Since our 10 year anniversary in 2015, we have been recognizing people who have contributed to our success with our LMA Advocate award. In the last few years, we have been thinking about starting a corporate award of excellence.  We wanted to make sure it was special and positioned with our most successful and proactive clients in mind. When COVID hit, it inspired the synthesis of these thoughts into our inaugural LMA Futurist award.

The LMA Futurist is to recognize the organization and leaders who go above and beyond “excellence”. Although excellence is certainly desirable, it is no longer enough. We must achieve excellence, resilience and see into the future in order to be proactive and strategic instead of reactive and playing catch up in the marketplace.  The LMA Futurist embodies these qualities, recognizing organizational leaders who think beyond current circumstances, prepare their organization for changing conditions and, of course, strive for efficiency and effectiveness in running the business. For our inaugural LMA Futurist award, I’m excited to recognize Corona Clipper and president, Steve Erickson.

Steve Erickson and the Corona Clipper team epitomize the LMA Futurist. It goes without saying that there is a constant persistence to strive for excellence – grow sales, increase profitability, accelerate cash flow, create customer engagement, lower costs and much more. And, they do not stop there. For example, early in the e-commerce world, Steve and the team were exploring options to expand their business and grow in this area. They took tangible, parallel tangible steps forward with research and explored options to grow Corona.com, as well as their business with Amazon, Home Depot and others. When COVID-19 hit, they were prepared to pivot with e-commerce.

In addition, they constantly reevaluate supply options in Asia, Mexico and other countries. So when the tariffs hit, they were already in transition in moving some volume to Vietnam. Thinking strategically never stops. How to successfully achieve customer responsiveness in product innovation and customer service while managing costs remains top of mind. I’m thrilled to recognize Corona Clipper and Steve Erickson with the LMA Futurist.

One Tip to Implement This Week:
Follow the lead of Corona Clipper. Here are a few insights into their success:

1. Think multiple chess moves ahead of the competition: Easier said than done.  Yet, with education, examples, trials, practice and persistence, it is achievable.
2. Innovate, innovate, innovate: The most successful organizations and leaders post-COVID will be those that innovate.
3. Collaborate with the best: Surround yourself with experts and expertise.
4. Remember that people are your #1 asset: We follow and prefer to do business with people, not companies. Your employees, customers, suppliers, trusted advisors….
5. Stay current: Don’t follow fads.  Understand trends, capabilities, options and opportunities.

Consider these strategies if you are interested in achieving profitable growth and making an impact. Read more about these types of ideas to navigate and successfully emerge post COVID-19 in my free eBook Future-Proofing Manufacturing & Supply Chain Post COVID-19. Please send your feedback and stories. I will incorporate them into an upcoming article, video or interview.

Stay safe & healthy.