What makes a winner... win?

Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, January 21, 2013

Ray AllegrezzaIn any industry, it's easy to identify who the winners are.
     However, what's not always so simple is trying to figure out why they win.
     Over the years, I've noticed a strong correlation between athletes and businesspeople, at least where winning is concerned. Each has passion, dedication, drive, discipline and intelligence.
     In our sector, when I think of a winning retail team, one of the first names that comes to mind is Florida-based El Dorado Furniture.
     Like outstanding athletes, the executive team at El Dorado always brings its A-game.
     Every year, they not only attend our annual Leadership Conference, they always sit in the front row taking copious notes during each presentation.
     But according to El Dorado's chief operating officer, Pedro Capo, they've already met well in advance of the conference to scrutinize the agenda and plan their strategy for covering the event.
     Then, at the end of each day, they huddle as a group to discuss that day's sessions and the key points from each El Dorado Furniture’s Pedro Capo speaks at the Furniture/ Today Leadership Conferencesession. And when they get home, they share what they learned with as many of their employees as possible.
     As Pedro told me, "We got all of our leaders together to share everything that was discussed at the conference. I thought you might like to know how your conference doesn't just influence the attendees, but every leader at El Dorado."
     And my reply to Pedro and everyone at El Dorado has to be, "And I wanted you to know that your passion and discipline for the business doesn't just influence El Dorado. It helps raise the bar for all of us."