Best People: Best Place w/ Matt Granados Matt Granados

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/