Article Number : 2047 |
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| Date | 6/11/2007 8:11:10 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2047 |
| Abstract | (Editor’s note: In January, Jeanne Matson took the helm as president and CEO of the StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative, replacing Lori Dowling who resigned after nine years in the position. Between January and May 15, Dowling remained on board to help make the transition seamless... |
| Article | (Editor’s note: In January, Jeanne Matson took the helm as president and CEO of the StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative, replacing Lori Dowling who resigned after nine years in the position. Between January and May 15, Dowling remained on board to help make the transition seamless. Matson comes to StarNet with over 25 years of experience at senior-level positions within Proctor & Gamble (P&G), most recently as general manger for its professional business division, which included the professional beauty [salon] division at Clairol. Within the division, she oversaw the marketing, sales and educational activities, as well as having responsibility for launching several consumer brands. In addition, she was charged with managing P&G’s distribution channel of entrepreneurial owners. Shortly after she took part in her first StarNet convention (FCNews, April 23/30), Matthew Spieler, senior executive editor, FCNews, caught up with the busy executive for this exclusive interview.) FCNews: Give me your first impression of the group (members and vendors) and how has it changed, if any, now that you got to see them in action? Matson: I met first with StarNet’s board and, of course, they are a very impressive team. They are committed to StarNet and have a wealth of experience in the commercial flooring industry and with the StarNet organization. As I have met other StarNet members from all over, I continue to be impressed with their commitment, knowledge and genuine warmth in welcoming me to StarNet. They are great people and I am looking forward to working with them. Like the members, our vendors are very committed to their business, and they are smart, deeply involved businessmen and women. I think that, for the most part, they are enjoying the partnership with StarNet and the opportunity to grow their business with our members. As I am beginning to know them as individuals, I’m looking forward to better understanding their unique goals and strategies and how StarNet can make significant contributions to them. FCNews: What strengths do you bring to StarNet? Matson: My career has been focused on marketing, brand-building and overall corporate general management. I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and to work in different geographies and categories. I believe the most important strengths I bring are strategic planning, good communication skills, leadership and the ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally. FCNews: What are your top three priorities for your first year? Matson: First, I am focusing on learning the commercial flooring business both from the perspective of the StarNet members and of our different vendor partners. Second, I need to develop a strong working relationship with the key StarNet people—both staff and members—and member programs that have been critical to the organization’s success. Third, I want to identify those areas I can focus on to continue the growth and success of StarNet. I am eager to engage our small but very talented staff in working together on these future efforts. FCNews: What about long-term goals/priorities, and how do they differ than your first-year goals? Matson: Of course, I expect the first year will be committed to learning the industry and to identifying a plan that will impact the future years. Throughout this first year and beyond, the central goal is the same: to continue the growth and success of StarNet. FCNews: What’s the one thing about the members that has impressed you the most? Matson: I’m impressed with the various backgrounds represented in the StarNet members. Some grew up into a family business while others either chose this industry from another career or created the current business from the beginning. This diversity in their backgrounds gives us a strong and diverse membership. FCNews: What would you cite as StarNet’s greatest asset? Matson: I believe it is the shared commitment on the part of the members to the StarNet philosophy and organization. They place a high priority on their membership in this cooperative, and they are willing to make decisions that support the greater good of the organization. While they are independent business people, the members have found a way to work together in a cohesive manner in order to achieve a shared goal. FCNews: What’s the one question or concern brought to you by members? Matson: The biggest question is to better understand my background and how my extensive corporate experience will apply to the commercial flooring industry. Actually, I believe there are many similarities between my old life and StarNet. For example, during my final eight years at Clairol/P&G, I managed the professional beauty (salon) division at Clairol, and there are many similarities with my StarNet role. I worked with independent business owners and managers, and we developed training and education programs to strengthen their in-market capability. FCNews: What’s the one question or concern brought to you by vendors? Matson: Our vendors continue to focus on growing their business through the StarNet members. Increasingly, I believe our vendors recognize the advantage of working with the best contractors in the marketplace. My arrival hasn’t changed that goal, but I’m looking forward to strengthening these vendor partnerships to meet all our needs. FCNews: StarNet is already involved in many initiatives—both within the organization and on an industry-wide basis. Are there any other issues or concerns out there in which you feel the group can make a positive difference? Matson: With the growth and strength of StarNet, there are many existing programs that greatly benefit the industry. For example, under the leadership of Deb Esbenshade, our director of member services, we have expanded our training programs to include sales and financial management, technical education such as installation and moisture mitigation, and practical instruction on computer skills and time management. Our director of special projects, Fred Williamson, is very committed to supporting each member in reclamation and advancing best practices for all aspects of their business. These programs, and many others, are in place to build the businesses of our members and to strengthen the industry overall. I think further development of these programs will be part of our future plans. In addition, we are developing member programs such as succession planning, building stronger vendor relationships and product portfolios, and training members on more effective business tools. FCNews: In talking with members, the one thing that kept coming up was your experience and knowledge in the branding department and their desire to take StarNet to a higher level of awareness. Is this something that has been expressed to you? And, how do you feel you can make this a reality? Matson: StarNet has become a significant organization in commercial flooring, thanks to the leadership both of my predecessor, Lori Dowling, and the current and past board of directors. We represent the most effective and successful flooring contractors in the U.S. and Canada. My goal is to build the “brand awareness” of StarNet among all facets of the commercial flooring world—architects and interior designers, facility managers, general contractors and, importantly, the flooring manufacturing community. We have a great story to tell, so the goal is to deliver a consistent message about StarNet and to reinforce that message at all touch-points. This is the type of work I have done my entire career, and it will be fun to apply these principles to a new industry. FCNews: It’s been well documented that in terms of its 15-year history, StarNet is currently in the best shape in its history, in terms of membership and finances. That said, is there any area within the organization where you feel improvements can be made or an area that has yet to be tapped? Matson: StarNet is in a strong position with a committed membership and real success of the past several years. Financially and organizationally, we are very solid. However, as you know, StarNet can’t be complacent or “resting on its laurels” as we look to the future. Our current programs will be strengthened as more members become involved and we gain a greater understanding of their needs. Plus, we have several new avenues to pursue. It’s all about continuing to value-add to the present activities and building on that foundation with new ideas and programs. FCNews: Finally, give us your thoughts on Lori in terms of how she’s left StarNet, how she has helped/assisted you in getting acclimated, etc.? Matson: Lori Dowling has done an amazing job in bringing StarNet from an organization in transition to a strong and vital force in commercial flooring. She is a tremendous leader and motivator, and I have learned a great deal from her. A year ago, she made the decision to step down and she played a key role in recruiting her replacement. I have been so impressed with her generosity and openness during our transition. She has been a coach and mentor and continues to serve as a resource to me as I’ve stepped into the leadership role. We have overlapped for several months, giving me the time and space to learn. I wish her the very best in her future endeavors. |