Fulfillment of the mission requires an identification of objectives and a plan to execute.  Without a strategy, the mission is futile.

Some strategic elements are determined by identifying the likely impact on the market, customers and suppliers.  This is thinking through the ripple effect of a decision.  Other strategies, however, are developing amid execution.  As new information comes in, new ideas emerge which can lead to an alteration of strategy.

Thinking strategically results in proactive planning and astute identification of new and better approaches amid execution.  Eric Youngblood displayed this during Q4.

Identifying and Pursuing Opportunity

Each element of Eric’s job requires careful attention to being strategic – adding new products, introducing new branding, updating PPC campaigns and more.  He is acutely aware of how the action impacts our customers and uses data to validate his theories before carefully and thoughtfully trying something new. This showed up as he pursued and executed on the importing and branding of Fasteners Plus branded products.

We are pleased to recognize Eric as our Q4 ‘Strategic’ award winner.  Well done, Eric!

The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop?

Fasteners Plus BUF

How long have you worked at Clickstop?

6-1/2 Years

What effect has this recognition had upon you?

It helps confirm to me that being strategic is well worth the time and effort spent. One of my strengths is achiever and sometimes when I spend time researching and strategizing, it can feel like I’m wasting time since I’m not doing the actual work of completing a project.

What do you believe has led up to this recognition?

Really, becoming the BUF™ full time for Fasteners Plus has pushed me more to think strategically about the business unit and what long term direction we need to head in for maximum growth. Being strategic is important but executing on the projects we set out to complete is equally as important. Deciding to create our own new Conquest Fasteners brand is a long-term plan that will provide Fasteners Plus with much larger profit margins and allow us to grow faster and reach new customer segments.

What are ways you’ve challenged yourself to live out and grow within the Core Values?

Examining the core values and performing the core value exercise annually has helped me reflect on where I can improve and grow every year. For 2020 I’ve challenged myself to invest in others by teaching and sharing my knowledge while providing clear expectations and empowering others to own their impact.

How do you ensure your work is aligning with our mission, values, strategies and goals?

When I’m making decisions and prioritizing my work, I’m always thinking about what’s best for the company and using data to make the most informed decisions I can at the time.

Why is this Core Trait important to the success of Clickstop?

We need to be very strategic in order to get ahead of the competition. Being proactive instead of reactive is a necessity to stay ahead in the e-commerce world.

What brought you to Clickstop?   

I was unhappy with where I was at in my previous job, so I started looking to get on the career path I really wanted. There was an opening for e-commerce marketing here and that’s what I really wanted to do. Once I job shadowed here and met all the amazing, hard-working people here, I knew it’s where I wanted to be.

What keeps you at Clickstop?

I still love what I do, and I love the entrepreneurial spirit and autonomy, but those same amazing people are what really makes Clickstop such a great place to work.

Why should others want to work at Clickstop?

The great culture and atmosphere we’ve created here. Did I mention the amazing people you get to work with???

If you had to pick one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mexican Food for sure

What is one word your husband/wife/best friend/child would use to describe you and why?

Competitive

What is your favorite activity that you like to do with your family?

Vacation to my Dad’s house in Minnesota taking the kids fishing on his boat at the lake he lives on.

If you could never have to do one chore for the rest of life, what would it be?

100% laundry…I need that full-service Clean Laundry washing/drying/folding in my life.

If you had 5 million dollars tomorrow, how would you spend the rest of your life?

I would invest it wisely to live off interest, buy a modest house on a lake in Minnesota and spend way more time with my kids. I’d also have a winter home in the far south and avoid the snow and cold.