Who are the “Associates”?

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I’m often asked, “who are the ‘Associates’ at Van Tholen & Associates?”  Let me introduce you to our leading “Associate”.

Ed Dryfhout and I were co-owners in a waste collection company for 17 years.  It was a great partnership, where Ed managed our fleet, and I managed sales and administration, and together with a remarkable staff, we shared responsibility in leadership and managing the day-to-day operations.

In Ed’s role as Fleet Manager, he spec’d our trucks and containers, managed maintenance and repair of our fleet, rebuilt collection vehicles, initiated our tire management program and undertook initiatives in the areas of safety, productivity and leadership that contributed to our company’s growth and health.

Now, he serves our clients with the knowledge and experience based on over 30 years in the waste industry.  From designing maintenance programs to making recommendations on products, services and procedures, Ed can help keep your fleet running reliably and effectively.

If you are faced with tough decisions regarding buying, selling or operating your equipment, Ed is here ready and willing to help, bringing you value by helping to manage your fleet better.  Reach out to us at Van Tholen & Associates to speak to Ed if you need to discuss improvements to your fleet management!  Call today at 616-813-1657 or fill out the contact form at vantholenassociates.com.

 

To Keep Your Best Employees, Ask Them These Questions

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From the Harvard Business Review:

 

If you’re serious about retaining the people on your team (as you should be), consider conducting “stay” interviews. These are discussions where you ask loyal employees key questions to understand how engaged they are. The information you gather can help you tackle common retention issues. Here are four questions to try:

  • What’s your frame of mind today? No matter what the response is — positive or negative — don’t negate their experience or move too quickly to solving a problem. Just listen, thank them for being honest, and ask for more information before moving toward a solution.
  • Who do you feel connected to at work? Based on their response, explore what you can do to help them deepen those connections. Perhaps people from different departments can work on a company-wide event, a cross-division initiative, or take part in virtual discussion groups.
  • What do you want to learn that will excite you and help you grow? This question signals that you care about their development and want to help them achieve their aspirations.
  • What barriers can I remove for you to help you do your job better? Then brainstorm with your colleague how you can be most helpful. Ensuring people can do their jobs well is just as important as praise and rewards.
This tip is adapted from “What Stops People on Your Team from Leaving?,” by Sabina Nawaz