Hardwood Floors April/May 2025

By David Williamsn

LOOKING AHEAD: WHERE CAN WE IMPROVE? The next step is finding ways to

improve. How can we better serve our customers? Start by asking what they want and need. Do they want faster service, better communication, or more product choices? Finding these answers helps us stay competitive. It’s also smart to check how we’re working internally. Are there processes that can be streamlined? Are we using our resources in the best way? Looking at these areas can help us work not just harder, but smarter.

A WORTHY INVESTMENT

Taking time to review and plan is a big investment, but it’s worth it. By gathering feedback from both customers and our teams, we can make better decisions and set strong goals for the future. These steps give us a foundation to build on.

Find your local branch: HorizonForest.com/contact

Any slow period is a chance to reset and improve. It’s an opportunity to get the business back on track, not just to be good but to be great. Success comes from taking the time to reflect and make meaningful changes. SHARPENING THE AXE There’s an old story about a woodcutter who stops to sharpen his axe instead of working extra hard using a dull blade. The same idea works in business. If we take the time to fine-tune our plans, improve our products, and strengthen relationships, we’ll see better results every year. Opportunities are everywhere, but they’re easy to miss if we’re always rushing forward. It’s up to us to pause and reflect. If we don’t take the time to sharpen our axes, no

one else will do it for us. And honestly, that’s what makes this process so rewarding. It’s part of the job that only we can do, and it’s one of the most important investments we can make. So, as you move further into this year, take a moment to reflect. Use this time to pivot, improve, and get ready for success. The time you spend planning today will pay off for years to come.

David Williams, Vice President at Horizon Forest Products. To learn more about Horizon Forest Products, visit HorizonForest.com.

22 LOCATIONS | 80+ YEARS IN BUSINESS | 1,000’S OF FLOORING PRODU

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the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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