In the competitive world of third-party logistics (3PL), one company achieved remarkable growth, reaching $14 million in sales before being acquired. The driving force behind this success was its commitment to three core values: “Yes, And,” “Explore More,” and “Give a Sh!t.” These principles were woven into every aspect of the business, from hiring to client interactions and internal culture, creating a foundation for sustainable growth.
Attracting the Right Talent
The company’s leadership recognized early on that the key to success lay in attracting employees who aligned with its core values. These values weren’t simply displayed on posters—they were a part of the hiring process. Job advertisements were crafted to stand out from the typical listings, using language that emphasized the company’s ethos.
An example of a job posting might be:
“We’re seeking individuals who genuinely care about their work, get frustrated when colleagues don’t pull their weight, are eager to grow, and want to leave a lasting impact.”
This approach not only helped differentiate the company from others but also attracted candidates who shared a passion for the values that defined the business. It was a strategy that ensured the right fit from the start, particularly in a competitive labor market.
Training and Performance: Values at the Core
Once hired, employees were immersed in the company’s values through tailored training programs. Performance reviews focused on more than just numbers—employees were evaluated on how well they embodied the core values in their day-to-day work. Those who demonstrated “Yes, And,” “Explore More,” and “Give a Sh!t” were recognized and rewarded through internal platforms.
The company’s leadership emphasized that these values should be reflected in daily interactions, whether that meant going above and beyond for clients or collaborating with colleagues. This approach ensured that the company’s values were not just theoretical ideals but practical guides for behavior and decision-making.
Building Strong Client Relationships
The company’s core values also played a key role in its approach to client relationships. It was found that partnerships were most successful when both parties shared similar values. This alignment created a more cohesive working relationship and set the stage for long-term success.
The company’s leadership believed that when clients embraced the same principles, it led to more productive and mutually beneficial collaborations. The focus wasn’t just on transactions—it was on creating partnerships built on shared values and goals.
Achieving Growth and Expansion
By 2020, the company had expanded significantly, growing from a small office to a large, 126,000-square-foot facility with 150 employees. The rapid, self-funded growth was attributed to the company’s focus on its core values, which not only guided its operations but also helped attract and retain top talent.
The business’s ability to grow without external funding highlighted the effectiveness of its values-driven approach. These principles were embedded in every aspect of the company’s identity and played a pivotal role in its success.
Conclusion
Through strategic recruitment, consistent employee development, and a focus on core values, the company was able to carve out a unique position in the competitive 3PL market. These values helped attract the right people, foster strong client relationships, and build a positive, productive company culture. This values-driven approach contributed to its impressive growth, ultimately reaching $14 million in sales before being acquired. The story underscores how embedding core values at the heart of a business can be a powerful catalyst for long-term growth and success.
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