Shively Bros., Inc.

Strategy shouldn’t start with the loudest voice in the room. According to Kellogg executive coach Sanjay Khosla, too many strategic planning meetings are dominated by senior leaders—shutting down the very collaboration they’re meant to foster. His advice? Mute the boss. 🔇 This doesn’t mean stepping aside permanently—it means deliberately making room for cross-functional, cross-level insights to guide business strategy. When done right, this approach fuels innovation, increases engagement, and leads to action plans that actually stick. 🤝 Key takeaways: ✅ Prep with clear, actionable objectives (vague goals lead nowhere). ✅ Diversify the voices in the room—including rising talent and frontline staff. ✅ Use small-group formats to increase safety and idea-sharing. ✅ Appoint a facilitator to ensure all perspectives are heard. ✅ Leaders listen first, then decide after consensus and input. Khosla calls it a “discovery workshop.” The outcome? Teams feel heard—and leaders make better decisions. 🔗 Read more with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/42Ffhvu

⚠️ Emergency Safety Equipment Compliance: Best Practices for Proper Installation ⚠️ Did you know that emergency safety equipment installation is governed by a combination of OSHA regulations, industry guidelines, and insurance requirements? Key takeaways: ✅ Location matters: Equipment must be within 10 seconds of the hazard, on the same level, and clearly marked. ✅ Water flow and temperature: Ensure proper flow rates (20 gpm for showers, 0.4 gpm for eyewashes) and tepid water (60°F–100°F). ✅ Maintenance: Regular weekly inspections, hands-free activation, and annual third-party inspections are essential. Following these guidelines and maintaining compliance with ANSI standards can drastically improve workplace safety and preparedness in emergency situations. Read more with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/44mj4k3

🐰 Happy Easter, from Shively Bros.! We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with family, friends, and some well-deserved downtime. 🥚🌷🌼

🚚 Warehouse tech is moving fast—and distributors who don’t adapt risk falling behind. But optimization doesn’t mean chasing every new innovation. It means building a smart, scalable plan that delivers ROI fast. Key takeaways for 2025: ✅ Prioritize automation that pays off in under 24 months ✅ Start with simple, high-impact upgrades like better barcode scanning and data capture ✅ Build a phased strategy with measurable benchmarks ✅ Choose partners who understand your workflow and can customize solutions ✅ Leverage WMS integrations, labor optimization tools, and real-time tracking Don’t overlook your team—most associates now want tools that improve safety and productivity. The right strategy balances practicality with innovation—and brings your customers along for the ride. 🔗 Read more with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/42hGkyb

Tariffs are shaking up global supply chains—again. ✅ 25% global tariffs on steel & aluminum ✅ New retaliatory tariffs from Canada, China, Mexico, & the EU ✅ Rising costs, shortages, and delayed deliveries are hitting manufacturers hard But there’s a silver lining: the pandemic already taught us how to weather storms like this. 🛠️ Manufacturers that adapted quickly in 2020 are already better positioned to deal with tariff turmoil. 💡 Tools like AI, predictive analytics, and flexible production planning are now essential—not optional. 🚨 Don’t wait for the next disruption. Diversify suppliers. Monitor quality. Use data to drive agility. This article connects the dots between trade policy shifts and supply chain strategy—and it’s worth your time. 🔗 Read more with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/4jwOIPS

This article nails it. At Shively Bros., we don’t just sell—we solve! 👌 Selling on features? That’s table stakes. To win in today’s crowded marketplace, distributors need to lead with value — not just products. Buyers aren’t waiting for you to walk in and pitch specs. By the time they reach out, they’ve already done their homework. What they really want is a supply partner who understands their challenges and delivers real solutions. ✅ Start by uncovering their pain points ✅ Offer expert guidance beyond the transaction ✅ Bundle products for convenience and cost savings ✅ Customize your approach for each account Our ability to be consultative, agile, and solution-driven is our competitive edge. 👉 https://bit.ly/3YqRgH9

🏭 Manufacturers face ongoing cost pressures driven by inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical instability. To stay ahead, strategic action is key: 1️⃣ Fortify supply chains: Diversify sourcing and invest in real-time visibility tools. 2️⃣ Understand and control costs: Leverage should-cost analyses, value engineering, and benchmarking. 3️⃣ Invest strategically: Prioritize automation, build strong supplier partnerships, and align investments for long-term growth. Proactive planning today secures competitive advantage tomorrow. Read more on this with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/4cmLjRn

Great companies don’t just happen—they’re built by strong leaders who create a culture of clarity, collaboration, and accountability. But how do you get there? A few essentials can make all the difference: 1️⃣ Get crystal clear on strategy—connect daily work directly to big-picture goals. 2️⃣ Inspire your team by celebrating wins and painting an exciting vision for the future. 3️⃣ Commit to ongoing leadership growth (yours included!). 4️⃣ Encourage cross-department teamwork and break down silos. 5️⃣ Build genuine accountability with honest conversations and transparency. 6️⃣ Make recognition a regular habit, celebrating even small successes. 7️⃣ Minimize internal politics by prioritizing company-wide benefits over personal interests. 8️⃣ Turn setbacks into opportunities by focusing on resilience and adaptability. 9️⃣ Cultivate a support network where leaders mentor and champion each other. If you take an honest look at your leadership culture, how does your team stack up? Strengthening this culture isn’t just good business—it’s critical to thriving in today’s manufacturing landscape. Read more on this with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/3XJnZY2

Patent Strategy: Your Manufacturing Profit Booster Patents aren't just legal protections—they're strategic growth tools. Manufacturers who leverage their IP strategically can unlock new profitability and build stronger defenses against competition. Here's how: ✅ Apply the 80/20 rule—Identify and protect the IP tied to your most profitable products or components. ✅ Think broadly—Patents should defend entire markets, not just single products, creating a competitive "moat." ✅ Watch trends closely—Regularly monitor patent filings to spot competitor moves and growth opportunities early. ✅ Explore IP alternatives—When utility patents expire, consider design patents or trade dress to maintain protection. Efficient patent budgeting isn't about cutting corners; it's about strategic allocation that maximizes competitive advantage. 🔗 Dive deeper into these IP strategies with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/43tL8kX

Companies with thriving workplace cultures aren’t lucky—they're intentional. Improving workplace culture starts by clearly communicating the purpose behind every task or project ("Why?"), specifying clear goals and metrics ("What?"), and empowering teams to define their own execution plans ("How?"). Leaders who inspire trust create teams that are open, enthusiastic, and genuinely engaged. A few indicators your culture is on the right track: ✅ Team members confidently bring problems forward, knowing they'll be supported—not penalized. ✅ Employees look forward to interactions, showing genuine positivity rather than tension. ✅ Successes (personal and professional) are shared openly and proudly. Positive culture requires consistent attention and genuine care. How you treat people daily—through empathy, respect, timeliness, and openness—truly matters. Read more on this with Shively Bros.: https://bit.ly/421qciL