Breaking: Johnson County Business

Johnson County Business Honors

Awards Ceremony

The Celebrate Aspire event, held at The Garment Factory in Franklin, served as the backdrop for Aspire Johnson County’s annual awards ceremony, where five businesses and nonprofits were recognized for their outstanding efforts. Elevated Marketing Solutions, Door Services of Indiana, and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial took home Business Success awards, while CMS Corp. received the inaugural Diversity in Business Award and Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County received the inaugural Green Business Award.

According to Aspire, the county’s chamber of commerce, the Business Success Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate qualified success in areas such as growth and stability, commitment to quality, creative solutions to challenges, and entrepreneurial spirit. The award is subdivided into three categories: for-profit businesses of 1 to 9 employees, for-profit businesses with 10 or more employees, and nonprofits.

Business Success Awards

Elevated Marketing Solutions was the winner of the Business Success Award for for-profit businesses of 1 to 9 employees, beating out finalists Aphrodite Esthetics, ASAP Payroll, and Hoosier Shooting Academy. Door Services of Indiana received the award for for-profit businesses with 10 or more employees, outdoing The Garrett Companies, Texas Roadhouse, and VisionQuest Eyecare. Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial took home the nonprofit award, surpassing fellow finalists Allies Inc., Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana, and Resources of Hope.

Award Recipients’ Success Stories

Elevated Marketing Solutions

Elevated Marketing Solutions is a “dot solutions agency” that has experienced significant growth and success through its data-driven strategies. The company’s reporting process identifies what is working, what is not, and what they are going to do about it, allowing employees to “take emotions out of the decision-making process.” This approach has led to an almost 3% increase in annual sales from 2021 to 2022, and a 46.7% increase from 2022 to 2023.

The company’s virtual workforce has also contributed to its success, with consistent coaching on how to work with clients and teammates in a virtual environment. This has helped with retention and growth, as employees are able to work effectively and efficiently in a remote setting. Elevated Marketing Solutions has demonstrated that with the right strategies and approach, businesses can thrive and experience significant growth, even in challenging times.

Some of the key factors that have contributed to Elevated Marketing Solutions‘ success include:

• Data-driven strategies: The company’s use of data to inform its decision-making process has allowed it to identify areas for improvement and make targeted changes to drive growth.
• Virtual workforce: The company’s virtual workforce has enabled it to attract and retain top talent, while also reducing costs and increasing flexibility.
• Consistent coaching and training: The company’s investment in ongoing coaching and training has helped employees develop the skills they need to succeed in a virtual environment.

Johnson County business news: March 22 – Daily Journal

Door Services of Indiana

Door Services of Indiana, a locally owned women’s business enterprise, has made significant strides in overcoming challenges and increasing sales. The company, which distributes and services commercial frames, doors, and hardware, faced obstacles when it relocated from Indianapolis to Franklin. Despite this transition, Door Services managed to increase its annual sales by 74% from 2022 to 2023. This remarkable growth can be attributed to strong leadership and strategic initiatives.

One of the key factors driving Door Services’ success is its commitment to fostering a healthy workplace culture. The company has implemented quarterly incentives, employee benefits training, and team-building events to promote an environment of motivation, engagement, and productivity. These initiatives have not only enhanced employee satisfaction but also contributed to the company’s overall performance.

Innovation in customer service has also played a pivotal role in Door Services’ achievement. The company has taken a bold step by eliminating voicemail and ensuring that estimators and project managers personally call customers. This direct communication approach has helped build strong relationships and provide tailored solutions that meet clients’ needs, budgets, and construction schedules. Door Services aims to support $4-6 million in revenue per year, with a current backlog of approximately $11 million for 2024-2025. Their business philosophies and culture have clearly contributed to their success.

Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial

Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, a financial services organization dedicated to helping families and communities, faced significant growth challenges in 2022. An internal restructuring decision led to a short-term setback, resulting in a 55% decrease in annual revenue. However, Modern Woodmen overcame this hurdle through clear communication, critical hiring, and a commitment to developing processes.

The organization piloted a program designed to onboard and train new associate financial representatives, which has significantly improved retention rates. This strategic approach has not only addressed the immediate challenges but also set the stage for future growth. By focusing on direct communication and critical hiring, Modern Woodmen has been able to increase retention and revenue, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Analysis and Implications

Lessons from the Winners

Unionjournalism has identified several key lessons from the success stories of Door Services of Indiana and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial. One of the most prominent lessons is the emphasis on data-driven decision-making. Elevated Marketing Solutions, another award recipient, saw a 46.7% increase in annual sales from 2022 to 2023 by leveraging data-driven strategies. This approach allows businesses to make informed decisions, removing emotions from the process and focusing on tangible results.

Another critical lesson is the importance of fostering a healthy workplace culture. Companies like Door Services of Indiana have shown that investing in employee well-being and engagement can lead to higher productivity and better outcomes. By creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, businesses can achieve sustained growth and success.

Adapting to challenges and overcoming obstacles is a common thread among the winners. Whether it’s relocating a business or restructuring an organization, these companies have demonstrated resilience and the ability to pivot in the face of adversity. This adaptability is essential for long-term success in any business environment.

Practical Applications

Small businesses can apply the success strategies of Door Services of Indiana and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial to their own operations. For instance, implementing data-driven decision-making can help small businesses make more informed choices, leading to better outcomes. By regularly tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyzing data, businesses can identify areas for improvement and take proactive measures to enhance their performance.

Effective communication plays a significant role in business growth. Companies like Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial have shown that clear and direct communication can build trust and foster stronger relationships with clients and employees. Small businesses can adopt similar approaches by ensuring regular updates, transparent communication, and open channels for feedback.

To overcome challenges and achieve success, small businesses should focus on continuous improvement and innovation. By adopting new technologies, refining processes, and staying ahead of industry trends, businesses can position themselves for growth and sustainability. For example, Door Services of Indiana’s decision to eliminate voicemail and focus on direct communication has not only improved customer service but also strengthened their competitive edge.

In conclusion, the success stories of Door Services of Indiana and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial offer valuable insights for Unionjournalism’s audience. By emphasizing data-driven decision-making, fostering a healthy workplace culture, and adapting to challenges, businesses can achieve sustained growth and success. The practical applications highlighted in this article provide a roadmap for small businesses to follow, ensuring they stay competitive in today’s dynamic business environment.