A Fresh Perspective in Clickstop’s Warehouse
We’ve long prided ourselves on cultivating leadership from within, growing talent through intentional development and a strong internal culture. As we’ve evolved over our 20-year history, we recognized the value of fresh perspectives and the importance of a growth mindset in our hiring approach. Our new warehouse manager in Urbana is a recent example of what happens when the right person meets the right opportunity.
Seeking A Growth Mindset
Chris Sickert joined Clickstop as our Warehouse Manager after spending more than 20 years at a legacy manufacturing facility, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of shifting business models and cultural stagnation. Eventually, Chris saw the writing on the wall for his facility. It was time for a change.
What Chris was seeking wasn’t just a new job; it was a new kind of culture. One that valued teamwork, autonomy, and investment in people. He found that at Clickstop.
An Onboarding Built for Success
We’ve all heard the stories: the new job that feels like “drinking from a fire hose,” a whirlwind of information and expectations that leaves you overwhelmed and disoriented. We knew this wasn’t the experience we wanted for Chris. Instead, his onboarding was an intentional and paced journey designed to provide clarity, not chaos.
From the moment he walked through our doors, Chris was met with a warmth and enthusiasm that was genuine. He noted, “As soon as I came in the front door, Debbie made me feel like I was at home, and everyone was just smiling and saying, ‘Hey, we’re happy to have you here.'”
Our “Clickstart” onboarding program, crafted to immerse new hires in all things Clickstop, introduced him to key teams and individuals. These early, intentional conversations allowed him to build relationships and understand the business from the ground up.
“The onboarding was appropriately paced,” Chris reflected. “People often are put in situations where they feel like they’re drinking from a fire hose. The fact that it was spaced out was perfect for how my brain works.” This deliberate pacing was a gateway to connection and a foundational understanding of our company culture.
Early Impressions & A Vision for the Future
In his first six weeks, Chris has been an observer and a collaborator. He’s been meeting with team members all across the company, listening to their insights, and identifying growth opportunities. His leadership style is one of partnership. He’s here to learn, adapt, and build upon the strong foundation already in place.
One of Chris’s most exciting challenges has been leading a young team. He already adapted his communication style and invested in exposing them to leadership experiences, like participating in hiring interviews and feedback conversations.
His goal? To foster decision-makers and build a culture where teammates hold each other accountable—not out of obligation, but out of shared ownership.
“I may not be the subject matter expert at the moment, but I’m going to have my team’s back if they make a decision,” he explained. “If it’s a mistake, you learn from it. To be punitive in that process shuts down people.”
Chris’s journey to this point is a powerful reminder that growth comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s about nurturing from within, and sometimes it’s about being open to a fresh perspective. This experience reinforces our efforts to be a self-aware business that embraces the best of both worlds—our deep-rooted internal talent and the invaluable insights of a new leader.
Welcome to Clickstop, Chris. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.