We’ve measured a lot of different things in our business over the last 23 years.
What we measure is always changing. Our KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are always being tweaked. Our metrics often get replaced by another metric slightly more valuable than one from the year’s past. And, we’re always finding new data points that give us the ability to make better decisions. All the points we measure fall into the category of quantitative data. At the end of the calendar year though, I find myself reflecting on some of the more qualitative ways to measure Klausing Group’s performance in 2015.
I have an old friend, Rod, who ran a successful landscape management company in the Pacific Northwest. He and a partner founded the company, operated it for many years, and then made the decision to merge with another landscape company. While still executing the merger of the legacy organizations, Rod somehow managed to convince some executives from a competing, national landscape firm, of the growth potential and positive trajectory of his new company. Before he knew it, they offered to purchase his new company. He sold the new company and by all accounts, it was a successful venture.
About 15 years ago, I got a chance to speak with Rod’s wife, Sue. She shared some very interesting insight on her husband’s business and his career. “Rod did well for himself and for his partners. But I measured their achievements by what was happening in their employee’s lives not by what was going on in the company. The better things were in the business, the better things were for the employees.”
I’ve thought about my conversation with Sue many times since that day. The take away for me was very simple; no matter how difficult running a business can be, it’s my job to create as safe, secure, and professional a work environment as possible. When I do that well, it affects the personal lives of my staff in ways that I could never imagine.
What Sue measured every year in her husband’s business was the number of engagement announcements, marriages, home purchases, and children that joined families. When I measure 2015 by Sue’s standard, Klausing Group had a super year.
Dwight Hammons, Trenton Noel, and Saif Al Hilfi, I wish you the best in your engagement to be married. Ian Banta, Dallis Crowe, and Dwight Hammons, congratulations on buying your first home. Elizabeth McLaren and Tyler Taylor, we join you in welcoming your new sons. And Kyle Frueh, Dwight Hammons, Russell Riddell, Luke Tedder, and Tyler Taylor, kudos on earning your Landscape Industry Certified credentials. I’m so impressed with each of you and your accomplishments and so proud to call you colleagues.
UPDATE: Sue's Success Metrics for 2016:
As the year comes to a close, its time to tally our "Sue's Success Metrics" for 2016. Many of our staff members will always remember this year as it was one for significant, positive change in their lives. All of us at Klausing Group are so please to have been a part of it.
Our best wishes go out to Trenton Noel, Dwight Hammons, and Luke Tedder who all tied the knot this year. Congratulations to Dan Stever, Luke Tedder, Trenton Noel, Zac Evans, and Tyler Taylor who bought homes. Lastly, we're proud of Trenton Noel who earned his Landscape Industry Certified credentials and Ian Banta who is half way through his Certified Public Accountant exams. Finish strong Ian!
