Daily
Seth Godin writes his blog daily….an extraordinary accomplishment. The blogs focus is on marketing and shipping an excellent product. In addition being selective in who your customers are.
Seth is an icon in the marketing digital world. It is and should be a must for those that operate in the business/organizational environment. Seth has a reasoned perspective on many issues.
Leadership is an Art
The current CEO is in hot water when a recent employee video went viral. Unfortunately the excuse was:
“A MillerKnoll spokesperson said earlier this week that the clip was taken out of context.”
It is ironic that one of the better leadership books was written Max De Pree (former Herman Miller CEO)…..Leadership is an Art
The lesson learned: choose words carefully especially when they are shown on social media….or even an any situation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_De_Pree
Note: Herman Miller was a well respected company located in West Michigan….recognized for the classic Eames Lounge Chair (left in photo).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eames_Lounge_Chair
Note: Follow-up from inc.com: https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/pity-city-how-to-apologize-why-empathy-is-important-how-to-show-empathy-emotional-intelligence.html
Commentary followup: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/manufacturing/commentary-millerknoll-ceos-tirade-contrasts-with-company-founders-values/
Jeep Cherokee
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a38612038/the-jeep-wagoneer-was-ahead-of-its-time/
The Road and Track article stated the Jeep Wagoneer was ahead of its time….as an early Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Our 1975 Jeep Cherokee was the smaller version of the Wagoneer….and our version of a SUV. The Cherokee was only a two door….yet met our needs. The window in the back rolled into the tail gate and then the tailgate could be opened. We added the larger tires and wheels.
The transmission was 4-on-the-floor. The four wheel drive was engaged by turning Warn* hubs on the front wheels. It was a fun vehicle to drive….unfortunately Michigan winters and rust got the best of it.
45 Years
Tom Peters announced his retirement on March 31 at 80 years old, after 45 years of Excellence and perhaps 10,000,000 miles flown.
This will be the final edition of the Weekly Quote as Tom is retiring. We cannot thank you enough for your support. We’ll leave you with Tom’s favorite:
“People first!”
Peet’s Coffee
“Founded in Berkeley in 1966, the brand, which bills itself as “The Original Craft Coffee,” has been credited with revolutionizing the way Americans consume coffee, and for good reason—all three founders of Starbucks learned the trade from Peet.”
I first had Peet’s Coffee on a trip to Berkeley, California. The shop was on Solano Ave. Walking into that Peet’s was a “real” coffee revelation. The surroundings and smells said this is what a true coffee experience should be.
There are other great coffees and coffee roasters….Peet’s will always be my favorite.
Windward Pointe 2023
It has been several years since the Sappi paper mill site was cleared. The site being valuable lakefront property. With other areas of the Muskegon Lake front being redevolped….it was expected that this site would be prime real estate.
Apparently there still remains extensive PFAS cleanup requirements. Additionally, the city finally completed purchase of railroad tracks and thus eliminated one major obstacle.
Like any project of this size….long term seems the best approach to get a once in a life time opportunity to redevelop a prime site on the Great Lakes.
Swift Printing
Swift Printing is a third generation family owned business. Established in 1950.
Businesses like Swift Printing are the foundations of a local economy. They deliver a quality product. They have been in existence for many years. They are part of the community. They also have a well crafted web site.
April 2023
+ Where are they now from April 2018:
+ Where are they now from April 2013:
+ Strategy * Story: https://hbr.org/2023/02/your-strategy-needs-a-story
+ 2023 Trends-Avoid: https://www.inc.com/young-entrepreneur-council/7-trends-every-business-owner-should-avoid-in-2023.html
+ Presentations: https://www.inc.com/carmine-gallo/follow-steve-jobs-5-step-presentation-process-to-wow-your-audience.html
+ Brooks Running: https://www.inc.com/magazine/202303/jim-weber/how-brooks-running-almost-lost-its-way.html
+ Customer experience: https://hbr.org/2023/03/8-best-practices-for-creating-a-compelling-customer-experience
TrueNorth 