Pros
Our company focuses on "shared leadership" and follows a strong set of values, in everything we do. Shared Leadership means that everyone has a voice and takes an active role in shaping our decisions and actions. This increases "buy in" at all levels and improves overall execution and ownership! Our Executive Team communicates well and has been very aggressive, often making tough and seemingly "unpopular" decisions, to ensure the longevity and well being of our company. I for one, am glad we have had the courage to make these tough decisions. Our associate base is one of the most dedicated and resilient groups of people, I have had the fortune of working with over the years! They are above all, what makes our company so strong!
Cons
We are a little behind the curve, from an infrastructure and systems standpoint. Steve Odland has been the catalyst that has pulled us from the "stone ages", from a systems standpoint and we are in a much better position today, than years past. Our overall real estate portfolio has been an issue in the past as well. We have made great strides in "right sizing" our store base and continue to do some great things to ensure we leverage sales and profit per square foot, across the chain.