Chicago logistics is all about connectivity. Connecting the east with the west, Chicago is a natural hub. 5 international airports, 7 Class I railroads carrying 50% of the nation's freight (think of the enormity of that figure!), 3rd largest intermodal port in the world, 3rd largest interstate highway system in America, and more.
What values do you stand for? Do your employees know your values? Are they apparent in how people behave or are they just on a piece of paper? Are you willing to let your top performer go because he/she doesn't live up to the values?
How significant is freight to your bottom line? For example, when I was a VP of Operations for an absorbent healthcare products manufacturer (adult diapers, hospital underpads), freight was a BIG concern.
Are you following your passion / enjoy what you do? Or, can you incorporate some elements of your passion into what you do? I have no doubt you can!
Where would you prefer to locate your operation? Most likely as close to customers and your supply base as possible. In this case, it means rates are going through the roof - if you can even get them.
Last week, I attended the inaugural Inland Empire Women in Manufacturing event. It was fun seeing old colleagues from throughout the years as well as meeting new ones.
When we look back over the last 13 years of consulting with closely-held building products manufacturers to medium, private-equity backed food and beverage firms to large aerospace corporations, every single client has one goal in common – achieving scalable, profitable growth. It sounds somewhat easy but is far from simple in reality.
Keep innovation and future disruptors top of mind.
Last week, I attended a ProVisors event (top notch group of trusted advisors including attorneys, CPAs etc.) at Harvey Mudd. We were focused on manufacturing and innovation, and we were lucky to tour the day after Harvey Mudd's clinic projects day where the students discuss the successes of working with companies like GKN, Bobcat, Amazon, Google and more.
Don't we tend to take our long-term, valuable relationships for granted? Admit it! Of course, it is easy to do so.
