Blaine Forkner, P.E. on LinkedIn: This summer, I took the family to Hershey Park for the first time. I… (2024)

I started in retail at 18 years old- now turning 35I spent almost 14 years at Walmart, moving up the ladder. Never once interviewed for a job up the climb. The challenge of working and planning such a complex company was exciting and rewarding. Never did I see myself leaving Walmart but life happens.Joining Ollies as a Store manager after needing to relocate back to Pa and again tried to climb the ladder. An Ollies Store Manager their mission is simple and clear. Plan your manifest, make room for the freight, crush it in 2 days, easy lets roll. I grew bored and moved over to District LP. Covering four states worth of stores and endless travel, this became clear I should of stayed running a store. Me sitting still and searching for internals was not my thing.Petco Store Manager- before training was over it knew it wasn’t for me. Took a jump based on the pay specifically. I knew this was not for me. As an animal lover the idea of being over animals sounded great, till you as the gm are the one cleaning the cages. Very limited hours due to volume size, with a stock price hovering under $2.00Gabes Store Manager- Great bigger box than Ollies so time to roll again. More money so lets make the jump again. Five trucks a week, perfect lets plan some freight. If only it was that simple. Inconsistency with processes would be an understatement.I’m not sure if retail management is getting stale, or once you work for the giants of the world everything else seems less rewarding. Retail and retail management is surely changing.

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Yesterday, July 10th, was my 1 year mark serving my 4th generation family owned company, Weber's Brand 💛 I started with so many ideas and goals, but had no idea where to start.1. Establish Weber's Brand as an every day household brand and name2. Take back Buffalo and the Western New York community as the true dominant mustard of the region in every category (retail sales and restaurant facings) 3. Modernize business practices and efficiency4. Create a powerful online presence5. Push expansion efforts further than the company has ever dreamed1 year later, those goals continue to run through my veins. I know deep down what this company can look like one day. Everything is on me, and that's just how I want it. I believe I have made a lot of improvements, but there is still so much work to be done.

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Publix is an exemplary case study for wholesome six-star experiences.▶️ 90 years strong▶️ Total layoffs in its history: 0▶️ A score of 83 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (when most companies struggle to hit 60)How do they do it?✅ Stock for every employee, making them shareholders✅ Promote-from-within culture slashing employee churn and unhappiness✅ Staff empowered to create "Publix Magic" — where kindness and attention take center stageResult?Cities plead for a Publix. It's not just a store or convenience — it's an experience and a community favorite.

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As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've navigated together. From the intricate pathways of supply chain management to the bustling aisles of Michaels Stores, it's been a year of resilience, learning, and growth.I stepped into the role of Operations Manager with a vision to drive operational excellence and create a seamless shopping experience. Thanks to a blend of #determination, #discipline, and a little bit of coffee, we've transformed challenges into opportunities and plans into actions.As we gear up for the new year, I'm reminded of the power of our collective efforts and the importance of staying #solution-focused. I'm grateful for the support, #insights, and #collaboration from each of you, my valued network.Here's to a holiday season filled with joy, rest, and perhaps a bit of crafty creativity (after all, working at Michaels Stores does rub off on you! 😉 ). May your holidays be as smooth as our most efficient supply chain and your new year as bright as our store's holiday decorations. 🎄 Happy Holidays! ❄ And remember, in the world of supply chain, Santa might just be the most legendary operations manager of all time! 🎅 #EndOfYearReflection #SupplyChainSuccess #HolidayCheers #OperationalExcellence #ResilienceAndRibbons

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Creativity! One of the things that we #leaders and professionals have the opportunity to do is to tap into our ability to innovate. In fact, I believe that #innovation is one of the key components of an EPIC culture that is Empowering, Purpose-Driven, Innovative and Collaborative. Yesterday, as I dashed around prepping for a quick “staycation” with the man I love, I was transported into a #mindset of whimsy and fun…. Yes, thanks to a grocery store! (The Publix in Riverview on 301 by Belmont) #publix . If creating an emotional state of possibility is a winning sales strategy, this Publix gets an A+++. The store looked more like a high end sweet 16 party than a place to pick up a box of Fruit Loops. Not only was the floral department brimming with balloons and flowers (even an entire section of balloons in Spanish), but every single aisle throughout the store cried out with Valentine’s Day playful whimsy.I can only imagine how much labor and inventory went into creating this Valentine’s Day experience and I would guess that some might have had reservations about committing to this expense. However, what I witnessed was a breath of surprise and awe from every single person who stepped through their front door. Virtually every single shopper stopped and picked up the bigger bouquet of flowers, the fancier balloon, the curated presentation of chocolates and a stuffed animal. It was so #easy and inviting. By buying into these products, it felt as if you were buying into the perfect magical Valentine’s Day experience. So as I sit here on this glorious day representing love and human kindness (including kindness to Self), I am reminded of the wonder that we each have the capacity to ignite when we step boldly into the realm of #creativity and innovation. Creating unexpected experiences is something that we as individuals can initiate or be part of in the context of our organizations and businesses. I would guess that some team members of that Publix may have felt that their role in inflating all of those balloons was insignificant, if not mundane. To me, those balloons serve as a reminder that the “mundane” tasks that we perform in the context of our companies might turn out to be that remarkable, “brighten your day” moment for one of our clients. So no matter how “small” your role, don’t underestimate your value. Even James Bond needed his Q. So on this lovely Valentine’s Day, what remarkably creative experience will you choose to create? And can you amplify your innovation by collaborating with someone else? Ideas? #leadershipdevelopment #keynotespeaker #motivation #epic #resilience #grit #gritmindsetacademy #meridithalexander #business #podcast #valentinesday

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Excellent article and some solid examples referenced in here on toxicity and how to avoid. Feeling very thankful for the culture and team I'm working with at Wayfair. https://lnkd.in/g6-f2ZMG

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What was your very first paid job? And what did you learn then that you can still apply today?🪞 Reflecting on my journey that kicked off at Burger King when I was 16! 🍔 From working the drive-thru to corporate triumphs, it's been an incredible ride. 🚀 Here are some priceless lessons I've carried from the milkshake machine to the executive meetings:1️⃣ Teamwork: Just like working with the kitchen staff, collaboration is key to success. 🤝🏽2️⃣ Adaptability: Handling a fast-paced drive-thru prepared me for corporate curveballs. 🔄3️⃣ Customer Focus: Making hot fries or enhancing service/process models, customer satisfaction is paramount. 👑4️⃣ Work Ethic: Late night & double shifts taught me the power of hard work and dedication. ⏰5️⃣ Leadership: Whether leading the frontline crew or a corporate team, leadership skills are timeless. 🌟Here's to the journey from the flame grill to the office! 🎂🥳 (and yes, I keep everything 😜😊)#corporateculture #workethic #careerjourney

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Here are a few interesting facts about our Amazon JFK27 office or the former Lord and Taylor building. I know a few of youll have had coffee/my favorite CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. and have asked several questions about the artwork or the building! #Amazon #AWS #startups #VentureCapital #corporateVC #Newyork #entrepreneurs

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Last week, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates from all over the world gathered here in Bentonville, AR for Associate’s Week. The spirit and energy that this annual event breathes into our collective hearts as Walmart and Sam’s Club associates cannot be overstated. It is invigorating to have so many people here in our relatively small city at the heart of Walmart, USA. It’s a richly diverse gathering, not just in terms of cultures and countries represented, but also in diversity of career journeys, life experience, educational backgrounds, and so much more. This was the first year I was able to attend the Associate Celebration that wraps up the week. I saw incredible entertainment (Lizzo, anyone??). I also heard from Paris Hilton and Robert Downy, Jr. about their products available at Walmart. I enjoyed the lighthearted antics of host Peyton Manning, hearing leaders from different parts of the company talk about our future, and seeing the unique things happening at various stores around the world. What was most impactful to me though, was the message from CEO Doug McMillon as he recognized three amazing associates for their dedication and the difference they make every day. He spoke about the impact of consistent effort towards achieving goals, the importance of celebrating wins and success, and the inspiration to be found in moving targets. I really needed that message. I’m personally coming out of the most difficult year of my professional life to date. That idea of “moving targets”, for whatever reason, really clicked and resonated with me. We have been experiencing a lot of change recently in Walmart Global Tech, some of it unprecedented for many of us. It’s been a challenge to stay optimistic and seek out success in times of uncertainty. It’s so easy to lose sight of positivity when things are happening around us that we can’t control. But there are always things we can control, even in the midst of the unknown. Through that lens, moving targets are a really positive thing - an opportunity for a different way of working, a chance to discover a spark of creativity, a moment to foster new ideas. Change can stifle us with fear, or motivate us towards evolution. The rest of this year, I will be working on the latter. Here’s to an incredible remainder of FY25 at Walmart. I look forward to what the future holds! #WMT2024

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Did you know that there isn’t an official Warehouse Appreciation Week? 🤯 Well, there is now because we are excited to announce that the week after July 4th is officially Warehouse Appreciation Week for Hayden Beverage! 📅🎉 This week, we’re raising a toast to the unsung heroes behind every cold drink! Our dedicated warehouse teams, across Idaho and Montana, keep our market shelves stocked, the delivery trucks loaded, and the good times rolling. While you’re sipping on your go-to beverage or refilling your cooler, our warehouse warriors are working behind the scenes to receive, store, and pick the products that you love. 💪🏻📦 We couldn’t ‘pick’ a better team to work alongside and to recognize this week. The week may be made up, but the gratitude is 100% real. To our early risers and the late-nighters, the heavy lifters and the detail checkers, the team leaders and our new hires – this week is for you! 🙌🏻 Join us in raising a glass, can, or bottle to celebrate our Idaho and Montana HBC warehouse teams – not just this week, but every single day. Here’s to them! 🍻#haydenbeverage #warehouseappreciationweek #warehouse #warehouseemployee #employeeappreciation #unsungheroes #warehousewarrior #beveragedistributor #winedistributor #beerdistributor #montanadistributor #idahodistributor

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