(IABBB)
The International Association of Better Business Bureaus 2023 Trust Summit honored this year's International Torch Award for Ethics recipients and featured a panel of past winners.
The panel included International Torch Award for Ethics winners Dan Bird, owner of The Dan Company in Nashville, Tennessee; James Talerico, Jr., owner of Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. in Irving, Texas; and Dean Sather, owner of Cross Pointe Auto in Amarillo, Texas.
IABBB CEO Kip Morse led the discussion, offering unique insights into some of the strategies and practices behind the panelists' successes. A common theme was the importance of employee input in developing trust in leadership and enhancing overall company culture - a foundation that leads to dedicated customers and strong community ties.
“It became very important to us that our culture was imperative to the success of our business,” said Bird. The Dan Company, which specializes in residential construction, aims to empower employees in their role of building the business by encouraging an environment of open communication. Weekly team meetings and regular reviews are some of the ways employees can voice concerns and receive feedback. Since winning a Torch Award, Bird said the company’s current goal is not to be the best contractor, but the best place to work “because we think we’ll end up being the best contractor if we get that first goal achieved.”
Dean Sather, who operates a car dealership, said hiring the right employees is also imperative. “Look for people that have character, not that are a character.” For a small company like Cross Pointe Auto, that means including team members in the interview process of new applicants. “If we’re not all in agreement, everybody thumbs up, then we don’t bring that person on board.” All new hires must sign a team achievement agreement committing to company values and accountabilities--and employees receive in-depth training to build confidence. Recognizing that employees have families and personal lives, he offers time-off flexibility, which contributes to a positive culture.
Solo entrepreneur James Talerico, Jr., who manages a consulting and exit planning business, said his top asset has been finding ways to distinguish himself from the crowd. By garnering two certifications and receiving an International Torch Award, along with establishing a clear blueprint for his customer processes, he has built his reputation and grown his business. He emphasized the value in participating in the Torch Awards, regardless of the outcome, due to the meaningful feedback the application process provides. “I think it adds to the tapestry of the other things you do and lends an incredible amount of credibility to you and your company.”
When asked how they work on their internal commitments to reach the customer experience, the panelists said they focus on customer service, they uphold honest values, and excel at making good first impressions.
Sather said that the appearance of facilities, as well as company employees, are crucial. Bird added that the first phone interactions are also important. Each have found unique ways to contribute to their communities. "The community is what it's all about because those are the people that are in here supporting our business," added Sather.
The panelists agreed that winning an International Torch Award has become a badge of honor for their companies, encouraging leadership to keep pace with the high bar tha has been set and employees to feel pride to work for a company with the distinguised recognition.
Check out a list of the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics winners by category.
Category 1 (1-10 employees)
The Congruity Group
Betsy Westhafer, CEO
Dayton, Ohio
Category 2 (11-99 employees)
Rescue One Air LLC
Jason Thibodeau, CEO/General Manager
Tempe, Arizona
Category 3 (100-499 employees)
GBQ Partners LLC
Darci Congrove, CEO
Columbus, Ohio
Category 4 (500 or more employees)
Optima Tax Relief
David King, CEO
Santa Ana, California
Learn more about the 2023 Trust Summit and the International Torch Awards for Ethics.