Reflecting on a Decades-Long Journey
Last week, from September 12-14, our leaders convened at the beautiful Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis, IN to soak in the rich history of our company and set our sights on the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. Our leadership team gathered for our 3rd Annual Leader Summit. It was a time of reflection, learning, bonding, and charting our course for the future.
A Look Back at 60 Years of Excellence
As we walked through the doors of the Bottleworks Hotel, a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, the rich history of the city intertwined with our own company’s journey. Celebrating 60 years of service in the trucking industry, we couldn’t help but feel proud of how far we’ve come. We’ve weathered storms, embraced innovation, and evolved into the trusted partner we are today.
Setting Our Sights on 2024 and Beyond
This year’s summit was more about looking forward than it was about looking back. Owner & CEO, Tom Wiers kicked off the event with a keynote address diving into our projections and our goals for 2024, eager to tackle new challenges and serve our customers even better. There was a buzz in the room as we envisioned the possibilities and committed to making them a reality.
Commitment to Company Culture
Our company culture is the heartbeat of Wiers and we’re committed to growing it. The summit provided a platform to discuss how we can continue to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and all while providing excellence in fleet service and truck repair to our customers. It’s about ensuring that every member of our team feels valued and empowered. Our lead team is a key part of our growth strategy. Our goal is to bring in individuals who can contribute to our vibrant and dynamic work environment.
Unlocking the Financials
One of the highlights of the summit was a highly informative financials panel discussion led by our CFO, Matt Leinheiser. We delved into the numbers, dissecting financial data to gain deeper insights into the company’s performance as well as gaining a better understanding of how budgets are set for each service center location. It was a reminder that the success of our team is intricately linked with the financial health of our organization.
Upfront Communication: Sandler Presentation by Jim Wilcox
Coach Jim Wilcox delivered an informative Sandler Presentation, sharing valuable insights into effective communication to help our leadership team grow. It was a session that left us not only motivated but armed with practical tools to enhance our leadership skills and communication with our customers.
Crucial Conversations in the Workplace
John Petrusa, our new HR director, led us through a presentation on practicing Crucial Conversations in the workplace. We recognize that open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy work environment. John’s insights and guidance from years in HR will help us navigate challenging conversations with grace and effectiveness.
Strengthening Our Bonds: Team-Building Exercises
It wasn’t all business; we also took time for some fun and team bonding. We engaged in a series of team-building exercises over the course of the three days together designed to strengthen our connections and enhance our team culture. This team doesn’t get to be all together very often so making the best of the time together is key. It was a reminder that, at Wiers, we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a family.
Evenings of Conversation and Camaraderie
Our evenings were spent in smaller group discussions with managers over delicious dinners and special outings put together by Tom and Drew Hettich, president and COO. It was a chance to unwind, share stories, and build relationships beyond the virtual boardroom. These moments of camaraderie are what make our leadership team truly special.
Join Us on Our Journey
As we reflect on our 3rd Annual Leader Summit, we invite you to join us on our journey. If you’re looking for a new career where you can grow, make a difference, and be a part of a vibrant team, we encourage you to explore open positions at Wiers. Visit wiers.com/careers to discover exciting opportunities that could be the next step in your professional journey.
At Wiers, we’re not just fixing trucks; we’re building careers, fostering growth, and shaping a better future together. To all of our leaders, thank you for being a part of our story, and we’re proud to be a part of yours. We look forward to all the adventures that lie ahead. #TRUCKSROLL
