What Makes Tracy Marlowe & Creative Noggin a Best Place to Work: Fostering Open Communication and Feedback

Tracy Marlowe, CEO of Creative Noggin, discusses how her company prioritizes employee well-being, individual growth, and community involvement. The company focuses on creating a culture that supports work-life balance and encourages employees to pursue their dreams. They have a strong emphasis on open communication and feedback, allowing employees to feel comfortable saying 'I don't know' and seeking help when needed. Creative Noggin also hires based on personality fit and provides flexibility in work schedules. They engage in pro bono work for organizations that support women and provide personalized gifts for work anniversaries. Challenges include prioritizing their own marketing efforts. Keywords: employee well-being, work-life balance, open communication, feedback, pursuing dreams, personality fit, flexibility, pro bono work, personalized gifts, marketing efforts Takeaways: Create a culture that supports work-life balance and encourages employees to pursue their dreams. Prioritize open communication and feedback, allowing employees to feel comfortable saying 'I don't know' and seeking help when needed. Hire based on personality fit and provide flexibility in work schedules. Engage in pro bono work for organizations that align with the company's mission. Recognize and celebrate work anniversaries with personalized gifts. Challenges include prioritizing internal marketing efforts. Sound Bites: "Don't get so busy living that you forget to make a life." "It's okay to say 'I don't know' and ask for help." "Everyone is treated like part of the team, regardless of their employment status." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Company Overview 03:47 Fostering Open Communication and Feedback 06:28 Hiring for Personality Fit and Providing Flexibility 15:46 Making a Difference through Pro Bono Work 18:27 Celebrating Work Anniversaries with Personalized Gifts 22:52 Challenges in Prioritizing Internal Marketing Efforts  

In this episode, Matt Granados interviews James Ricci, the President and COO of the Royfoss Automotive Group. They discuss how the company pours into its employees through training, personal development, and community involvement. James emphasizes the importance of the Foss Circle, which focuses on individual development, relationships, and impact. He also highlights the company's open-door policy and willingness to seek external training and support. James shares how they prioritize employee well-being, mental health, and work-life balance. He also discusses the importance of continuous learning, unconventional approaches, and creating a culture of connection and depth. James acknowledges the gaps in leadership development, focus, and execution that the company is working on. Keywords: employee training, personal development, community involvement, open-door policy, external training, mental health, work-life balance, continuous learning, unconventional approaches, leadership development, focus, execution Takeaways: The Royfoss Automotive Group focuses on individual development, relationships, and impact through the Foss Circle. The company has an open-door policy and seeks external training and support when needed. Employee well-being, mental health, and work-life balance are prioritized. Continuous learning and unconventional approaches are embraced. The company is working on gaps in leadership development, focus, and execution. Sound Bites: "Your people said that if you can't solve it here, you guys go outside to find solutions." "We bring our work home and we bring our home to work." "At 50 plus years old, it taught me that I can try and accomplish new things." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:23 Pouring into Employees: Training, Personal Development, and Community Involvement 10:58 Prioritizing Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance 13:46 Continuous Learning and Unconventional Approaches  

Summary: Guidant Financial is a company that focuses on helping people use retirement funds to buy and start small businesses. They also provide ongoing support as a third-party administrator of 401k plans. The company strongly emphasizes caring for its employees and creating a positive work culture. They send out weekly emails from the CEO, Jeremy, that include value stories, updates on strategic goals, and closing thoughts. They also have a buddy system called 'Partner in Crime' where new employees are paired with a more experienced team member to provide support and guidance. The company values continuous improvement and learning, and they prioritize setting clear expectations and maintaining a strong company culture. Guidant is a fully remote company that prioritizes connection and culture. They focus on creating a positive work environment and recognizing employees for their contributions. They have implemented various strategies to foster connection, such as leadership coffees and virtual connection events. Guidant also emphasizes work-life balance and allows employees to have more time and energy for their personal lives. However, they face challenges in providing affordable healthcare options for their team members. It was an honor to have Jeremy Ames and Cory Sanford on for this episode of Best People: Best Place.   Keywords: Guidant Financial, retirement funds, small businesses, employee care, work culture, weekly emails, value stories, strategic goals, buddy system, Partner in Crime, continuous improvement, learning, clear expectations, company culture, remote work, connection, culture, recognition, work-life balance, healthcare   Takeaways: Guidant Financial helps people use retirement funds to start small businesses and provides ongoing support as a third-party administrator of 401k plans. The company prioritizes caring for their employees and creating a positive work culture. They send out weekly emails from the CEO that include value stories, updates on strategic goals, and closing thoughts. They have a buddy system called 'Partner in Crime' to provide support and guidance for new employees. Guidant Financial values continuous improvement and learning, and they set clear expectations and maintain a strong company culture. Guidant prioritizes connection and culture in their fully remote company. They have implemented strategies like leadership coffees and virtual connection events to foster connection. Guidant emphasizes work-life balance and allows employees to have more time and energy for their personal lives. Affordable healthcare options are a challenge for the company.   Titles: Weekly Emails and Value Stories The 'Partner in Crime' Buddy System Creating Connection and Culture in a Remote Company Fostering Work-Life Balance in a Fully Remote Environment   Sound Bites: "I love Jeremy's weekly emails usually a life lesson in there along with the transparency guidance provides everyone. It's very refreshing." "We just believe in order for us to succeed as a smaller business, like we've got to be quick, but we got to be smart about where we're quick. It's not about how quickly we get new things out there. It's about how fast can we learn." "I was able to provide and take care of my family. To be honest, two years ago, my father died when he was confined for two months in the hospital. I was beside him at his death bed. I was on training for advanced cases. I was able to do both, take care of him and provide because of this job." "We try to be sensitive to the fact that people participate on a different spectrum." "Everything your people have talked about has not cost a dime to the company." "We look for ways that we can connect each other and to really recognize that simple is often the best." Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Guidant Financial 02:47 - Caring for Employees and Weekly Emails 08:01 - Advancements and Continuous Improvement 12:50 - Core Values and Principles 20:00 - Partner in Crime Buddy System 23:54 - Setting Expectations and Company Culture 29:58 - Conclusion  

In this conversation, Matt Granados interviews John Hall, the CEO of a growth marketing service firm. They discuss how to grow employees, how to grow as a person, and how to give back to the community. The conversation highlights the importance of coaching from the leadership team, providing access to resources and trainings, and creating a safe and encouraging work environment. They also discuss the concept of missionary employees versus mercenaries and the value of giving and receiving honest feedback. John Hall emphasizes the importance of being genuine, showing appreciation, and following through on promises. He also shares his approach to mentorship and creating a culture where employees can be the best version of themselves both inside and outside of work. John Hall emphasizes the importance of being prepared to help others in any situation. He shares how he has developed various skill sets and built a storage area to provide assistance when needed. He also highlights the value of listening to people and finding ways to make their lives better without creating a sense of entitlement. John discusses the importance of recognizing and giving credit to others, as well as the significance of creating a culture where everyone feels supported. He also shares his approach to incorporating good deeds into business decisions and the positive impact it has on employees and the community.   Keywords: employee growth, personal growth, community involvement, coaching, resources, trainings, safe work environment, feedback, missionary employees, mercenaries, mentorship, genuine, appreciation, follow through, preparation, skill sets, assistance, listening, making lives better, recognition, credit, supportive culture, incorporating good, positive impact   Takeaways: Coaching from the leadership team is important for employee growth. Providing access to resources, trainings, and tools helps employees improve. Creating a safe and encouraging work environment fosters growth and prevents fear of retaliation. Giving and receiving honest feedback is crucial for personal and professional development. Mentorship opportunities can be created by genuinely caring about employees and helping them be the best version of themselves. Being genuine, showing appreciation, and following through on promises are key to building trust and a positive culture. Be prepared to help others in any situation and develop the necessary skill sets. Listen to people and find ways to make their lives better without creating entitlement. Recognize and give credit to others for their contributions. Create a culture where everyone feels supported and valued. Incorporate good deeds into business decisions to have a positive impact on employees and the community. Titles: The Power of Genuine Appreciation and Follow-Through Creating a Culture of Mentorship and Personal Development Being Prepared to Help Others Creating a Supportive Culture Sound Bites: "Coaching from the leadership team is amazing." "If someone comes to you and they feel like it's value, do it." "Being genuine and willing to take feedback back is what makes mentoring true." "I've tried to be prepared for any situation that if someone needs me" "It's listening to people and saying what will make their life better without making them feel entitled or owed" "We will be there for you as a company, whether it's job, Misty leadership or an intern" Chapters: 00:00 - Fostering a Culture of Care and Support 03:07 - Developing Missionary Employees 07:24 - The Power of Honest Feedback and Mentorship 10:17 - Leading by Example and Thoughtful Leadership 39:25 - Incorporating Good into Business: Impact on Employees and the Community 47:15 - The Power of Listening and Value Journalism 54:10 - Community Impact: Enhancing Productivity and Happiness  

Join Shawn Priddy, Chief Operations Officer of Great Plains Kubota, as he delves into the transformative impact of implementing LifePulse in their organization. Discover how this strategic initiative has led to a significant increase in time efficiency and productivity, with an expected 15-20% boost. Shawn highlights the importance of follow-through and accountability among leaders and the positive outcomes of the optimization overhaul workshop, which has reduced excuses and revealed employees' growth potential.  Great Plains Kubota is dedicated to developing leaders who are deeply connected to their communities and committed to both personal and professional growth. Employees at Great Plains Kubota feel supported and empowered to manage their roles within the company's vision without the pressure of micromanagement. In this insightful conversation, Shawn discusses the significance of setting clear expectations and progress markers over a 6-12 month period to foster employee empowerment.  Discover the key qualities Shawn looks for when hiring, such as a strong work ethic and a proven track record of responsibility, and why he believes these traits are more indicative of success than generational stereotypes. Learn how Great Plains Kubota's Taproot program cultivates a culture of giving back, and how caring for employees as individuals, especially during major life events, enhances productivity and loyalty. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the importance of investing in employees' personal growth and well-being for the long-term success of both individuals and the company.   Keywords:  Shawn Priddy, Great Plains Kubota, LifePulse, time efficiency, productivity, follow-through, accountability, leadership, community, empowerment, progress markers, hiring, work ethic, employee care, personal growth, Taproot program, community involvement, Business, Leadership, Productivity, Employee Development, Organizational Culture, Community Engagement   Sound Bites: "Our biggest ROI is just around time." "We're expecting to get a 20% increase in time efficiency going forward through the implementation of LifePulse into our entire organization." "We're going to focus on the movement, not the valleys." "Lay out the markers, lay out the expectations, but lay them out over a 180-day, six-month to 12-month time period." "All of those, did they work their way through college? Did they have a job in high school? What's their attitude toward days off and vacation? Everything revolves around work ethic, and that aligns with who we want to be." "We want them to be able to address all those life situations, no matter which level of employee they are."   Time Stamps:  00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:18 - ROI and Impact of LifePulse 08:11 - Decreasing Excuses and Increasing Accountability 09:23 - Decreasing Complaints and Burnout 28:15 - Empowering Employees through Clear Expectations and Progress Markers 29:26 - Hiring for Work Ethic and Responsibility 34:19 - Caring for Employees as Individuals 37:59 - Investing in Personal Growth and Well-being 45:24 - Fostering a Culture of Giving Back

In this conversation, Matt Granados interviews Todd Brand, the owner of Brand Asset Management Group Inc., a wealth management firm. They discuss the importance of caring for employees and investing in their personal growth. Todd emphasizes the significance of love and how it impacts both the team and the clients. He believes that healthy people help people and that love is a powerful force in the workplace. Todd also talks about the role of faith in their business and how it influences their approach to serving clients. The conversation highlights the importance of bringing one's authentic self and belief system into the workplace. The conversation explores the importance of strong leadership and personal development in every role. It emphasizes the need to encourage individuals to do more and take ownership of their work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of growth and maintaining a tight-knit team. The importance of combining personal and professional goals is highlighted, along with the value of authenticity and truthfulness in the workplace. The company's commitment to giving back to the community and celebrating employee anniversaries is also discussed. Keywords employee care, personal growth, love, faith, wealth management, leadership, personal development, ownership, growth, team, personal goals, professional goals, authenticity, truthfulness, giving back, employee anniversaries Takeaways Caring for employees and investing in their personal growth is crucial for success in any business. Love is a powerful force in the workplace and can have a transformative impact on both employees and clients. Bringing one's authentic self and belief system into the workplace can create a strong and positive culture. Faith can play a significant role in guiding business decisions and serving clients. Leaders should prioritize the well-being and personal development of their employees. Every role has the opportunity for strong leadership and personal development. Encouraging individuals to do more and take ownership leads to success. Maintaining a tight-knit team is a challenge as the company grows. Combining personal and professional goals is important for overall success. Authenticity and truthfulness are key in building a positive workplace culture. Giving back to the community and celebrating employee anniversaries fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation. Sound Bites "Healthy people help people." "Love is a way to move an organization." "Leaders are afraid to bring their belief system, their value system, their faith into the workforce." "There's not a single place on our team that doesn't value strong leadership." "We encourage people who have a desire to do more with their life." "The world's coming against it... the future looks like harder." Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction and Discussion about Todd's Cabin 01:19 - Introduction to Brand Asset Management Group Inc. 03:14 - Surveying Employees and Defining Success 06:47 - Investing in Employees as Individuals 09:02 - The Importance of Love in the Workplace 12:04 - The Impact of Personal Health on Client Service 13:26 - The Role of Faith in Running a Business 23:09 - Bringing Authenticity and Belief Systems into the Workplace 27:41 - The Byproduct of Love and Personal Growth 28:27 - Strong Leadership and Personal Development 30:42 - Challenges of Growth and Team Dynamics 37:06 - Combining Personal and Professional Goals 47:21 - Authenticity and Truthfulness in the Workplace 53:46 - Giving Back and Celebrating Employee Anniversaries  

Jim Hicks, CFO and COO of CCK Strategies, shares how the company prioritizes the well-being and growth of its employees. CCK Strategies, a public accounting firm, treats each employee as an individual and values their personal and professional development. They have created a culture that emphasizes work-life balance and encourages employees to take care of themselves. The company also focuses on hiring individuals who are a cultural fit and protects their culture by treating everyone with kindness and respect. In this conversation, Jim Hicks, a partner at CCK Strategies, discusses the importance of creating positive exits, the role of the care team in supporting employees and clients, managing the busy season, onboarding new employees, giving back to the community, and addressing growth challenges. CCK Strategies focuses on serving entrepreneurial clients throughout their business life cycle.   Takeaways CCK Strategies treats each employee as an individual and values their personal and professional development. The company emphasizes work-life balance and encourages employees to take care of themselves. CCK Strategies focuses on hiring individuals who are a cultural fit and protects their culture by treating everyone with kindness and respect. Creating positive exits is crucial for maintaining a positive company culture and reputation. The care team plays a vital role in supporting employees and clients, providing listening, understanding, and assistance. Clear direction and expectations are essential for managing the busy season and leveraging the off-season effectively. Onboarding new employees involves finding individuals who align with the company's culture and values. Giving back to the community is a core value at CCK Strategies, and employees are encouraged to volunteer their time. Addressing growth challenges requires looking ahead and making investments to support future growth. CCK Strategies targets entrepreneurial clients and provides support throughout their business life cycle. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:55 Pouring into the Employee 06:14 Pouring into the Individual 10:08 Giving Back to the Community 15:43 Taking Care of Oneself 21:36 Wellness Initiatives 23:13 Selective Hiring Practices 24:52 Protecting the Culture 25:28 Creating Positive Exits 26:08 The Role of the Care Team 27:44 Caring for Employees and Clients 28:23 The Importance of Clear Direction 31:39 Managing the Busy Season 34:59 Onboarding New Employees 38:24 Giving Back to the Community 44:54 Addressing Growth Challenges 47:07 Targeting Entrepreneurial Clients

In this conversation, Matt Granados interviews David Shamszad, CEO of SG Real Estate. They discuss David's personal journey, the growth of SG Real Estate, and the company's commitment to its employees, community, and customers. David shares his experiences with bipolar disorder and addiction, highlighting the importance of mental health and personal growth. The conversation also explores the significance of implementing standard practices and core values in the company, as well as the impact of community involvement and giving back. David Shamszad discusses the importance of creating a positive tenant experience and the efforts his company makes to go above and beyond for its residents. He emphasizes the value of community events and personal interactions with tenants, highlighting the impact it has on their satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, he shares the company's desire to be a customer-centric organization and the joy they find in receiving positive feedback from their tenants. In the second part of the conversation, David talks about the challenges of fast growth and the need for constant adaptation and collaboration to address evolving problems. He emphasizes the importance of soliciting feedback and incorporating ideas from the team to find the best solutions Takeaways Personal growth and mental health are essential for success in both personal and professional life. Implementing standard practices and clear processes can improve productivity and create a sense of purpose and achievement for employees. Building a strong sense of community within the company fosters a positive work environment and enhances employee satisfaction. Giving back to the community and prioritizing the well-being of tenants can create a positive reputation and improve customer satisfaction. Creating a positive tenant experience goes beyond the terms of the lease and can greatly impact tenant satisfaction and loyalty. Community events and personal interactions with tenants can foster a sense of belonging and make tenants feel valued. Being a customer-centric organization can lead to economic benefits such as tenant renewals and referrals. Fast growth brings new challenges that require constant adaptation, collaboration, and innovation to overcome. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Starting SG Real Estate 05:03 Holistic Approach to Business 06:23 David's Personal Journey 16:07 Growing the Employee 17:32 Growing the Person 25:07 Implementing Core Values 29:29 Impact on the Community 44:00 Creating a Positive Tenant Experience 48:22 Challenges of Fast Growth  

Episode Overview: Join Matt Granados as he converses with Eric Watkins, President of Abstrakt Marketing Group. Discover the secrets behind the company's thriving culture and Watkins’ journey from intern to president. Episode Description: Dive into an insightful conversation with Eric Watkins, President of Abstrakt Marketing Group, as he shares his journey and strategies for building a top workplace. Host Matt Granados uncovers the principles and practices that make Watkins' leadership and company culture stand out. Key Points Discussed: Eric Watkins' Career Path: Explore Watkins’ remarkable transition from intern to president and the lessons learned along the way. Fostering a Successful Corporate Culture: Discover how Abstrakt Marketing Group creates an engaging and supportive work environment. Employee Development Strategies: Learn about the company's innovative approaches to nurturing and retaining talent. Achieving Recognition and Awards: Understand the significance of the company’s numerous accolades in business and culture development. Leadership and Management Insights: Watkins shares valuable tips on managing teams, nurturing talent, and maintaining a thriving workplace. Key Timestamps: [00:28.717] - Introduction of Eric Watkins and Abstrakt Marketing Group [01:23.201] - Watkins’ Career Progression [04:30.21] - Navigating Challenges and Achievements [09:25.206] - Significance of Awards and Recognitions [15:23.278] - Bridging Gaps in Employee Expectations [24:59.598] - The Essence of Authentic Leadership [30:36.586] - Cross-Training Benefits and Culture [39:05.761] - Personal Growth and Employee Support [49:34.911] - Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility [54:08.353] - Addressing Personnel Performance Gaps  

Welcome to Episode 18 of Best People: Best Place w/ Matt Granados! This week we have an amazing guest - Sam Burkhan, CEO and founder of ITF Group out of St. Louis. ITF Group is a full-service transportation company with the capabilities, expertise, and resources to help you take your business to the next level! Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Bachelor of Science from Valdosta State University in in Valdosta Georgia. Later, Sam studied finance at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Sam started his logistics company in his home in 2012 with one tractor-trailer and the mindset to create tailored solutions for each customer. The family-owned business started with just his wife, brother, and mother. Over the next 7 years, Burkhan grew ITF to over 1,000 trucks and trailers, along with over 15,000 contracted carriers. Burkhan recognized the needs of his customers and expanded ITF to incorporate warehousing and fulfillment services. In July of 2019 he purchased a 107,000 square foot facility in Hazelwood, Missouri. Fully remodeled and optimized for expansion, he consolidated a small office in St. Charles Missouri with 10-15 dedicated employees to 40 U.S. based employees. Teams were fully moved into their new offices in January of 2020. As an Uzbekistan native, Burkhan employees a team of 65 dispatchers and customer service representatives in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The two offices work in conjunction with one another providing a multicultural and diverse team. Tune into this episode to learn the ins and outs of what has made Sam so successful in his role at ITF group and why his people love him so much.  For more info on ITF group head to: https://itfgroup.com/