Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1178690
ALL IN | AD Today 2019 | 29 ALL IN, TOGETHER continued from page 27 PRIDE IN OWNERSHIP As for what his company's new status means to him, "being an owner of AD gives me great pride," Juarez shared, "It's a great investment for the future of our company." Chrissy Nardini, President of AD member-owner American Metals Supply Co., Inc. in Springfield, IL, concurred. "I think that the member- owners of AD should feel a sense of pride that they're a part of a thriving, growing buying group. In these times when many other groups are struggling, we should feel proud that AD is healthy, growing, and adding members and new initiatives regularly," she said. "Each of us should indeed be proud to have transitioned such a strong marketing/buying group to a member- owned company," Hockin said. "AD has operated for years with strong member direction and as we move into the future, we as owners will be asked to lead the organization and provide the AD staff with direction and feedback on achieving continued success across the various industries we're involved in." "As member-owners, we have a vested interest in ensuring that the AD enterprise stands the test of time, and this involves protecting our unique culture," Horsman shared. "AD has been built on empowerment and trust and our culture today attracts the best people to both the staff and membership organization." As member-owners, he added, "we need to protect that culture to our core." RULES OF ENGAGEMENT 4 top tips to help other AD member-owners fully engage and be "all in" as owners: 1. Participate "It's important to participate, both at the CEO level and with peers at other levels of the organization," said American Metals Supply's Nardini. "Think about how you can continue to convert business to AD suppliers and lend your time to committees and divisional boards. We all need to put effort in to keep the group strong." Action Gypsum Supply's Juarez agreed. "Participate in committees and let the staff know that you want to be considered for a board or committee position," Juarez said. "Reach out to management, express your views and concerns, and be active!" 2. Capitalize on AD's Strengths According to AD's Moyer, "AD's scale enables greater value to member-owners through numerous programs and services and the most successful AD members are companies that take advantage of all that AD has to offer." Moyer recommends that member-owners establish multiple points of contact with AD throughout their company via such departments as technology/ IT, eCommerce, marketing, finance, human resources and more. "Value gained through contacts and programs in these areas will leverage the core value provided by group purchasing activities and rebates," Moyer said. 3. Maximize Your Commitment Crum Electric Supply's Hockin suggests that each member delegate review their company's understanding of the AD Member Agreement and recognize the commitment their company has to AD. "Check that you have the right folks within your company engaged with AD, because as member-owners, our organization will only be as good as the owners make it," he said. "Our AD staff is very good at executing, but we have to help provide them with a roadmap for the future." 4. Avail Yourself of AD's Resources "Push for innovative ideas and great content in our North American Meetings, Spring Networks, and various Summits, learn the value that AD can bring to your organization, and share best practices within and between divisions," said E.B. Horsman & Son's Horsman. "And remember that we're just at the start of this member-owned journey and are finding our way, together."