Built on Strategy

What can brick-and-mortar businesses expect when transitioning to digital?

On this special episode of Built on Strategy focused on manufacturing, I am joined by Cari Anne Cashon, Global Head of eCommerce at WernerCo. We discuss her journey as an entrepreneur navigating the world of ecommerce, creating her own online product while in college, and the transition to digital. Even today, it is still impossible to earn a traditional degree in ecommerce, especially not specializing in Amazon, and Cari Anne is an expert at utilizing certain tools to identify niches and demographics to market products to online. Whether it is SEO optimization, QR code implementation, or the future of product marketing using augmented reality, every business can benefit from online literacy and developing their workforce to adjust to technological innovations.

On this special manufacturing engagement focused episode of Built on Strategy, I am joined by Doug Zacharias, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CMI, the leading manufacturer and fabricator of engineered products for land and marine access. We discuss the challenges, nuances, and strategy involved in advertising products that provide sustainable solutions for marine walls, flood-levee protection, water control, chemical containment, soil stabilization, groundwater cutoff, aluminum bridges, and more. Industries around the world have never been more aware of their potential environmental impact. Despite this, the inclination for businesses to resort to cheaper, antiquated engineering to increase their bottom line consequently creates issues regarding longevity, safety, and environmental harm. Working in a mostly B2B market, Doug introduces products, alternatives, and technology that make the world a better place to live every day.

What kind of improvements in machinery can empower workplace efficiency?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Ryan Lynch, Vice President of Marketing at Concentric. Concentric offers strategic approaches to managing and improving cost-effective, efficient materials handling operations. We discuss scaling services to meet the needs of national audiences and the obstacles and solutions to creating a nationwide footprint. As newer technologies emerge, workforce efficiency, cost-effective battery consumption, and waste management are crucial in the implementation and sustainability of forklift operations. Every company, no matter the size, that utilizes these kinds of machinery could benefit from strategies to optimize and manage their specialized tools to save on costs, reduce waste, and streamline their processes.

How can technology platforms enable wealth management?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Ryan George, CMO at Docupace, who offer a unified workflow and document management automation solution for financial services firms. We discuss the relationship between investors and their advisors, managing data and analytics of stock portfolios, and how to bring products to market quickly and effectively. The marketplace for technology platforms to serve financial advisors analytics has become more widespread, personal, and fragmented. Join us this week as we talk about how emerging front-end technologies have enabled investors and companies to manage their assets in new, innovative ways.

What is the value of combining technical experience with marketing strategy?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Tamer Flores, CEO of Biomedical Distributors. We discuss the cultural, economic, and strategic differences in growing a medical supplier from a startup business to an industry leader between Latin America and the United States. Tamer used his personal experience as an engineer to solve a widespread problem with pacemakers and through innovation, as well as a small commercial operations team, increased a $20,000 initial investment 100 times every year for ~18 years. Due to regulatory measures, and the tendency for doctors not to adopt medical equipment in their private practices until they have been proven in the public sector, establishing a medical supply company in South America is much more difficult than in America. However, through collaborative efforts and strategy that employ specialized skills in each of his team members, Tamer was able to consistently compete and win against industry leaders and gain international acclaim in his field.

What does it take to run for office in today’s political landscape?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Dana Barrett, former congressional candidate, web developer, and talk show radio host. From teaching herself programming, owning her own coffee shop, and eventually running for a congressional seat in Georgia’s 11th District, we discuss Dana’s long journey of not following the beaten path. Dana divulges the difficulties of running as a democrat in a historically red district, the minimum fundraising amount to be considered a viable candidate, and the rhetorical strategies and games that dominate our current political climate. A survivor of breast cancer, an executive at a web development company, and the host of her own radio talk show, Dana is no stranger to adversity and has a lifetime of experience in leading, empathizing, and listening to people in her community.

What strategies can prevent toxic workplace environments?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Anton Gunn, a former advisor to President Barack Obama and the world’s leading authority on Socially-Conscious Leadership. We discuss the value of empathy in the workforce to enable employers to create a work environment that is psychologically safe and empowering to individuals. People need to be understood in order to contribute to their places of work, and it is crucial for leaders to have perspective on their workers’ conditions in order to ensure needs are being met. In our rapidly evolving markets and technological spaces, the need for workers to adapt to relevant skills and software has never been more important. With these changes, it is imperative for executives in business to be open, willing, and ready to train and equip their workforce with the proper tools and education to succeed. Breaking out of the executive bubble can be a daunting task. However, socially-conscious leadership has been proven to provide great value to every business.

What processes dictate the quality assurance of marketable products?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Dagmar Ebaugh, Head of Social Media Strategy and Operations at UL. We discuss the massive operation referred to as TIC (testing, inspecting, and certification) that qualifies products on a global scale as functional, safe, and faithful to its representation. As the leader in charge of brand maintenance for such a complex product on a variety of different platforms, Dagmar is faced with many challenges in presenting a consistent brand message across unique global markets. In a rapidly evolving technological manufacturing environment, there are constantly new safety requirements that need to be met. Breakthroughs in Bluetooth technology demand cyber security testing, new battery types similarly call for rigorous testing due to the current energy potential available. With an infinite amount of variables, UL establishes and upholds homogenized standards that products around the world need to meet before they are sold.

Do you know how to grow relationships with customers in an increasingly digital world?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Ben Maxim, Assistant Vice President of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Michigan State University (MSU) Federal Credit Union. We discuss the evolving world of customer expectations when dealing with digital service and planning in relation to their finances. Ben was instrumental in creating The Lab, which is the MSU Credit Union’s center for innovation that brings agility, collaboration, drive, and innovation together to turn ideas into advanced financial technologies. America is experiencing a technological renaissance in artificial intelligence and augmented reality, providing new opportunities for institutions to personalize strategies and expand financial planning services for customers. These breakthroughs along with the implementation of nationwide 5G networks have created a market that depends on increasing digital engagement, and Ben is one of the experts invested in the practical application of these technologies in his industry.

How can businesses quantify the risk of a transaction?

On this episode of Built On Strategy, we are joined by Mike Blake, a financial strategy and risk management leader with Brady Ware & Company. We discuss key performance drivers for businesses, how to prioritize goals, and the value of brand loyalty. It can be difficult for companies to evaluate the value of their own assets, especially when they lack data models and analytics. In today’s economy, resilience is a vital characteristic of successful ventures, and Mike is an expert at managing risk and protecting his clients from taking losses on material transactions. Listen to find out more about business strategies for owners who want to take risks and consumer behaviors.