Slow Down to Go Fast!

August 30, 2024

If you are reading this, you must have corrugated dust in your veins. I know I do, and I love this industry. AICC’s 50th Anniversary was a tremendous milestone. It was a real pleasure to connect with so many people I admire in the industry at the celebration in Palm Desert, California, and celebrate the success of our members. As this is my last column, I want to leave you with just a few ideas of what I think it takes to be successful in the box business.

First, in our quest to become safer, faster, and more profitable, I think it is important to adopt this mantra: “Slow down to go fast.” Make sure you take the time to plan and be open to ideas and discussion that will encourage innovative thinking. During these past few years through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the industry has felt the go-go-go. Now that we have all caught our breath a little bit, take the time to strategically plan for the next big push.

The next thought is: Talent is the whole ballgame. Kip Tidwell, retired chairman and CEO of the Container Store for nearly 40 years, came up with the idea that when you hire, follow the 1=3 rule—one great person equals three mediocre people. Surround yourself with people you trust and who have different strengths than you. It helps to be the best, when you hire the best.

The third thought is the quote, “Don’t be upset with the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.” This is a quote our customer experience manager, Robert Roane, has plastered on his wall at our box plant. My golf game and my abs (or lack thereof) would attest that this is a true statement. It takes a lot of work to really make it in the box business, so make sure you are putting in the work.

My fourth thought is inspired by conversations with my friend and colleague Andy Reissmann. I believe what we can do as independents, far better than our competitors, is service the daylights out of your customers. Stay in front of your customer. They need to know that when they deal with an independent, they get the royal treatment. It is personal. We listen. We take feedback. We pay attention to detail. We are empowered to make decisions on the spot to benefit them. It is premium, seamless, reliable, fast, and secure. Our customers need to know that when they do business with an independent boxmaker, their experience is going to be different than what they will receive from the integrated companies. We stay up all night so our customer does not have to.

My final thought is that the Association is in wonderful hands with Mike D’Angelo as president. He is supported by a dedicated staff who works tirelessly on behalf of all members, and we are blessed with an incredible incoming chairman, Gary Brewer. He is a true independent entrepreneur and will do a great job leading us forward.

It has been an honor serving you. Thank you, and here’s to the next 50 years!