How can leaders foster an environment where employees thrive, innovate, and drive the company forward? One roofing company CEO offers valuable insights into building a workplace culture centered on personal and professional development.
Aaron Christy, Founder of Indy Roof Company built his company with the intention of creating a positive work culture. He wanted to create a workplace where people could feel excited and fulfilled rather than just counting down the hours until the day ended. Through hard work and dedication, Aaron’s business has flourished. His commitment to building a strong culture has attracted talented individuals who share his vision.
The Power of a Positive Workplace Culture
From Dissatisfaction to Determination
The journey towards creating a growth-oriented culture often begins with recognizing what doesn’t work. For Aaron, the inspiration came from a previous job experience that left much to be desired. Working in a family business, he found himself dreading each workday, counting down the hours until he could leave. This negative experience became the catalyst for change when he decided to start his own company.
With a clear vision in mind, he set out to create a workplace where people genuinely enjoyed coming to work, understanding that while all businesses exist to make money, it’s entirely possible to do so in a way that prioritizes employee satisfaction and personal growth.
Hiring for Cultural Fit
One of the fundamental principles of building a strong culture is hiring the right people. When it comes to hiring, Aaron emphasizes the importance of cultural fit: “We hire on culture first. You can teach almost anybody to do just about anything. But what you can’t teach is culture and I think that’s the most important thing to hire on.” By prioritizing candidates who share the company’s values and vision, the organization lays a strong foundation for a positive and productive work environment.
Building Relationships and Fostering Community
To combat feelings of disconnection and loneliness in the workplace, the company implements several strategies to build relationships among team members. Every Friday afternoon, work stops, and employees gather in a game room to play pool, ping pong, and simply enjoy each other’s company. This regular social time allows new employees to integrate more easily and helps build stronger bonds between team members.
The company also organizes outings to local sporting events and other activities, further strengthening the sense of community within the organization. These efforts to foster genuine connections among employees pay dividends in terms of workplace satisfaction and productivity.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
A Personal Commitment to Growth
Aaron’s passion for lifelong learning stems from his entrepreneurial journey. When he first started his company, the fear of failure drove him to learn everything he could about running a business. From marketing and social media to payroll and sales, he immersed himself in various aspects of business management.
This commitment to continuous learning has become a core value of the company. The CEO recognizes that in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying stagnant is equivalent to falling behind. By fostering a culture of ongoing education and improvement, the company remains agile and competitive.
Investing in Employee Development
The company’s commitment to personal growth is encapsulated in their motto, which Aaron shares: “Our motto around here is businesses don’t grow, people do. So if you want the business to grow, the people in your organization have to grow. They have to improve. And the better they get, the better your business gets.”
This philosophy is put into practice through various employee development initiatives:
- Monthly training sessions: Once a month, an external trainer is brought in to conduct a session on a relevant topic.
- Annual company retreat: The highlight of the company’s learning initiatives is an annual retreat. Employees spend two to three days in a relaxed setting, combining intensive learning sessions with fun team-building activities.
- Personal growth focus: The retreat includes sessions on personal development, covering topics like improving relationships, becoming better parents, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.
By investing in both professional and personal growth, the company creates a holistic approach to employee development that extends beyond the workplace.
Creating a Culture of Flexibility and Support
Work-Life Balance
The company recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexibility to its employees. This is particularly valuable for roles like sales representatives, who can adjust their schedules to accommodate family commitments or personal interests. By providing this flexibility, the company fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect with its employees.
Clear Expectations and Thorough Training
Setting clear expectations from the outset is crucial for employee success. Aaron emphasizes the importance of being upfront about job requirements and challenges during the hiring process. This transparency helps ensure that new hires are fully prepared for their roles and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or disappointments down the line.
The company has also developed a comprehensive training program for new hires. This structured approach ensures consistency in how employees learn about their roles and the company’s processes. By providing thorough training, the company sets its employees up for success from day one.
The Impact of a Growth-Oriented Culture
The benefits of fostering a culture of growth extend far beyond the workplace. Employees who feel supported in their personal and professional development are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the company. Moreover, the positive effects ripple out to their personal lives, improving relationships with family and friends.
One success story Aaron shared involves a former construction worker who joined the company with no sales experience. Despite initial doubts, the employee’s determination and the company’s supportive environment led him to become the top sales representative for two consecutive years. This transformation not only improved the employee’s professional life but also afforded him more time and resources to spend with his family.
Cultivating Growth for Long-Term Success
Building a culture of growth requires dedication, consistency, and a genuine commitment to employee well-being. By prioritizing personal and professional development, fostering strong relationships among team members, and maintaining a flexible and supportive work environment, companies can create a workplace where both individuals and the business thrive.
Regardless of the industry, investing in people is the surest path to sustainable business growth. As leaders reflect on their own organizational cultures, they should consider how they can implement similar strategies to cultivate a workforce that is engaged, motivated, and constantly evolving. In doing so, they lay the foundation for long-term success in an ever-changing business landscape.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | 219: Influencing a Growth Culture with Aaron Christy
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize Workplace Culture: By focusing on creating a positive and enjoyable work environment, where employees feel supported and engaged, companies can not only increase productivity but also foster strong relationships among team members.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: By investing in team development, you empower employees to become better leaders, both at work and in their personal lives.
- Set Clear Expectations: By establishing clear guidelines and transparently communicating information, companies can avoid misunderstandings and ensure open and effective communication.
Things to listen for:
[00:02:21] Make work enjoyable, prioritize company culture
[00:03:16] Happy employees create positive customer experiences.
[00:07:14] Importance of leaders knowing their purpose.
[00:11:14] Emphasis on personal growth and home life.
[00:12:54] Positive change at work and home.
[00:17:28] Clear expectations prevent wasted time and effort.
[00:21:47] Different teachers, diverse topics.
