Integrity is crucial in leadership. Being honest with yourself and others is not the easiest approach, but it is the right approach. 1 2 3 { LIFE LESSONS} Words are our most important tool in our leadership toolbox. Finding the right words, saying them at the right time, with the right intonation, paints a picture in others’ minds. Success in life and in work is not easy. Resilience is a key component of a fulfilling life. 18 | FORWARD JANESVILLE My big break happened after I’d been with Target about 8 years. I was supposed to be taking on a District Manager role in Houston, but that District Manager decided not to retire. So, I was asked if I would move the family to Minneapolis to lead a special assignment. Outside of finding and saving Target over $200 million in labor savings, this opportunity gave me exposure to many key leaders at Target. I learned how decisions are made in large organizations, and through trial and error the importance of collaboration and communication when significant change is taking place. At Blain’s, what struck me early on and continues to inspire me every day is the incredible culture. The culture reflects the people who worked here in the past and is carried on with the associates who work for us today. It translates to how our associates provide exceptional service for our neighbors and is a significant differentiator for our company. Jane Blain Gilbertson, Executive Chair of the Board and sole owner of Blain’s, personifies authenticity and humility. When she is having a conversation with someone, no matter if they are a cashier or someone who is on the Leadership Team, that person is the most important person in that moment. While I challenge myself to exemplify this same quality, I’ve not seen anyone do this as well as Jane. I think it is important to show vulnerability and humility, even in a leadership role. It allows me to be more accessible to our associates. It helps reduce the anxiety that a CEO title can bring. HOW DID I GET HERE? success • challenges • life lessons • education • career • family • inspirations Growing up my mom owned a landscape and design company. My brother and I were “free” labor laying sandstone walking paths, building retaining walls and planting shrubs and trees. I started to learn the importance of quality goods and services and the value of money. Then, when I turned 13, I had the opportunity to become the neighborhood paperboy. An important lesson I learned is that each neighbor had a desired spot to have their paper placed each morning; some in the mailbox, some on the porch and some inside the glass door. I took pride in making sure I was taking care of my customers, and my tips reflected the differentiated service. My parents instilled confidence in me at an early age. They allowed me the freedom as a child and young adult to make mistakes and learn from them. Cheryl, my high school girlfriend and now wife of 37 years, encouraged me to go to church every Sunday. She taught me self-discipline. She has been an amazing friend and spouse. She has always been a good example for me to follow. In the early years, she taught me how to focus on my studies and gave me a framework to succeed. As a spouse, she has been incredibly supportive of my desire to pursue my career aspirations, including 14 relocations. • • • During my junior year of college, I started working at the student union bookstore at Oklahoma State University. I really liked straightening up the merchandise, putting new displays together and watching other students react to the displays and make purchases. Between my junior and senior year, I interned at Dillard’s Department Store where I started to learn the business of retail and the leadership of larger teams. Personally, I loved shopping and never felt like I was at work when I was actually working. Retail was a place of nirvana to me. MARK HASTING CEO AND PRESIDENT, BLAIN SUPPLY, INC./ BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET { EDUCATION } 1989 – 1991 Masters of Business Administration Oklahoma City University 1984 - 1988 Bachelor of Science, Marketing Oklahoma State University { WORK EXPERIENCE } 2020 - PRESENT Blain Supply, Inc./Blain’s Farm & Fleet Became CEO & President, Sept. of 2024 2019 – 2020 MyEyeDr. 2012 – 2019 Kum & Go 2010 – 2012 Starbucks Coffee Company 1988-2009 Target
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTEwNzI5