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20 FEDA News & Views USS Enterprise continued The essence of the people on board was not their age or number of years in the Navy. It was leadership, mission, doc- trine, skills and training. The Systems Launched in 1961, Enterprise was the world's first nuclear aircraft carrier and was still in service after over 50 years and several refits of its multiple nuclear reactors. She carried over 80 jets, plus numerous helicopters and other aircraft such as AWACs. The colossal steam catapults were capable of launch- ing several planes per minute. There was a vast hangar below deck with several massive aircraft elevators. ➤ The ship's personnel and shops maintained the aircraft and mechanical systems including eight nuclear reactors. ➤ Enterprise contained a hospital, complete with operating rooms, an intensive care unit and a laboratory. ➤ The world's most advanced navigation, fire control and telecommunications systems were on board. ➤ Eighty personnel on a deck measuring only 1,200 feet by 250 feet ran a combat airport with multiple flight opera- tions per minute. On deck were as many as 30 aircraft, fuel, ordnance and safety equipment. Safety is of para- mount importance at all times. Even more remarkable than the advanced equipment was the crew's ability to operate, maintain and repair the systems under the most adverse conditions. Strategy Military strategy is not only a sensitive subject but it is far beyond the scope of this short article. I will touch on some basics that connect to running a wholesale distribution busi- ness. ➤ Crew safety received constant attention, primarily in the form of training. Safety was at the top of everyone's mind at all times. ➤ Training was continuous. The entire crew practiced com- plex drills, such as emergency landings, battle stations, personnel and aircraft recovery. Navy and Marine pilots fly far more training missions than any of their counter- parts in the world. The entire ship conducted a multiweek training mission at sea prior to each deployment. The crew was always prepared for unforeseeable events and opportunities. ➤ Much of the Enterprise's cloak of protection was not vis- ible on board and wasn't even near the carrier. Unseen submarines, surface craft and patrol helicopters operated under a continuous AWACs surveillance umbrella extend- ing out hundreds of miles. Protection of the carrier from adversaries never lapsed. As a distributor leader, you need to connect your "officers and crew" to your company's compelling goal. People must have clarity about their individual roles. A high level of trust based on strong two-way communication is needed. Ask yourself these important questions… Are you running a shipshape distribution business? Do your people feel that they are working on a tight ship? Do you have a happy crew? About the Author Brent R. Grover is a nationally recognized distribution industry consultant, speaker, writer, and the founder of distribution consulting firm Evergreen Consulting, LLC. He is an NAW Institute Fellow and has written eight books including Strategic Pricing for Distributors. His newest NAW book, In Search of the Perfect Customer: Cost to Serve for Distributors, was published in 2011. The Little Black Book of Strategic Planning for Distributors was published by MDM in 2012. He can be reached by email at brent@ evergreen-consulting.com or by phone at (216) 360-4600. Changing the Way You Cook since 1990 800.988.8103 360.650.1111 woodstone-corp.com STONE HEARTH & SPECIALTY Commercial Cooking Equipment Discover why OVER 13,000 OVENS, rotisseries, charbroilers, tandoors, and planchas have been SOLD IN 75+ COUNTRIES worldwide. Made in the USA.