Challenges-2 Resilience & Growth
2024 was a transformative year for our company, marked by overcoming significant challenges and achieving remarkable growth. We re-evaluated our operations and focused on our mission, resulting in streamlined processes and a more cohesive team. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be our best year yet, driven by strategic planning and a clear vision for the future.
A YEAR OF CHALLENGES |Part one|
To begin, I must be candid: 2024 has been an exceptionally challenging year. I have witnessed the devastation of family businesses and the obliteration of people's livelihoods. Meanwhile, manufacturing continues to be neglected by the economists managing our economy. Despite claims of a "strong" economy, I contend that we are, in fact, in a recession and have been for at least the last nine to twelve months. As a company, we engage with approximately 250 businesses across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, in addition to a significant portion of our business coming from the national market. One of my favorite things to do is listen to our customers—understanding their current endeavors, future directions, and upcoming projects. It fills me with immense pride to know that we empower companies, both small and large, to achieve what they could not accomplish independently. Throughout 2024, a common narrative has emerged from our customers: "Things are slow, and interest rates have halted or canceled our plans for 2024. The future of federal policy remains uncertain." This sentiment has been echoed across all industries, indicating a widespread slowdown and a less optimistic view of their markets.
It is not about the money
Rewind a few years, and we lacked a culture of nurturing our team. But now? We’re all about growth and empowerment for all our partners.