The link between "fact-based management," and statistics is found,
IMHO, in the Baldrige Assessment methods. Joe Balthazor says he did
it and continues to do it.
Jay
American Society for Quality Dinner Meeting
O. Joe Balthazor, President, Hallmark Building Supplies,
Inc.
How the Wisconsin Forward Award Helped Hallmark Building Supplies,
Inc.
Kenosha, WI USA
Casa Capri, 2129 Birch Road
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Social hour, 5:30 pm, Dinner ($20) at 6:30, Presentation (no charge)
at 7:30 pm
In 1996 Hallmark Building Supplies faced a major decision. They were
losing money on some of their product lines, running two different
systems, and two different business models. Joe Balthazor, founder
and CEO, chose to lead everyone in the company through a deep self
evaluation. The outcome resulted in the divestiture of a major
product line and a few smaller ones and narrowed the focus to one
system and one business model. When Joe added the global view of the
Wisconsin Forward Award (Baldrige) assessment procedure, the whole
company found a winning pattern and financial results were greatly
improved.
Why should a company do a self-assessment of their operations through
a Wisconsin Forward Award procedure? Because customers get better
service, employees are energized, and the owners benefit. Everyone in
the firm aligns themselves with the corporate objectives. The
objectives address the needs of all the stakeholders ? customers,
employees, suppliers and stockholders. Customers are impressed and
loyal. Employees are ecstatic. Suppliers appreciate the
communication. Everyone likes the thriving business!
The development of an effective corporate system brought about through
the "learning tool" of the Wisconsin Forward Award has made all the
difference to help Hallmark thrive in the present environment and
adapt to the next one.
Joe Balthazor is President and CEO of Hallmark Building Supplies, the
company he founded in 1974. The firm was recognized by the Wisconsin
Forward Award in 2001.
--
Jay Warner
Principal Scientist
Warner Consulting, Inc.
4444 North Green Bay Road
Racine, WI 53404-1216
USA
Ph: (262) 634-9100
FAX: (262) 681-1133
email:
quality@a2q.com
web:
http://www.a2q.com
The A2Q Method (tm) -- What do you want to improve today?