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Leading dealers from around the country gathered in Chicago for three days of learning with the theme “Reaching Higher to Create the Perfect Customer Experience” as part of LMC’s fifth Annual Leadership Summit.
Held from Sept. 10-13, the annual event brought together leaders in the LMC dealer network to learn together from each other and from professionals in other industries.
It kicked off at Loyola University where Professor Kevin Lee explained the “Customer Life Cycle.” By the end of the session, attendees learned the skills to work strategically and cross-functionally in conducting internal and external client needs assessments.
Afterwards, they headed to the corporate headquarters of Michuda Construction, a leader in the construction field that was established over 100 years ago. Attendees were treated to an inside look at how the company is innovating and preparing for the future while meeting and exceeding their customers’ expectations.
Day two began with a session from Loyola’s Carol Fitzgibbons entitled “Thoughtful Leadership and Leading a Multigenerational Workforce.” In this session, the attendees were led through a discussion of leadership styles, and strategies for thoughtfully flexing your individual leadership style.
The afternoon sessions were held at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. David Schonthal led an amazing session on “The Power of Why” and “Jobs to Be Done” which focused on the process of discovering consumer insight.
Later that evening, attendees boarded Chicago’s First Lady for cocktails and dinner while taking in a scenic architectural river cruise through downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan.
The Leadership Summit ended with an Experiential Workshop at Second City Works, the professional services arm of the Second City improvisational comedy theater. Attendees learned the improv methods that Second City pioneered on its stages to create professional development. The group participated in hands-on learning on the topics of active listening, adapting communication style, leading with empathy, being present, responding in the moment, and leveraging the skills of a diverse team.
Held annually, the Summit addresses the unique aspects of leading in the building supply and lumber business. By providing education in cutting-edge thinking regarding the customer experience, members can build on their legacies while preparing for the challenges of the future.
