WINTER 2025

94THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

94THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINKROBERT FOOTLIK THE “5-STAR” WAREHOUSE – THE PEOPLE - SEASON 1, EPISODE 2 from page 14This day was Sam’s 60th birthday. His birthday presentto her was ‘Congratulations, today you are taking over. Ifyou need me, I’ll be on the boat. Just leave me a desk toopen the mail when I come in and if you need anything, youknow the number to call.’”“That was the same day she engaged the servicesof a landscape architect and designer to renovate andenhance the property. She had a vision and it all startedwith the exterior. You saw the results first hand whenyou arrived, but you probably did not know what you werelooking at.”“Her vision and our mission all started with workingfrom the exterior to the interior with paving, landscaping,signage, covered parking spaces and an orderly stripedparking lot with assigned numbers for employee parking.While making this improvement, every element wasdesigned to make the property a more exciting destination.In theory, there is no return on this investment, but thereality is that with the parking lot organized we all know ata glance who is on time, who arrives early and who mighthave a situation where a team member can facilitate theirco-worker/friend’s lives. This can be priceless.”“All this is nice, but her real first step was to walkthe parking lot, look into their cars and trucks and seewho has a clean, neat, organized vehicle. Those who careabout their personal space were more likely to understandthe necessity for maintaining the warehouse, office andworkspaces. If there is a correlation between workplaceorganization and their vehicle, these individuals, regardlessof their job titles became the spark plugs of her new vision.Once identified they were more easily motivated, generallymore open to change and more creative so they couldenhance, implement and embrace a lofty goal.”“At the time, we had a good, loyal team, but there werealso a few “narcissists” who were shallow, self-centeredand had a perhaps delusional sense of superiority. Therewere also a couple of “sociopaths,” who were hustlers,scammers, cheaters, regarding themselves as flawlessdemigods. Fortunately, there were no “psychopaths” whoare domineering but emotionally dead and devoid ofempathy.”“She believed that deep in the heart of the worstindividual is a spark of goodness. Find it and use it againstthem…or encourage them to leave before their attitudepoisons the environment. This is not Hollywood. Drama,melodrama and emotional outbursts had no place increating the 5-Star team. The problematic personalitiesrequired individual attention to help them overcome theirinternal demons, and she invested time and effort toelevate these people, the company and team. Only ahandful left willingly or unwillingly.”“All this provided the raw canvas for what we havetoday. It took 6 weeks for the construction and thelandscaping was planted over a weekend. You can imagethe surprise on Monday morning.”Beginning The Indoctrination“Only a couple of us knew about the ‘transformationweekend” and on Monday when the staff arrived they wereastonished and delighted. That was when she announcedthat what had been accomplished outdoors was comingindoors. The enthusiasm cut through any resistance tochange. Everyone wanted to start NOW! But they were notquite ready for the morale and environmental changes, sowe started with the indoctrination phase.”“It was very clear that some of the employee cars wereugly and unkempt. They degraded the new parking area.When spaces were assigned by a random lottery therewas some good natured razing about the ‘messy-mobiles’between two clean cars. This was the impetus for our firstteam-building project: washing, vacuuming and detailing thecars of the worst offenders. It turned into an ongoing familyevent and once a month volunteers bring their family andoccasionally friends to a pot-luck lunch and car wash.”“If you are wondering about that sunshade over theguest parking spaces; that is our automobile detailingcenter, rain or shine.” Those who volunteer get a car washticket for a future event. What better way is there to learnabout a team effort, have some family fun and go homewith a spotless car?”“Since then we have built on that event and the familywellness clinic to establish a schedule of educationalprograms that are both work and family related. Forexample, every manufacturer’s rep who calls on us isexpected to join the staff for dinner and provide a shortpresentation on his or her products.CONTINUED ON PAGE 128

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 95AFC Industries a leading provider ofcustomized inventory management andtooling solutions, is pleased to announce theacquisition of CH Peters, a well-respected namein the tooling industry, known for its high-qualityproducts and exceptional customer service.The addition of CH Peters enhances AFC’sreach and capabilities within the tooling sector,allowing AFC to provide more comprehensiveservices and solutions to its growing customerbase.CH Peters has built a reputation for deliveringprecision tooling and custom solutions acrossvarious industries. This acquisition is part ofAFC’s strategic initiative to expand its toolingexpertise and deliver even greater value toclients through enhanced product offerings andtechnical support.“We’re excited to welcome CH Peters intothe AFC family,” said Tom Hagarty, President ofAFC’s Tooling Group. “Their dedication to qualityand deep industry knowledge aligns perfectlywith our commitment to providing the besttooling solutions and services to our customers.This acquisition allows us to broaden ourcapabilities and strengthen our position as atrusted partner for industrial and manufacturingcompanies nationwide.”AFC CEO Kevin Godin shared his enthusiasmfor the acquisition, noting the benefits tocustomers and stakeholders alike. “Bringing CHPeters into the fold means we can offer an evenmore robust suite of solutions, supported by anincredible team with a shared commitment toexcellence,” said Godin.“This move reflects AFC’s dedication tocontinuous growth and innovation in the toolingindustry, ensuring our customers have access to thehighest quality products and services they need tosucceed.”The integration of CH Peters into AFC Industries isalready underway, with both companies committedto a seamless transition that upholds the highstandards customers expect. Together, AFC and CHPeters will leverage their combined expertise to offerindustry-leading solutions that enhance productivityand drive value for clients across the United States.AFC Industries is a trusted provider of customizedinventory management and supply chain solutions,specializing in delivering value-added services forcustomers in the tooling, fastener, and industrialcomponents sectors. With decades of experienceand a commitment to innovation, AFC supportsclients in optimizing their supply chains, reducingcosts, and achieving operational excellence.For more information about AFC Industries visitthem online at www.afcind.com.