BLAINS INTERNSHIP 2016

Jacob BlackUniversity of Northern Iowa; Class of 2017Intern of Cedar Falls Store (32)

DEVELOPING CULTURE IN BUSINESS

Starts with a good foundation Customer Service should always be first priority Connect with associates Lead by example

CEOs, managers, founders, etc. should be on same page with company ideas, goals, and objectives

Assign leaders who are in charge of teams Make sure that leadership is someone who represents the

face of the business Strong structure says everything, it shows that there is a plan

Trust in other employees; their ideas matter, and yours aren’t always the best

Keep focus on what needs to be done first, and make that the priority

Be serious, but also keep the mood light at times Enjoy what you do

ALWAYS communicate with others Don’t be on two different pages Collaborate with others when needed Don’t assume

DEFINED CULTURE Having a defined culture sets the mood for the stores and the

experience The customers who shop there The music being played overhead The products, fixtures, signs The smells or what you see when you first walk in What the employees wear at work

Target the audience you want to reach and satisfy them There is always room for expansion once the foundation is

up and growing Defined culture shows stability, support, knowledge, builds

relationships, establishes trust

CUSTOMER CENTRIC

Getting what you want in one location Having competing, or lower prices Giving an experience to an individual that brings

them, their family and friends back Focus on the needs of that individual and build from

it Turn a single item into an entire project

Being sold what is best for the job Having the feeling of satisfaction

FAMILY ORIENTATED Committed to what you believe in Building trust with other members Having a say and viewpoint on a topic Keep promises of what you say you’ll do

Do it to the best of your ability Have a “second family”

Make new friends Go outside of the comfort zone

Have confidence When you say something mean it, don’t make it appear to

be a question but rather a statement

THE BLAIN WAY Greet the customers

Be sincere Eye contact Smile

Be neighborly Sell them what you would use

Engage the customer/ Be involved Ask questions for their needs What project are they doing Show how the product works Peak curiosity

Know the product you are selling Be the expert Get familiar with products and store layout

EXPAND OR EXTINCT Started as a business specializing in a few things, now has thousands

of skus Living the American dream Being a destination

Strong internet base Reach all demographics Focus stores in Midwest, sell to anywhere

Opening new stores yearly Adapt to change

Give customers some new places of the store to explore Phase 2

Send employees to seminars to learn about new products

COMMITMENT Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a genuine, family-owned,

community-focused, multi-channel retailer that is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of the Midwest.

Our purpose is to empower our customers to fulfill the needs of their work, home, & outdoor active lifestyle with our unique mix of products & services.

Our enjoyable brand experience and engaging stores showcase a practical assortment of carefully selected brands which position us to be an inspiring resource and destination for our customers.

Our commitment to quality products, fair & honest prices with friendly, straight forward expertise exceeds our customers’ expectations.

MY EXPERIENCE Take on a lot of roles Have open ears to everything

Nothing too small Be open to trying new things

Listen to other managers, assistants, employees Some have experience in other retailers

Control what you can Delays, Planograms, Fixtures, etc.

Lead by example Recognize someone who does good

Pillar cards Customer service pins Sense of endearment