held at legend status in the company. He's been there for over a decade and has weathered many storms, including the recession of 2008 and more than one change in leadership. He is a calm, quiet guy that doesn't let much get to him. You've read his posts. He knows how to handle himself and represent his company well.
Tom- I first met Tom at Arborfest in April. He's an enthusiastic listener and has a conviction for serving- I know this because I watched him be the first to move furniture and pick up trash from the floor so the room could be ready for a sales team meeting. He's the Sales Director. He wasn't doing it for show, because he didn't know anyone was watching. He did what needed to be done to get the job done, even if it meant "lowering" himself to picking up trash for a meeting he was to lead. I'm camping on this because servant-style leadership is a strong foundation for a team, and that is very encouraging to me, knowing that he is leading the team responsible for making sales. If you want to talk ethics, think about Tom. He is a leader, which means his standards will be passed down to others in the company. Also, people over him hired him, knowing what he brought, which means they want what he brings.
Mike- Mike is not a prominent face for SherrillTree, but he has a lot on his shoulders in product development. What struck me at the gathering was the work load and weight of responsibility that Mike has. Yet, he still keeps family in focus. In fact, I've not had a conversation with Mike that I can remember that did not involve some mention of his daughter. While talking to him about his work, it was clear to me that his goal is to meet our needs with gear that works. We are a small market, and his job depends on us. He can't afford to take a scam mentality. If he just wanted to rip us off, he'd bury the business and himself. Like us, he wants to do a good job, serve his customers well, and go home to his family at the end of the day. Moreover, he wants to make that easier for us to do every day.
Tripp- Well, his name says a lot. Spending time with Tripp is quite a trip. He's a cut up, outdoor enthusiast, and organized businessman. Honestly, businessman may not suit him, as it has a stiff connotation, which he is anything but. He is a regular guy who happens to be responsible for a leading supplier in the tree industry. He likes us and is intrigued by us. He has a genuine interest in our industry. I asked him a couple questions that are very important to me, and I felt that he handled them well, with good perspective. Tripp wants to run a good business, which can only happen if he takes care of his customers and makes money at the same time. I think most of us are or have been in that position. We hate being thought of as thieves. We desperately want our customers to understand that we have to eat, too. Honestly, I feel that Tripp has a good handle on his position. In regards to the merger- I felt that he was an organized leader with a solid plan and an appreciation for what he had acquired. He likes TreeStuff, and his main goal is to not mess it up.
Nick- Nick hates the Cubs. And likes drones.
Okay, seriously, I was glad to finally meet Nick. He is a crazy idea guy, which I appreciate. I'm starting to get really tired as I'm writing this, which stinks, because I don't want to short-change anyone. Sorry, Nick. Everyone on here knows Nick is passionate, eager to do whatever it takes to retain customers, and full of so much energy. Wow. Don't cheer against his team. Just. Don't.
To wrap up with staff: These guys, and everyone else on the team that I met and talked with have some things in common. They are just people (many of them outdoorsy) who want to do their job well and go home with a paycheck. Their business has its own types of challenges and growing pains. They have strengths and weaknesses, like the rest of us. Whatever corporate shroud many perceive to envelope SherrillTree simply does not exist. The team is approachable and wants input so they can know how they are doing. They know their jobs depend on us.
I will say that my greatest concern coming away from the gathering is Sherrill's communication. To their credit, we are a different breed that want what no other market wants: open, consistent communication. Our lives depend on the gear they sell, so we are more demanding than other industries. Since this behavior differs so much from other markets, I think it has been challenging for Sherrill to engage with us in a way that builds our trust. Having met them, I doubt they will let this weakness remain. It is, however, the greatest problem I see as they try to move forward.
As for meeting other buzzers, I really enjoyed meeting you all and wish there had been more time to engage more deeply with each of you. I always appreciate meeting people that make up our industry. Most of us have similarities that allow us to be "tree people", yet each soul is so unique. It's a living mosaic. (Go ahead, laugh.)
All in all, I felt good about what is happening at Sherrill, Inc., and I think the buzz was well represented and well heard.
Good night, and Happy Thanksgiving!
