Ten times the same themes were spoken. Ten times these people highlighted the good they had experienced. Ten times, they reflected on the care and personal attention they received. Ten times words of deep gratitude and appreciation were offered for how they were treated.
“10”
It was quite a remarkable day! I fully expected it to be a solid day as we travelled with this Maverick business owner, interviewing 10 clients regarding their experience with him and his team. As it turned out, it was even more than any of us could have hoped for.
Meet our very good friend Justin Deboer, owner of Skyline Contracting.
Chip and I have had the privilege of walking alongside Justin and his team for the past 1½ years. He has pressed in through “thick and thin”. At times, what would have felt like almost insurmountable challenges, he has done what was needed to lead himself, his team and his business well. He has persevered. He has done marvellous work in a number of areas that has made a significant difference in his life and business.
Since that remarkable day, I have pondered the reasons why Justin and his team’s customers responded with such beautiful energy and willingness to offer their time. What was it that had them truly desiring to contribute and recognize this Maverick and his team? If I were to boil it down to one word, it would be….
Justin would declare clearly that many things have not gone well over the last year or so. He would share stories of where he has not shown up well at work and at home. The point is that PROGRESS is being made. He is quite intentional about pursing the slow, deliberate, incremental, sustainable changes needed to bless his team and his customers over the long haul.
Here are 7 reasons why this Maverick’s customers loudly declared “REMARKABLE” as we heard their stories of not only on-time, on-budget service, but the experience of feeling deep genuine, personal care from this owner and his team.
- Personal leadership – He has been doing the hard work of regular alignment with Christ and His Kingdom. He knows that his passion, clarity and focus is core to his team and customers experiencing remarkable service from him. He continues to press in and do the same work as a husband and a father.
- Personal and business vision – He is operating with an ever-increasing clarity on what’s most important for himself and his business. He regularly revisits his vision framework and adjusts it when needed so that clarity of direction continues to grow.
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Team culture and leadership. He is committed to ensuring that his team works well together, delivering “REMARKABLE” value to their customers. He brings appropriate pressure to his leaders, ensuring they are leading in alignment with the company’s vision and values. This is tough work.
- Sales and marketing – He has worked hard to identify his ideal customers. He has pursued clarity in understanding why they choose to buy from him and how to hone that clarity into Skyline’s unique value proposition.
- Business processes – He continues to press in and drive process improvements that create, with more and more frequency, a “REMARKABLE” experience for his team and customers. He is working to ensure his metrics are driving the right outcomes for his team and for his customers.
- Financials – He continues to adjust his financials so that the information provided helps him make more and more solid decisions. He and his team continue to focus on the right mix of products and services that are aligned with his ideal customers’ needs and are providing the appropriate margin contribution.
- Mission – Justin is passionate about God’s call on his life and on the business entrusted to him. He is growing in his capacity to lead and disciple others as God provides opportunity. He sees his business as ministry.
Some may think that this focus on “REMARKABLE” is an “ego trip”. It is not! This is a business leader with a deep commitment to ensuring that his team and customers receive “REMARKABLE” service; doing whatever it takes to be aligned with Christ and His kingdom.
What would your clients say as they experience you and your team? What would your team say? Would it be “REMARKABLE”?
If not, you have an opportunity to step into a whole new world – a world of “REMARKABLE”!
A Maverick Application:
Colossians 3:23 is a beautiful invitation for you to pursue growing for a life time. With that in mind, explore the following questions.
- Are you enjoying a remarkable experience as you lead yourself, your personal world and your business?
- Would your team declare a remarkable experience as you lead them?
- Would your clients declare a remarkable experience from you and your team?
- What is God asking of you as you reflect on the above questions?
- Who can you ask for help, if needed?
