We The Distributors

Written By: Robin Currie

What does it mean to “govern”? Governance is an interesting word, used in finance and in corporate management theory. We are “ruled”? by a form of government. Here at home, Sir William Phips, the Royal Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, is credited with ending the infamous Salem Witch Trials (amongst questionable circumstances, but I digress). The point of this message is twofold. First, it is meant to address a long-standing issue of the language associated with “revenue producers” and “overhead people”. The people in the latter category have often felt a resentment that they are possibly considered less important than those in the former category. And, secondly, it’s time to talk plainly about the governance of our dealerships and the critical team members who shoulder that part of our industrial equipment world.

The Constitution of the United States was created to support a population. The goal was to achieve a peaceful nation where citizens could live in freedom, safety, and autonomy. As we desire those same ideals for our employees, our Human Resources team is charged with ensuring the same. And, when you consider the economy of the distribution company as not unlike national and global economies, you can see that this is an important, and noble, endeavor. Regarding the mechanisms of the dealership as a micro-economy, brings full circle the statement that Human Resources, and other G & A associates, truly do serve the dealership and its people. I’ve called them foundational people. After all, the original authors and signers of The Constitution are often referred to as “Founding Fathers”. Thus, referring to our Human Resources team as “foundational” makes sense. These hidden heroes truly keep the hearth burning behind those on the front lines.

This graphic for you (another Currie Freebie) is an attempt to make sense of the connection between Human Resources and an economy. Some of our leading economic indicators include unemployment, GDP, inflation, and consumer confidence. I’ve taken some artistic license as I look at these indicators within each distribution company.

It’s as if the HR team members have each taken a solemn oath to serve and protect. Oh wait—they have! Talented Human Resources leaders protect and nurture our company and our people, much like a doting governess 😉. Compliance is and always has been their focus as they take a defensive approach to existing as a corporation in a complex national economy. Our success truly is in their hands. But in keeping with the spirit of independence and abundance, we take a pro-active stance to reach a future filled with hope. From a New England perspective, the multi-faceted nature of a government is meant to support a brilliant future. So, then, is the nature of our G & A geniuses, and the task of getting us where we dream of going.