Nurturing Success: Embracing the Power of Mentorship in Business Growth

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of business, the role of mentorship has emerged as a beacon guiding individuals and companies towards success. Our company is fortunate to be under the guidance of a successful businessperson in the electrical industry, Bob Drinkward, whose illustrious career at Berg Electric spans an impressive 41 years. His journey from apprentice to the President of the company in 1992 showcases a wealth of experience that has proven invaluable to our management team. In this article we explore the profound impact of mentoring and delve into the insights our team has gained from their interactions with Bob.

Bob's Proven Strategies:

Troy Dunnington, our CEO, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond constant structural changes. Bobs over 40 years of experience has shown Troy that simplicity can often be the key to success. Dunnington highlights two crucial lessons from Bob's mentorship:

• Communication is Key: Bob emphasizes that effective communication, whether dealing with positive or challenging issues, is paramount. Learning from past experiences and avoiding repeated mistakes fosters a united and forward-moving team.
• The Power of Notes: Bob considers maintaining a well-organized list essential for a thriving business. Starting the day with a clear set of tasks and ending it by crossing off completed items, provides focus and drives progress.

Expect Greatness, Accept Nothing Less: Todd Walling, Principal/Lighting Designer, gained valuable insights from Bob, stressing the importance of expecting greatness from your people and accepting nothing less. This approach sets a high standard for performance and fosters a culture of excellence within the team. Todd’s other takeaways included:

• Trust BUT Verify: Bob's emphasis on effective communication aligns with the principle of "trust but verify". It reinforces the idea that while trust is essential, it's equally important to verify information and ensure accuracy in all aspects of business operations.
• Always Seek a Better Way: According to Todd Walling, Bob's philosophy of there always being a better and more efficient way resonates deeply. Encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation can drive long-term success and keep the company ahead of the curve.
• Don't Accept No for an Answer: Todd Walling also highlights Bob's stance on not accepting no for an answer. This mindset encourages persistence, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to challenges, contributing to the overall resilience of the team.

?Ruthless Decision-Making:

Glen Keoghan, our CFO, shares his key takeaway from his time with Bob - the need for ruthlessness in dealing with poor performance. Bob's guidance underscores the importance of having the right people in the right positions to drive the company towards its goals.

Sales as a People Business:

Jimm Reifsnyder, our Lighting Control Expert, resonates with Bob's perspective on sales being fundamentally a people business. Taking the time to build personal connections, understanding the person across the desk, is a timeless approach that contributes significantly to business success.

Bob's Commitment to Personal Development:

Bob's commitment to personal development is evident in his journey. From serving in the Air Force to undergoing a Dale Carnegie course, participating in Toastmasters, and engaging with motivation tapes, he never ceased to grow and learn. His commitment to personal growth, strengthened by his faith and bolstered by the unwavering support of his wife, Joyce, significantly contributed to his success. Joyce and Bob’s marriage endured for 66 years, before she went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 17, 2023. Functioning as a cohesive team, they openly communicated about both family and business affairs. Without her, Bob acknowledges, he would not have been able to reach anywhere near the same level of success, in any area of his life.

Berg Electric's Transformation:

Bob's career highlight, leading Berg Electric to go non-union in 1986, showcases his strategic acumen. Despite facing challenges during the transition, the decision was crucial for the company's survival and subsequent growth. Under Bob’s leadership, Berg Electric expanded from two offices, one in Los Angeles and one in San Diego, to seven offices across the United States.

In conclusion, the mentorship provided by Bob Drinkward has become a cornerstone of our company's growth. His wealth of experience, timeless principles, and commitment to personal development serve as a guiding light for our team. As we continue to embrace the lessons learned from Bob, we are confident in our ability to navigate the complexities of the business world and achieve sustainable success.

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