Smart Business Magazine, October 2017

18 Smart Business Akron Canton October 2017 CASCADE CAPITAL CORPORATION 2017BUSINESSGROWTHAWARDS K evin R Weidinger leads two companies as president Great Lakes Fasteners and Laudan Properties both of which have achieved success during the past five years attributed in no small part to their personnel practices Wholesale fastener distributor Great Lakes Fasteners has held steadfast supporting its diverse customer base even during the volatile economic conditions over the past five years and it has paid tremendous dividends Through an aggressive acquisition strategy investing in salespeople and marketing tools the companys sales have risen consistently Sales revenue for the company has increased nearly 30 percent in the past five years During that same period it has more than doubled its employee count While historically focused on production fasteners Great Lakes Fasteners entered the maintenance and repair segment three years ago and has steadily added new clients with that service offering Today the company supplies fastener and services through production to plant maintenance The companys success both current and future resides in its ability to attract and retain talented associates Great Lakes Fasteners recruits people who have a positive attitude strong work ethic and a hunger to be the best in all they do The company inspires its associates by providing challenging projects job rotation profit sharing bonus and by promoting from within Similarly Laudan Properties competitive advantage is its network of licensed contractors Its performancebased culture is a differentiator Laudan hires for attitude and trains for skill favoring hungry optimistic candidates over those with industry experience Its business development department is staffed with motivated leaders willing to go above and beyond expectations to meet client demands The department helped reshape the companys growth by focusing on new market segments For example investors and fix flip rent opportunities have proven to be an area of significant growth In building its talent network Laudan utilizes a talent acquisition department that recruits contractors who go through a training unit where they are briefed on all the latest client building best practices and expectations Laudans learning management system Yardstick is designed to transfer knowledge among associates and contractors to ensure all team members are trained to perform to client expectations At Laudan the organizational chart is upside down with those closest to its customers at the top Its culture is strong enough that its associates hold each other accountable to hit the standard of performance These efforts have manifested in hockey stick revenue and profit growth trends coupled with steady job creation The companys sales revenue increased 250 percent in the past five years while it has added 13 employees during the same period Weidinger says to lead and inspire an organization is equal parts art and science It requires capturing the hearts and minds of team members through a supportive culture driven by a common mission How to reach Great Lakes Fasteners 330 425 4488 or www glfus com Laudan Properties 234 212 3225 or www laudanproperties com HUNTINGTON LEGACY AWARD The art of growth Optimism hunger are characteristics of the motivated teams Kevin Weidinger leads Great Lakes Fasteners Laudan Properties Kevin R Weidinger President