Sauder Carries on Tradition
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, May 4, 2011
During the recent High Point Market, I had the pleasure of introducing Kevin Sauder, president and CEO of Sauder Woodworking, prior to his receiving a Pillar of the Industry award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.
As I began to think about what I would say, a number of clichés came to mind. Some were fitting, others weren't.
One that worked was about how the apple never falls far from the tree. Kevin, the third generation at the helm, had taken the reins from two wonderful mentors - Erie, his grandfather, and Maynard, his father, who built the company on integrity, honesty, value and innovation.
The cliché that didn't resonate was the one that suggests that the first generation starts the business, the second makes it successful and the third generation trashes it.
Not in this case. Since taking over as president in 1999, Kevin has moved the company forward through acquisitions, private-label initiatives, expansion into new categories and more.
The fact that the company ranks as the fifth largest furniture source on Furniture/Today's Top 25 list bears that out.
However, the most important thing I realized in preparing my comments was that by the way Kevin conducted himself and his company, he unwittingly mentored me along the way. Here's just some of what he taught me over the years:
Never lower your standards. Instead, raise the quality of your products, your people and your processes
Create teams, empower them and listen to them.
Don't be afraid to make a decision - or a mistake.
Be honest, be fair and when you have to, be firm.
Always have a plan and work it relentlessly.
Never lose your sense of humor.
Remain humble.
Understand what you can and can't do.
Keep the faith in God, your team, your company and yourself.
The final thing I learned from Kevin is that by the way we conduct ourselves and our businesses, we all mentor. When he stepped up to the podium to receive his award, the first thing he did was to acknowledge his grandfather and father for their vision, hard work and ethics.
As I said, the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree.
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