We are about to embark on the most pervasive single project we have ever undertaken.  We are transitioning to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.  There is no aspect of our business that will not be impacted by this project.  It is critically important for our long term growth potential as it is much […]

My favorite conversation today was with Casper Goforth, one of our new sales staff.  Casper has been with HSI less than 6 months and still working to fully get the hang of her role.  The question I asked her today was not about processes or databases or sales strategies.  I asked her if she is […]

I am asked all the time why we are located in Chickasha, OK.   I can tell you how we got here.  My grandfather, who founded the business was originally from Duncan, OK, which is another small town just about 45 minutes south of Chickasha.  When he and my grandmother were looking for a place […]

I was fortunate to spend the last week on vacation with my family.  My goal was centered around them.  I put such a priority on business so many weeks of the year, I should have the luxury and ability to shift that focus at least once in a given year.  I try to do the […]

In a personally challenging conversation yesterday, the question came up of “What if I planned to leave?”  Another way to ask it would be “What If I set  a definite date that would be my last day, not only in this position, but in this company? ”  I guarantee you it would change my behavior. […]

Which is better?  Which do you prefer: sunrises or sunsets? It is a simple question that reveals something fundamental about your outlook on life.  Which is more exciting for you, beginnings or endings? Your initial response may vary depending on if you are an early riser or a night owl.  Night owls may have never […]

Yesterday I wrote about the importance of answering the question “Do I Care?” in a mentoring relationship.  Once I pass the question of whether or not I care, it is now important to acknowledge whether I believe in you or not. I am critical by nature and tend to see the gaps in performance.  It […]

This is a critical question.  If I claim to be a mentor, it is a critical question. In some ways this is the difference between mentoring and giving advice.  If I truly don’t care if you succeed, then its probably just advice.  If I don’t really care if you actually try anything new based on […]

While traveling this past week I received a status update on a project that we thought was already over the finish line, but implementation went badly.  The delay is a disappointment and a little bit of a demotivator. I really wanted to fire off an angry text message or email that included a nice little […]