“DA was skillful, but gentle in helping us see operational shortcomings.”
We recently partnered alongside the folks at American Tinning and Galvanizing in Erie, PA to walk them through a multi-generational family ownership transition.
Hear from Robin Scheppner, third-generation family member and President of American Tinning and Galvanizing, talk about her experience working with Decision Associates’ succession planning team of advisors.
Explain who you are, the position you hold, and the company you’re with.
My name is Robin Scheppner and I am a third-generation, fifth family member to be President/CEO of American Tinning & Galvanizing Co. I am also a majority stockholder in the organization.
Explain the initial challenge your organization was facing when you first decided to work with Decision Associates.
We initially sought out Decision Associates to help find and/or elevate our current staff to succeed our owner in leading the company and to also prepare for my retirement.
What made you choose Decision Associates as your succession partner? How did Decision Associates’ process align with and meet your organization’s needs?
Decision Associates was actually referred to me by a good friend and local business owner. Right from the beginning, DA demonstrated an accurate grasp of our strengths and weaknesses and was able to help us focus on the actions we needed for change and structural growth.
Describe the value that Decision Associates brought in terms of accountability and facilitation.
Both Terry and Aaron are excellent listeners and really paid attention to our individual concerns and fears. They were very skillful (but gentle) in helping us see the shortcomings of how we were operating and putting us on a better path.
Many organizations try succession planning on their own. How did Decision Associates aid in the succession planning process at your company that you feel you couldn’t have achieved on your own.
Well, that’s just it: we were trying it on our own. I was beginning to step back from my leadership role but nothing below me was really changing or evolving. It took DA’s objective encouragement and coaching to foster the change in attitudes we needed to proceed.
What are the first words that come to mind when you think of Decision Associates?
Competent, knowledgeable and experienced.
One of Decision Associates’ core values is commitment to building long-standing relationships with our clients. Describe your current relationship with Decision Associates.
“Long standing”! They check in on us periodically and show a sincere interest in our progress. I could call them anytime for a refresher.
What would you say to the leader of an organization who is considering Decision Associates as their succession planning partner?
Go for it! Their help is worth every penny!