Food Chain - Issue 200 - June 2024 | Page 154

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a shift in our approach . Therefore , Gielow collaborated with suppliers to secure inventory , adapting to the changing landscape . To that end , we rented facilities to stockpile supplies , which enabled us to be prepared for when our suppliers could ship , aligning with crop cycles to ensure readiness . Instead of dwelling on our suppliers ’ limitations , we focused on finding innovative solutions . I believe that thinking outside the box remains an essential mindset today as supply chains are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic ,” he unveils .
Gielow ’ s emphasis on collaboration is not only reflected through its relationships with suppliers , but also in its company culture , as
Today ’ s biggest challenge continues to be the limited number of qualified individuals
Craig elaborates . “ As a family business , we strive to foster a culture where employees feel like valued members of our family . Even though we are a large company , it remains important for us to keep a close-knit feel where everyone knows each other , promoting a sense of familial connection from the leadership down . This familial bond became especially vital during the challenges brought on by the pandemic , as we did our best to keep our staff in employment when our business experienced an 80 percent decline . We engaged in tasks such as painting , cleaning , organizing , and even relocating to a larger corporate office to continue providing work
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