Being strategic in how you work comes down to making great decisions that lead to growth. When we’re an organization full of people who embody this behavior, we’re making great decisions for the short and long term, anticipating results and adapting when circumstances or variables change.

Those who think strategically drive us to produce the best results based on data from our team, customers and vendors. They do things in an intentional order that produces dependable, repeatable results.

Regardless of role, every team member is expected to pursue new ideas and communicate their significance. We are all in the driver’s seat of strategic development. Our perspectives and ideas are meaningful, and it’s our individual responsibility to share them, seek alignment, commit to action and execute.

Leading the Charge for USCC

As the BUF™ of our largest business unit, the expectations for being strategic are very high. Matt Mitchell did this exceptionally well in Q2.

He played a critical role in the introduction of Key Rocks which prioritize projects for US Cargo Control by business impact and align teams around the most important work. For the rocks to be successful, Matt has carefully sought to understand the strategy, market, customers, and suppliers involved and to understand the ripple effect on our customers and our profitability.

Additionally, he utilized data to validate theories and advocated for the right tools to support the strategies. This was evidenced in pursuing a new tool to provide automated marketing support for our outbound sales reps and has worked to communicate its importance through multiple avenues of communication.

We are pleased to recognize Matt Mitchell as our Q2 ‘Strategic’ Award Winner.

The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop?

Business Unit Fanatic (BUF™) – USCC

How long have you worked at Clickstop?

7.5 years

What brought you to Clickstop? 

I found a posting for a Category Manager role when I was getting ready to graduate at the University of Iowa. It sounded too good to be true on paper, but I was impressed when I had the chance to interview and job shadow with the marketing team. The rest is history!

What effect has this recognition had upon you?

It’s always nice to get some recognition. I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on our USCC strategy and it’s been a fun year of seeing everything come together and make an impact.

What do you believe has led up to this recognition?  

First off, I couldn’t do what I do without such a great team of people around me. I can’t say enough about how fortunate I am to work with both my direct team and the team members from other teams as well. I lean on them heavily to keep projects moving and driving growth and it allowed me to shift my focus towards the key rocks and what’s next for USCC. The key has been holding myself accountable to focusing on these things and making time to do it. It’s easy to get caught up in email and some of the less impactful stuff that gets attention at the top of the inbox. I’ve been more intentional with how I spend my time and make sure to allocate chunks of time to being strategic and working on what’s next. Establishing the key rocks has been a great way to add focus on the most impactful projects and communicate them out to the company.

Who has supported you in achieving these results?

So many team members that I don’t want to name a few and miss others. I couldn’t do what I do without them.

What is a recent challenge / obstacle you’ve overcome through the behaviors within this Core Trait?

“You pursue new ideas and effectively communicate their significance”. Earlier this year the TE team started using a new tool to provide automated marketing support. They were pumped about it and shared their experience. I saw how they were using it and quickly began to create a vision for how we could use it for outbound marketing and sales campaigns for USCC. It took a few different proposals, plans and follow ups but I was persistent in communicating my vision and why it was important that we invest in the tool. Cari McCoy has always communicated how she expects everyone to continue communicating and proposing a new idea/tool/project/etc. that you believe in. It may take a few follow ups or plans to get there, but if it’s something you’re passionate about then own it and keep fighting for your proposal. If you let it drop off after one email, then how important was it you? I took this advice and kept communicating until we were able to get aligned and move forward.

What should people know about working at Clickstop?

It’s such a fun place to work. Expectations are high, and you have to come in ready to bring your best and make an impact in what you do. It’s an ESOP mentality and everyone has a role to play in making Clickstop realize its full potential.

What is one thing you loved as a child that today’s kids would know nothing about?

The 90’s Disney movie Brink. Such a good movie, but every time I bring it up people look at me like I’m nuts. “just skate better”!

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

I HATE making the bed. It’s seriously the absolute worst. I’m terrible at it and dread it. Luckily my poor performance has led to my wife taking it over most of the time.

What is the silliest way you’ve been injured?

Sneezing. No joke. My team likes to poke fun of my short sneezes that often lead to up to like 8 sneezes in a row. I’ve pulled muscles in my neck from the rapid sneezing. Can’t imagine a sillier way to hurt yourself.

Cake or pie? What difference does it make?

Neither… it’s all about the cookies.  Is there anything better than warm chocolate chip cookies out of the oven with a little milk on the side?