Robin Todd, President/CEO of Marks Supply Inc., was the special-guest speaker at CFFB’s October breakfast.
Robin shared her family-business story and she shared her ‘boss’ experiences. That title “
Confessions of a Bad Boss” send many messages. Here are some of the thoughts that went through our minds as we listened to and talked with Robin:
- No Boss is perfect…all Bosses make mistakes
- Owning up to those mistakes…that involves self-awareness, courage, and a desire to improve
- All Bosses can learn…it starts with self-monitoring
- Bosses can learn from their mistakes
Robin has a habit of testing herself with tough questions…here are a few samples:
- What if you impede the success of your company?
- Great people have options: how do I find them? Entice them? Keep them?
- What did you do wrong to allow this person to leave?
Robin’s key message was:
How much better would your company be if you were a better boss?
About Marks Supply Inc. – a local Family Business Success Story.
Marks Supply is a wholesaler of top-quality Plumbing, P.V.F., Hydronics and HVAC products.
Recognizing their products, to some degree, are viewed as a commodity, Marks Supply strives to out-service its competition.
Robin joined the family business when she finished schooling. That required an adjustment on the part of her Dad. He wanted to separate family and business. None of Robin’s 3 older sisters worked at the family business. Robin was the first and only to join her father. They agreed to a one-year period. After the year, when her Dad agreed to keep her full time he provided this piece of advice:
“Show up earlier, stay later, work harder, and be happier than everyone else. Don’t embarrass me.”
What clarity and candour of advice. What valuable Father-to-Daughter advice. Particularly the part about being happier, what a way to lead by example: working hard and being happy while you do it!
Working for her father, Robin moved through a number of jobs…as her career unfolded and her responsibilities grew.
In 1995, when her father decided it was time to sell, he sold the business to Robin. That was a surprise to Robin and others in her family and her business.
At this ‘transition’, Robin’s Dad provided another excellent piece of advice:
“Don’t be trapped…make sure you have money…there will be surprises that require money.”
Robin followed her father’s advice. She repaid her ‘buy-out’ debts in 5 years.
During the last 16 years, Robin has led Marks Supply to impressive growth - from $8Million to $71MM.
Robin was very candid. She plans for continued growth.
Why?...
”Because you grow or die!”
It was very clear to all of us…Robin isn’t a Bad Boss…Robin balances the numbers side of business [impressive growth of revenue] with the personal side of business [the Human side]. She thinks a lot about the people who choose to follow her at Marks Supply. She has learned from the people-mistakes she has made. She takes full responsibility for her errors…and her self-development.
Robin closed with:
“If you care about your people, you should let them know”
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Congratulations on your personal and business achievements, Robin!
THANK YOU for sharing your Family Business Success Story with our CFFB.