Almost on top of the World sits our Anchorage Operation. While isolated from the “lower 48”, as they like to refer to us, Alaska is an amazing part of the country with amazing people. And if you think it’s too cold to be creative, you guessed wrong!
One thing about innovation is it comes in all shapes and sizes with the common thread that someone sees a problem, issue, or situation and knows they can change it for the better. To some people, this is just the way they think and act. They look at everything with the attitude, “I can make this better than it is right now if I just think about it for a while.” Innovation is just a way of life…
One of the most amazing folks I have ever met is Travis Bylsma, whom works in our Anchorage operation. Travis is this type of person. He can do anything, anytime, for anyone. He is just one of those people whose positive attitude is always turned on and the dial set to “maximum.” For example, on any given day, Travis could answer the phone, input an order, unload a truck, help a customer with an installation project or help someone fix their truck, snow machine or boat. I thought I would give you a live example of just how creative he can be – we captured a short video showing how he quickly manufactured re-usable insulation pads (see video below) in just a few minutes!
I am just about finished reading the book Linchpin for the second time. One of my favorite sections in the book talks about, “where does average come from?” “Average comes from being safe and believing that you should do your job the same way every day. Average also comes from the little voice that tells you not to risk and to follow the same plan.” Travis is not average – far from it. He pushes our business model and our customers to be better every day! Travis is a Linchpin! Read the book and then you will be introduced to Travis. I will give you a hint – being Mediocre vs. being Remarkable!
Who are the Travis’ in YOUR company? Who are the Linchpins? They are out there and deserve to have their story told and shared with others so we can all learn. Tell us who they are in your company and we will share their story on our blog – we would love to share them with everyone so we can all get better and learn from each other…