I joined my husband this weekend at the Cub Cadet Dealer Meeting in Memphis. The first evening, we attended an opening session where Cub Cadet’s management team shared a state-of-the-company address and unveiled a litany of new products and engineering marvels. Not quite the small engine aficionado that my husband is, I went in expecting to be a little bored. I was wrong.
What first impressed me was how the session opened. In front of over 400 dealers from across the country, a gentleman stepped up to the podium and opened the session in prayer. In a world of political and moral correctness where many tend to tiptoe around taking a stand on what they believe in, it was apparent to me that this company was going to be refreshingly different. What followed was a 90-minute presentation that revealed what an intense passion to succeed, a desire to innovate, and a little bit of moxie can accomplish.
Awards were handed out to top dealers across the country. These small dealers sold over 500 machines in 2009. As they took the stage for their awards, they came forward, not in Superman capes, but in jeans and tennis shoes carrying wiggly grandchildren. They are ordinary people with an extraordinary commitment to succeed despite all obstacles. They were assertive, innovative, committed to results.
We heard how MTD Products, owners of Cub Cadet, spent the last year working hard. They listened to their clients and they responded. They’ve made product acquisitions, developed new technologies in their existing lines, and put the finishing touches on brand new product launches. I couldn’t help but compare that to so many other companies who, instead, spent their 2009 complaining, licking their wounds, crying on shoulders, and putting their companies into a holding pattern so they could “wait and see what happens.” MTD Products saw the flames, and walked right into the fire.
And in a recession…they gained market share.
At breakfast this morning, the COO was sitting with us at our table. Someone asked her about an initiative by MTD Products to protect the environment. This change will be challenging to implement. She smiled and said confidently, “You know, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Amen.
Tags: Business, Cub Cadet, MTD Products, SuccessCategories: Business, Business Development, Success.
From your description, it sounds as if Cub Cadet has implented a plan of action that is full of learned lessons from past economic downturns. It seems as if they have done almost everything many experts have been suggesting would help a company grow during a recession. I suspect Cub Cadet will be the focus of many case studies in business history books years from now. Excellent job shining the light on a company that deserves the rewards it has earned!
I love hearing about other companies that are willing to be an example by standing for what they believe. I am part of a group that begins every seminar with a prayer and the pledge and it still gives me chills after 3 1/2 years. I applaud not only MTD for their example but a journalist that highlights them. Thanks.