Recently, Unisync Group was named one of the best employers to work for in
UMN: Tell us a bit about the best employee program’s sponsors Aon Hewitt and
What makes the 50 Best study so unique is the feedback comes from employees who work in our faculties. In today’s business environment there are lists and rankings for everything. Although scrutiny from experts and industry peers has its place, hearing good things from our employees really says something about our company.
The Best Employer survey is in its 6th year and this is our first year participating. Some other organizations on the list include Mercedes Benz Financial Services Canada and Nintendo of Canada Limited.
UMN: Why is being a best employee relevant?
We firmly believe that if our employees are committed to what they do and feel engaged in their job that will translate directly into the quality of products and services we provide our customer. In turn employees will see positive growth in their company and careers; everything comes full circle. Simply put, happy employees make happy customers.
UMN: Is such a distinction more important given the economic downturn? How so?
Most defiantly! Our company has gone through a tremendous amount of change to arrive where we are today. The award really represents our employee’s confidence in themselves, their leadership and the security they have created for our company to grow and prosper.
UMN: You state that employees are excited about being part of the Unisync team, no small accomplishment given the economy. How do you drive employee engagement? How is this important to the company’s success?
The interesting thing about employee engagement is that it is not generated from what most people assume. Pay, benefits and the employee BBQ’s don’t keep employees at any company. Increasing an employee’s pay simply creates a new baseline; it does not engage. Employees come to work for strong leadership, opportunity through company growth, secure employment through team success, open communication and respect in the work place.
UMN: You state there’s renewed energy and positive growth over the past several years. Can you provide one or two concrete examples?
As a uniform provider, when companies have low turnover, limited recruiting and slow growth we feel it because people don’t order new uniforms. This was exactly what was happening to Unisync in 2008. As a result we needed to tweak our business strategy to ensure we continued to grow. We put a tremendous amount of energy and resources into seeking and signing new customers. This strategy was not kept a secret and without formally requesting, employees began organically sending in sales leads to our team. From the distribution team to executives, everyone inherently understood that they play a key role in the success of the company. As a result we had a record breaking year at a time when the world economy was in a serious recession.
UMN: It seems almost clichéd to talk about outstanding customer service – everyone claims to provide this. What specifically does Unisync do to provide customers with a positive experience? How is this different from your competitors?
You are quite right in that everyone claims outstanding customer service but very few actually practice it. Unisync has the most committed team in the business. Many companies have similar structure but few have departments that take full ownership over the customer and coordinate every department to ensure customers are receiving world class service.
UMN: Some companies have viewed the economic downturn as an opportunity for innovation, rather than a negative force on their bottom line. Has Unisync been able to turn lean times into successes?
Most defiantly, as I mentioned we are nimble enough to change our business strategy to match the economic environment. We are also very aware that as many companies downsize and let go talent, we are growing and recruiting.
In addition, the selling proposition for Unisync is to help customers increase revenue through maintaining, updating or creating a uniform program. It doesn’t take n expert to understand that consumers would prefer to do business with companies who have people in uniform. Companies who engage in a uniform program are perceived as more professional, more knowledgeable and more secure than those without. This premise contributes to retention and acquiring of new business, keys to success in any economy. Secondarily, employees see the provision of a uniform as a perk, which contribute to moral.
UMN: In which market segments do you see the greatest opportunity for growth? Any in decline?
We have seen tremendous opportunity in the security industry. For obvious reasons uniforms are key elements in that sector. We have researched and quickly become experts in the sector. In addition Unisync is a leader in the grocery and quick service food among other industries.
UMN: In a video that appears on your website, you state that you’re in the “business of making people happy.” Can you further elaborate?
Generally companies that invest in a uniform program are doing many good things with their employees and customers. Although not always conscious when the thousands of working people wake up each day and put on the uniform of their employer the hope is it instills a scene of pride which will translate into a positive experience for customers and employees. People are reminded that the work they do everyday provides a better life for them, their family and the customers they deal with. The power of a uniform is subtle but very strong.
UMN: At a time when corporate giving is stagnant, you have increased your outreach to those in need. Can you tell us about your involvement with Feed the Children and any other community programs with which the company is involved?
Feed The Children (FTC) is an international charity in
Our increased involvement began 2 years ago when I toured the FTC facility. My assumption had always been that FTC sends products to third world countries. When touring I saw a pallet marked “Hamilton” after asking which country that package was going the response shocked me – it was going to Hamilton Ontario, right in our own community. At that moment I realize this is a charity with a world as well as local view much like Unisync as a business.
UMN: For those unfamiliar with Unisync, give us a brief overview of the company, its products and markets served.
Unisync is a full service vertically integrated provider of corporate apparel and promotional products that enhance the image of their customers’ brands. This is offered through their three distinct brands:
The organization includes an award winning design team, state of the art 100,000 sq ft distribution centre, a professional retail inspired showroom with an in-house team of professional custom seamstress’s.
