Footwear Insight

L to R: Joel Habre, Shoe Mill; Justin Kehrwald, Tradehome; Josh Habre, Shoe Mill; Kim McKeown, Tradehome. to think about how their words and actions can impact others. We learned the foundation of effective commu- nication is trust. When it comes to managing, or better yet, coaching people, it's about influencing the process and procedure. Looking at it from the employee's point-of-view, do you understand what I care about and are your intentions to help me be successful here? Do I believe you have the knowledge and experience to help me improve my skills and remove the barriers preventing my success? Will following your coaching advice bring quantifiable value to me and the business? When coaching, listen with the intent to understand and not to respond. Trust is not a thought. You feel it and you know when it's not there. For those who enjoyed chemistry class, Bloomfield also shared his "Periodic Table of Trust." Elements for Respect and Professional Credibility: Knowledge, Skill, Capability, Insight. Elements for Likeable, Personal Connection: Vulnerability, Honesty, Authenticity, Humility. Retail staffing challenges are also on everyone's mind. Justin Kehrwald, CEO of Tradehome, Kim McKeown, Director of Merchandise, Tradehome, Josh Habre, President of Shoe Mill, and Joel Habre, VP Finance of Shoe Mill, presented their thoughts on managing your most strategic asset, people. Josh Habre: Hire based on your core values, and then review their performance based on that. What happens in your store when you are not there is more important than when you are there. Remember, transparency builds trust. Give them the plan—the entire plan—and don't let them fill in the gaps.. Joel Habre: Control the opportunities for your business' growth and manage your own expecta- tions. Quickly identify what's working and what's not. When we have openings within our company, while we post internally, we don't always get the applications. When we find an employee who would be a great fit for that open position, we invite them out to lunch and end the conversation with "we have this opportunity." Justin Kehrwald: Hire part-time and promote to full time based on tangible proof. People have different goals for themselves than you may have for them. How do their goals fit into your business? When it comes to recognition, catch people doing things right. You will always be one hire away from a perfect work-life balance. Ask yourself, does this person make my life easier? It's that simple. Kim McKeown: Working with good people is fun. Talk as a person. When you see that lightbulb go off, you know they are listening, and it's so effective. My key takeaway from this Summit? It's about people, trust and recognition. It is what we too be- lieve in at Footwear Insight. As I sat at the Summit I reveled in the fact that our team at Formula4Media has worked with independent retailers and brands since the inception of Footwear Insight 18 years ago, through good and challenging times. It was those challenging times that first prompted our now annual feature "Brands Supporting Independent Retailers" when the pandemic hit in 2020. We continue to rec- ognize the brands and to address new and different challenges. e brand's support for the independent retail channel remains unwavering. Repeating what Mahoney said, brands are built at independent retailers (see page 26). And with Footwear Insight's Gold Medal Customer Service Awards program, which will be featured in our November/December issue, we will again take the time to recognize the best sit and fit retailers in the country through our annual secret shop. One customer. One transaction. One great in person experience. People at their best. Taking a page from Beck's, it is my hope that we continue to exceed your expectations. Jeff Nott, Publisher footwearinsight.com September/October 2023 ~ Footwear Insight • 5 Beck's Shoes Mission Statement: Exceeding The Expectations Of Everyone We Encounter. Core Values: Growth, Recognition, Integrity. Leadership. Teamwork. Control Your Controllables. "Live Your passion. Set Your goals. Focus on Your priorities. Control Your controllables." —Julia Beck-Gomez, COO "To create happiness, drive results and minimize anxiety, you must slow down, gain focus and find Your true north. To do this you must control your controllables." —Adam Beck, CEO "Spending time focusing on energy on things outside of our control is simply a waste of time." —Brian Baumert, VP, Industrial "As we are met with daily obstacles and hurdles in life, controlling your controllables by creating a ripple of positive long-lasting impressions that are felt beyond any one interaction." —Markus Lopez, VP, Sales "In a world filled with chaos and anxiety, controlling your controllables clears the vision for the ability to see the path to success and ultimately, happiness." —Amanda Contreras, Director Business Operations

• Cover