The Power of Community Building for Businesses

In business, success is synonymous with profitability and market dominance. And sure, when people go into business, the overall goal is linked to measurable successes. But a shift is underway. Today, a company's long-term success is also tied to the connections it has. Over the years, I have learned how important relationships are within our business. Whether it is the closeness within our team, our network of partners, our ties to the local community, or our loyal customer base, each connection matters. A strong community builds strong businesses, and a company’s product or service is only as good as its relationships.

Teamwork is Dreamwork

Building a strong workplace community can boost employee morale and productivity. When employees feel a sense of belonging and connection within their company, they become more engaged and motivated. This engagement leads to increased productivity, ultimately benefiting the bottom line. Plus, a sense of community fosters collaboration and creativity. When employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together, they can innovate as a team. At Boxwell, we are dedicated to strengthening our team, both in and out of the office. One notable initiative we've implemented at Boxwell is our quarterly book club. We dig into topics such as leadership, work-life balance, teamwork, and sales. This not only adds a fun break from our usual day-to-day tasks but also ensures that everyone is literally on the same page. Beyond that, we place a strong emphasis on team building within the community and take part in local events and philanthropic efforts. Through all our internal and external relationships, our team can deliver outstanding service. At Boxwell, it's all interconnected, making teamwork the foundation of our success.

Navigating Industry Challenges

The storage industry, while robust, has seen its fair share of fluctuations. These include varying steel prices, transportation expenses, and labor shortages, which reshape the market. As a manufacturing business, we must remain adaptable and ready to make necessary updates. While drawing from past experiences is wise, it is also vital to keep an open mind and pay attention to industry partners and customers for new ideas. Our strategy at Boxwell is straightforward: we listen, remain accessible, and stand prepared to address potential challenges. We do whatever it takes to best serve our customers and recognize that their challenges can guide us toward future solutions. Recently, for example, portable storage delivery systems had significantly longer-than-normal lead times. Customers were frustrated, so we decided to purchase two delivery systems to provide them with a short-term solution. Having strong relationships and being able to work through industry challenges together will ensure long-term success. 

Establishing Your Core Values 

Every business has a story to tell. The key is knowing your values and creating your company culture from the start. When I started Boxwell, my commitment was to avoid a narrow-minded approach. Rather than solely focusing on profit, I understood the interconnected nature of all aspects of business. We formulated our values and mission statement with an emphasis on three key pillars: we work hard, we innovate, and we give back. Being a well-rounded company will pave the way for sustainable success. So, we aim to be open-minded, know the benefits of strong relationships, and prioritize a healthy, balanced life. We roll up our sleeves, dig in, and do what it takes to make our product the best it can be. We explore technologies, materials, size options, features, and manufacturing locations. And we share our resources (and time) with our local communities. It is our relationships and core values that guide us every step of the way, shaping our decisions, and defining the character of our company.

Building Customer Loyalty

It only makes sense that businesses with strong relationships have loyal customers. Today’s consumers will choose a company with a cohesive team, strong partnerships, and community ties over a less-connected company. And loyalty can be a business's lifeline, especially during economic downturns. Engaged and loyal customers often transform into advocates, attracting new customers through word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally, during difficult times, customers can provide valuable feedback and ideas for improvement. At Boxwell, we prioritize customer satisfaction and take action to address any issues that arise. Over the years, we have made several improvements to our products based on customer feedback, including floor finishes, roof anti-condensation coatings, and locking systems, to name a few. By putting our customers first, we cultivate lasting loyalty. 

A business's success is not determined by its profits alone. Strong connections with your team, partners, community, and customers are equally important for long-term growth and resilience. To achieve success, businesses need to look beyond the office walls. The ultimate measure of achievement is being able to find the interconnections between all your relationships. When asked what makes your business unique, remember that it's not only about your product or service; it is also about your company culture and the relationships you build.

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Rod Bolls is the Founder and CEO of Boxwell, the Boulder-based manufacturer of portable and relocatable self-storage units. Rod is committed to the success of his customers and the well-being of his team. It is Boxwell’s company culture to know the value of strong relationships in business. And it shows! Each of their storage units is thoughtfully made to order and built to last. For more information, check out boxwell.co or call (303) 317-5850 for more information.