Matchmaker President Jim Skane describes how the worst of economic times have brought out the best in his partnerships.
One of the intangible benefits of challenging times is the strengthening of relationships. While in a state of success and abundance, it is easy to become complacent, seemingly self-sufficient, and perhaps focused on individual achievement.
Matchmaker, like many others, has been impacted by the economic downturn. We have been forced to make difficult choices and to reevaluate how we provide value to our customers and to each other. Beneficially, our partnerships both externally and internally have been fortified.
Externally, though competition is stronger than ever, a sense of collaboration and appreciation has become an underlying tone of our relationships with our colleagues.
Internally, we have never worked more fluidly, interchangeably, and positively. As we lead the business our parents founded 28 years ago, Bob and I face the challenges of this recession as a team. Solving problems together makes us our partnership even stronger than when we were managing our 30% growth! And we bring those principles of loyalty and reliability into our partnerships with our shippers and carriers.
We are grateful for each other, our shipper and carrier customers… and yes even for our competitors, who challenge us to become more efficient and responsive.
