In the world of business, good leadership has a contagious effect that spreads fast, encouraging people to raise the bar for themselves. I have personally witnessed this, thanks to two people who have had a big impact on me: our founder, the late Brad Plummer, and Ryan Floyde, our Alberta territory manager.
Brad had a unique way of instilling in us the importance of doing what’s right and being accountable. He would never hesitate to jump in his truck and drive a long distance to make something right.
One instance stands out in my memory where Brad’s influence on Ryan became apparent. It involved a delivery mistake that threatened to disrupt a crucial installation. The mix-up seemed insurmountable, with our millwrights and electricians on-site and time ticking away. Ryan stepped in.
Ryan recognized that the solution lay a few hundred kilometres away with a supplier who had the component we needed. Without hesitation, he took charge, making arrangements and even offering to cover any incurred expenses. His problem-solving approach was truly impressive.
Within hours, Ryan obtained the required part and promptly returned. What could have been a disastrous problem transformed into a resolved situation, with the customer up and running in no time.
Ryan’s commitment to delivering exceptional service showcased the contagious influence of Brad’s approach. Ryan later said to me, “I got to do what Brad would have done.”
While we have eagerly embraced technological advancements in seed processing (like colour sorting), our commitment to personal connections remains the foundation of our business. We believe in being physically present, establishing genuine relationships, and providing exceptional service. This commitment, inherited from Brad’s legacy, lies at the core of our approach.
The contagious spirit has shaped our company culture. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of doing what’s right, going above and beyond, and striving for greatness. As we carry Brad’s legacy forward, we embrace new technologies and approaches while staying grounded in the values that have defined our success for the past 30 years.
