Simple yet Savvy: Principles to Navigate Business Transitions

Our episode today featured Amy Kiefer, President of Automotive Parts Headquarters, or APH.  Amy was hired by APH just 6 months ago as the company's first non-family member President! The company is over 100 years old and in its 3rd Generation, so that says a lot about the value the owners believe she brings to the table. 

Amy's background spans several years involving a variety of roles, from Private Equity, to ESOP to Family Business, and all aligned with her unique skills in bringing strategy and execution with a fresh perspective on what matters most. Her "simple, yet savvy principles" are not your typical methods for implementing and accomplishing objectives, although there's a process for that. However, they are principles that strongly impact her work as a leader, thinker and growth strategist, and are the bedrock for how she operates in her role. They are:

1. Respect
2. Appreciation
3. Trust

For Amy, these principles are integral to fostering new relationships, growing existing ones and utilizing strong, consistent communication in her organization. When these principles are lived out by key decision makers, the company not only grows but flourishes, and in more ways than just what lands on the P&L. 

Amy says that establishing these principles has made all the difference for her especially when changes and pivots are required in order to continue a growth trajectory. We're living in some uncertain times, so having respect, appreciation and trust as the foundation for making decisions provides a certain peace of mind that allows for clearer thinking, planning and implementing. 

You can find Amy here - Have a listen to the interview now!

 Thank you to our show sponsors!  Sunbelt Business Advisors and Trust Point

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor