In the forum, every “Expert” is asked to provide their two most commonly asked questions and provide you, the reader, with answers. If you have any additional questions, please contact the “Expert” directly with the e-mail link provided, or by phone. During normal business hours, please allow up to 24 hours for a response to your question. Thank you!
The Huntsville Stars
Question: I want to plan an outing at the stadium for my company. What are my options?
Answer: The Stars offer a variety of affordable group and hospitality options for businesses of all sizes. We have a standard discount rate for groups of 20 or more people. In addition, the Stars offer pre-game picnic, skybox and party deck hospitality options that will make your company outing at The Joe that much more enjoyable. For more information, call (256) 882-2562 or visit us online at http://www.huntsvillestars.com/.
Question: What role do the Milwaukee Brewers play in the day-to-day operation of the Stars?
Answer: The Brewers and Stars have a great working relationship that began in 1999. The Stars have what is known as a ‘player development contract’ with Milwaukee. The ‘PDC’ is a standard agreement that all minor league teams have with their major league affiliate. The PDC clearly defines what the relationship is between minor league and major league clubs. The Brewers main responsibility is to provide all players and coaches to the Huntsville roster. The Brewers have no input on the day-to-day business operation of the Huntsville Stars. Milwaukee has minor league teams at four levels of professional baseball: AAA, AA, A, and rookie levels. The Stars are the AA affiliate of Milwaukee and with the proximity of Nashville, Milwaukee’s AAA affiliate, the Brewers/Huntsville partnership is a perfect match.
Tom Van Schaack, General Manager
The Gulas Group
Ted Gulas founded The Gulas Group in order to teach salespeople how to sell more effectively. The Gulas Group uses a three-part platform of "Decide, Do, Deliver." In this way, they guide their clients through rough waters and help insure that new behaviors - and the new results - stick, and stick for good.
Question: How can I eliminate procrastination and the inherent fear of failure associated with this malice?
Answer: Start with a compelling strategic vision based on your values of what you really want in life and why you want it. Then link your tasks directly to that vision. This step assures your working on the right task. Next choose a proven implementation process that’s easy, organized, disciplined, repeatable and focused on essential workflow skills. Third
choose the right tool such as a Priority Planner or software like Microsoft Outlook to track and execute the task and the process. To eliminate that fear of failure become focused on learning. You must adopt the mindset that it’s not always achieving the goal that’s critical but what you learned on the road to that goal that maters.
Question: Tell me why it is so hard to identify, search, qualify, test, interview, develop and retain top sales superstars?
Answer: It all starts with a selling system that incorporates at its core a process for finding the best seeds. A process is defined as common sense being consistently executed. When sales candidates show up to be interviewed we lose all common sense because they usually do so well at interviews we become fooled into believing they will do what they say. Or we get so hung up that our industry is different so we hire from within and we automatically narrow our search thus excluding some of the best candidates. The solution begins by registering for your FREE Corporate Recruiting Guide to hiring Superstar Sales People. Follow this link: http://www.gulasgroup.com/recruiting-free.shtml
Lewis & Son Roofing and Construction
Question: In the repair and replacement of roofs, what gives Lewis & Son an edge over its competition?
Answer: Lewis & Son Roofing and Construction:
1. Utilizes top quality shingles produced by GAF – the largest manufacturer of roofing products in the world
2. Places Storm Guard Adhesive Underlayment in all roof valleys
3. Installs Lomanco Omni Ridge Vent Systems on all roof peaks
4. Uses modern, up-to-date equipment
5. Has on-site Supervisors for each job
6. Employs professional roofers
7. Is the ONLY roofing contractor in the area that has Workmen’s Compensation Insurance on its staff. Shane Lewis (President of Lewis & Son) says,
"We care about our employees AND we care about our customers!"
Question: Does Lewis & Son do exterior and interior remodeling?
Answer: Yes! Shane Lewis says: "The expansion of our remodeling business is in direct response to our customers and the continued growth of Madison County. People want a professional service and they have recognized that we do a professional job – every time! We use top-quality products like GAF roofing materials, Andersen Windows, James Hardie siding, Hudson Bay vinyl siding and Royal Crest vinyl siding. All of these excellent products have good warranties. To decide what remodeling options work best in your home, come visit our new in-house Showroom and talk with our experienced product advisor."
Furniture Medic by Steve & Corinne Healy
Question: How do I know whether my broken furniture is worth fixing?
Answer: Customers must determine whether it is best to repair or replace their damaged furniture. We usually do not advocate repairing cheap furniture - that is why we advertise "fine furniture repair". There are times when the repair cost exceeds the cost of replacement. Other factors that customer’s factor into their decision is whether the piece is a family heirloom or an antique, and whether there is a suitable replacement available. When the damaged furniture is a family heirloom, it may have more of a sentimental, rather than a monetary value. Many customers own antique furniture and/or family heirlooms, which they do not use because the furniture is in such disrepair. We can restore such pieces to be stable, usable pieces of furniture.
Question: What types of damage can you repair in my home or office?
Answer: Many times, dining room and conference room tabletops have multiple fine scratches, watermarks, and a loss of their luster from wear. We provide a deluxing service where we use fine abrasives, polishes, and a buffer to restore the finish to what it looked like when new. An important service we offer is piano finish repairs. Because of their size, we always attempt to repair the finish on-site. We also perform moving damage inspections for individuals and the moving companies, and perform most moving damage repairs on-site. Another service we offer is "Image Enhancement". Many times worn furniture can be made to look much better with on-site touch-up of the finish. We get many calls from customers who have accidentally spilled finger nail polish remover on their dresser or nightstand. If the damaged area is less than the size of a silver dollar, we can usually repair it on-site.