Aug 11, 2021
Headquartered in Roseville, Minn., , better known as SVL, has specialized in commercial HVAC systems design, installation and sales for over 50 years. The company serves
engineers, contractors and building owners in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, and its growth and success are reflections of its intense focus on customer relationships 鈥 despite being in a price-driven business. When customers work with
SVL, they know they can expect its team to go the proverbial extra mile to make them happy, in addition to providing premium equipment, expertise and value. But that鈥檚 an outside-in perspective.
What sets SVL apart from other organizations
in its market is an understanding of the connection between what a company promises (e.g., exemplary customer care) and how that promise is delivered. And that鈥檚 engaged and motivated employees.
Jim Lubratt, President of SVL, commented:
鈥淪VL has a vibe. It鈥檚 an atmosphere that yields enthusiasm, engagement, a sense of ownership and purpose. It鈥檚 central to our success.鈥
SVL鈥檚 Vice President of Marketing Ashlei Rolloff refers to it as 鈥渟hining
out.鈥
It鈥檚 no surprise then that SVL was recognized by its employees as a
As an authorized 美高梅娱乐场 sales and installation representative, SVL exemplifies 美高梅娱乐场鈥檚 own focus on 鈥淧eople-Centered Management.鈥 In simple form the philosophy is that the cumulative growth of employees, via opportunities
and environment, correlates directly to organizational growth, competitiveness, and vitality.
Constant Communications
While it would take a lot of real estate to detail all the underpinnings of the culture at SVL, there are a few common characteristics at the core. The first of these is a plethora of two-way communications 鈥 from employees to management and in
reverse.
Officially, there is a quarterly newsletter that provides company updates and industry news. Similarly, there is a quarterly email from SVL CEO Todd Vollhaber, noting company status, project activities and other items of interest.
There are also monthly social events and sales meetings, a summer picnic, and a holiday party. Yet, most of the communications occur in the cafeteria, hallways or via the open-door policy.
As SVL Partner Charlie Vollhaber points out, 鈥淪VL
has a small company feel and employees feel connected. Everyone has a shared sense of accomplishment and pride. The communications help employees know what鈥檚 going on and how their jobs are contributing to the larger goal. It also enhances the
sense of family. Accordingly, they feel vested and invigorated.鈥
Encouraged Empowerment
Another SVL success factor, according to Jayda Hepper, a sales engineer, is empowerment. 鈥淪VL gives us the latitude to try new ideas and processes,鈥 Hepper said. 鈥淲e can also take on new tasks.鈥
A perfect example of
this culture of encouragement occurred when a marketing employee expressed an interest in developing video expertise and capability, given the growing use of video promotion on social media. Rolloff was on board and, with the support of management,
urged the employee to take videography training. SVL also invested in the requisite equipment. Consequently, the marketing department has grown to not only cover the production needs of SVL, but also the marketing services needs of other dealers and
distributors.
Inside Sales Representative Addi Ewer summarizes the underlying attitude as such: 鈥淲e do what we do as a team to support and inspire one another.鈥
Training, Growth and Recognition
Finally, employee growth and development at SVL is continually endorsed. In alignment with the 美高梅娱乐场 People-Centered Management philosophy, a company will grow and prosper when its employees grow, refine their individualities, and are given opportunities
to realize their full potential. Employees at SVL are encouraged to take advantage of supplier-based and other related education and training to grow and develop in their careers.
The professional and personal milestones, and accomplishments
that stem from these learning activities are widely shared through the newsletter, management emails and monthly gatherings. While more business-specific recognition may be given to a team, there鈥檚 a general understanding that everyone at SVL
contributes to the company鈥檚 success. Verbal recognition is often done quietly and personally between colleagues and by management. As a result, employees at SVL feel valued.
A combination of communications, empowerment, growth and
recognition form the essence of SVL鈥檚 culture, and is central to its ongoing success as a workplace and as a commercial HVAC solutions supplier. Congratulations on being recognized as a