What Alex Bäcker and QLess are doing to bring an end to one of humanity’s most frustrating problems
Alex Backer had reached his limit with waiting in line and his impatience was about to spawn a revolutionary business concept that has the potential to change the world. The only question is, why did it take him so long to make a go at building a business around this universal human problem?
A unique case study that doesn’t have to stay that way
What happens when a manufacturer has no vice presidents, no managers, no supervisors, no foremen, no manager approvals, no strict attendance policy and no performance reviews? This isn’t a trick question — for Abrasive Technology Inc. the answer has been success. Now, founder and president Loyal “Butch” Peterman Jr. wants to share what he’s […]
Why there is great value in taking the time to help another person
What would happen if you leveraged your position and influence and did more — not just for your business but for the social cause that your company cares about? What if you created a company culture that offered employees the opportunity to receive immeasurable return on their investment?It was nine years ago that Tony Anderson, […]
How to decide which funding method is best for your business
Business owners face unique challenges and opportunities as they progress through the evolution of their business — and part of that process includes obtaining funding for expansion and growth.
Wexner Heritage Village navigates a tricky health care environment
The leadership at Wexner Heritage Village continually discusses how to evolve and grow in a changing health care environment — a transformation that sped up after the recent passage of the Affordable Care Act and its surrounding regulatory changes.
How keeping an eye on the business page each day can pay big dividends
It is easy to become distracted when managing a large group of employees. But leaders who fail to keep an eye on what’s ahead in the midst of the daily decisions put themselves at substantial risk. The staffing industry, which I have called home for more than 20 years, is a cyclical business. It can […]
Why people are the key to all of our technological advances
Chad Albrecht loves technology, but he understands that it takes the creativity and innovation of the human spirit for technology to continue to broaden its reach. In this month’s Uniquely Chicago feature, we take a look at Techweek Chicago, which was held in June. The annual gathering to celebrate all things technology was an opportunity […]
Why what you disclose may reveal more than you think
The confidential requirements of many business decisions can create a feeling of isolation for leaders. By nature of their roles, they may already feel constrained in sharing their real feelings with subordinates. Yet, leaders are expected to exhibit high emotional intelligence, as author Daniel Goleman has emphasized. There is also an expectation of high engagement […]
Joe Sheetz steps in to lead Sheetz, where the line between family and employees blurs
Since he took over as president and CEO last year from his cousin, Joe Sheetz is doing his best to follow in the footsteps of the company’s three former CEOs who are all still part of the family ownership group.
To make the best use of good tools, have good people
Developing a robust technology platform can deliver a huge range of benefits in the workplace. Computers, phones, servers and even tablets can and have increased office efficiencies in many business functions. Technology doesn’t replace good people. You must first have great people and then provide them with good tools. And with those tools, employees will […]