This past week HTG members and ConnectWise partners descended on Orlando for the HTG Q4 meetings and the ConnectWise Partner Summit. Both events were packed and very well executed (except for a little AV fiasco you had to be there to appreciate). HTG members spent two days working to drive business and personal growth by holding each other accountable. We have moved to using a standardized quarterly board review template that members use to prepare and present their quarterly performance. From that background information, the other 11 members provide feedback and direction for the future. Feedback on the change was very strong. We are shifting from being backward looking at historical data – to forward looking with strategy and the future in mind. This is a big change for most of us in the channel. Our default thinking is to be focused on the past and present – looking at execution and tactical items – rather than peaking forward at what is to come.
During the ConnectWise Summit, Verne Harnish – the growth guy – challenged all of us to change how we think. We need to become CEO’s if we want to truly lead our company. That means forward looking, future focused, strategy based leadership. It is a shift for many. But driving while always looking in the rear view mirror is a good way to assure you will go in the ditch. So the change is necessary and important. HTG has been focused on that transition for some time, and we are midway through the process using our tools – Service Leadership benchmarking, quarterly board reviews, ConnectWise PSA and a few others. It is a slow and tedious mindshift, but this quarter it seemed that lightbulbs were going on and members were starting to understand the need for the change.
Christy Sacco, Ken Shetler, and Scott Scrogin did an amazing job with our HTG event. Three packed days of content and learning with hardly a bump. The HTG team is top notch and dedicated to making things happen. Our new special interest groups on Wednesday were highly successful and received much praise. Partners want to get together and learn. That is the bottom line. People who are part of peer groups understand the impact and value, and can never get enough. And they know that being a Go-Giver is the key to making that success flow to everyone involved.
I will be writing about the breakout sessions, announcements and other important topics that were discussed in Orlando over the next weeks. For now, as always, execution is the focus. Take that one thing and get to work making it reality for your organization!
Showing posts with label Scott Scrogin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott Scrogin. Show all posts
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Passing the Torch Again!
Earlier this year Scott Scrogin was named President of Heartland Tech Group. Recently another key announcement was made - that Connie Arentson is now President of Heartland Technology Solutions.
That makes me out of the loop on the day to day business of both HTS and HTG. Sort of like sending your kids to college. You work toward this day all your life, and when it comes, it seems like only yesterday you were starting the business. Connie and Scott are both fantastic leaders whom I trust completely. They are surrounded by a fantastic leadership team at both HTS (Jane Cage and Larry Hedin) and HTG (Ken Shetler and Christy Sacco) as well as strong boards that will be focused on keeping things moving the right direction. My role will be to focus on strategy, M&A, relationships and whatever else I can do to add value to both orgs. My official title will be CEO and Chairman of the board and I will still be involved in both organizations to support and bring opportunities to the leadership teams. The hard part is keeping out of the way of day to day decisions, although with my travel schedule it really isn't all that hard to be out of the routine.
Here is the official press release. It really is a great day for all - our teams, our customers, our partners, our members, our vendors and everyone associated in any way with HTS or HTG. Things are in very good and capable hands, and I am proud to still be allowed to be part of it all.
Harlan, Iowa (July 21, 2009) – Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) announces that Connie Arentson has been named president of HTS. Connie will be responsible for day to day activities at HTS. Connie most recently served as Vice President of Professional Services where she managed the service side of the HTS technology business as well as leading the Precision Agriculture business unit. Connie has been with HTS since 1995 and served as a dispatcher for a number of years, and as a field engineer prior to that. “Providing great customer service has been an integral part of delivering solutions at HTS and that will definitely continue to be a top priority,” said Connie.
Connie is a member of First Baptist Church where she serves as a teacher for Sunday school and Baptist Youth Fellowship, an outreach ministry program for 170 kids in the Harlan community. She is also an active member of the praise team. Recently Connie served on the Harlan Sports Booster Board.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Connie earned double bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture Education and Dairy Science.
Kim Marples has also been promoted to service manager at HTS and will hold that role across all HTS locations. Previously Kim held the role of dispatcher for the Harlan location and worked closely with the technical team to ensure clients’ needs were met and expectations were exceeded.
Kim is also a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s of Business Administration in Transportation and Logistics.
Scott Scrogin was earlier named President of Heartland Tech Groups, the international peer group program founded in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen. Scott has been filling that role since the first of the year and has recently been joined with the addition of Christy Sacco who is now part of the HTG team. Ken Shetler continues his role of building strategic relationships for HTG as well.
The longstanding HTS leadership team will remain in place with Arlin Sorensen continuing to serve as Chairman and CEO, Jane Cage as COO and Larry Hedin as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Connie and Scott both bring a deep understanding of our client base and the proven ability to streamline processes and drive efficiency which will help ensure that our clients continue to receive the best possible service. This will allow my role to change from day to day management to strategy, M&A and industry relationships,” said Arlin.
That makes me out of the loop on the day to day business of both HTS and HTG. Sort of like sending your kids to college. You work toward this day all your life, and when it comes, it seems like only yesterday you were starting the business. Connie and Scott are both fantastic leaders whom I trust completely. They are surrounded by a fantastic leadership team at both HTS (Jane Cage and Larry Hedin) and HTG (Ken Shetler and Christy Sacco) as well as strong boards that will be focused on keeping things moving the right direction. My role will be to focus on strategy, M&A, relationships and whatever else I can do to add value to both orgs. My official title will be CEO and Chairman of the board and I will still be involved in both organizations to support and bring opportunities to the leadership teams. The hard part is keeping out of the way of day to day decisions, although with my travel schedule it really isn't all that hard to be out of the routine.
Here is the official press release. It really is a great day for all - our teams, our customers, our partners, our members, our vendors and everyone associated in any way with HTS or HTG. Things are in very good and capable hands, and I am proud to still be allowed to be part of it all.
Harlan, Iowa (July 21, 2009) – Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) announces that Connie Arentson has been named president of HTS. Connie will be responsible for day to day activities at HTS. Connie most recently served as Vice President of Professional Services where she managed the service side of the HTS technology business as well as leading the Precision Agriculture business unit. Connie has been with HTS since 1995 and served as a dispatcher for a number of years, and as a field engineer prior to that. “Providing great customer service has been an integral part of delivering solutions at HTS and that will definitely continue to be a top priority,” said Connie.
Connie is a member of First Baptist Church where she serves as a teacher for Sunday school and Baptist Youth Fellowship, an outreach ministry program for 170 kids in the Harlan community. She is also an active member of the praise team. Recently Connie served on the Harlan Sports Booster Board.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Connie earned double bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture Education and Dairy Science.
Kim Marples has also been promoted to service manager at HTS and will hold that role across all HTS locations. Previously Kim held the role of dispatcher for the Harlan location and worked closely with the technical team to ensure clients’ needs were met and expectations were exceeded.
Kim is also a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s of Business Administration in Transportation and Logistics.
Scott Scrogin was earlier named President of Heartland Tech Groups, the international peer group program founded in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen. Scott has been filling that role since the first of the year and has recently been joined with the addition of Christy Sacco who is now part of the HTG team. Ken Shetler continues his role of building strategic relationships for HTG as well.
The longstanding HTS leadership team will remain in place with Arlin Sorensen continuing to serve as Chairman and CEO, Jane Cage as COO and Larry Hedin as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Connie and Scott both bring a deep understanding of our client base and the proven ability to streamline processes and drive efficiency which will help ensure that our clients continue to receive the best possible service. This will allow my role to change from day to day management to strategy, M&A and industry relationships,” said Arlin.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Need for Thank You's
We have just come off an unbelievable event with HTG Summit 2009. It would be easy to bask in the glowing reviews and positive comments from our members and vendor sponsors, but the reality is a whole lot of people were involved in making this event happen. I want to make sure to recognize as many as I can (sorry if someone get's overlooked). Too often we don't stop to say thanks to those who make things happen. So here is a list of people who were instrumental in making HTG Summit 2009 a success. A very special thanks to all of you.
Scott Scrogin who serves as president of HTG, is my first thank you. Scott works tirelessly and passionately to make HTG what it is. He was instrumental in helping pull off a great event.
Bob Burg did an awesome job sharing the principles of being a Go-Giver and the power of referrals, networking and relationships. His time with us was powerful and gives us a true focus for how we need to engage with our clients and community.
Christy Sacco was our event planner and took us up a few notches in terms of everything. She is the best there is and really helped make HTG Summit a fabulous experience for all.
Ken Shetler manages our vendor relationships and worked many long and sleepless days trying to herd the vendor cats so we could have a meaningful engagement with them in the lunch and learns, dinners, seats at the table and vendor fair experiences.
My bride Nancy tolerated a whole lot of long days and lots of people for months leading up to this event. I could not do what I do without her support and encouragement. Nancy also trys to keep up with all the agreements and contracts for HTG which is a whole lot of paper.
Sue Sorensen handles all the accounting for HTG. Talk about a wizard at billing and managing the A/R and other aspects of accounting, we could not do it without her.
Mary Petersen did all the design work and handles our newsletter production each month. She worked to help put the conference book together, sign design, shirt design and on the list goes. She also took a whole lot of pictures that are posted to the member portal.
Brad Schow and family (Robyn, Ben and Rachel) were instrumental in helping us with registration and a thousand other tasks that week. They spent spring break serving the HTG membership. Now that is commitment (or they live in a dictatorship). We never would have made it without them.
Aaron Booker brought VarVid to the event and captured some powerful video for us. We really appreciate all the support Aaron gives to HTG. Check out the video at http://www.varvid.com/ and next time you need something done, let Aaron know.
The HTG advisory board of Brad, Lyf, Scott, Stuart and Dan really help set direction and keep the ship on course. We are thankful for all their investment and leadership. A special thanks to Lyf for the literally hundreds of hours he spent making sure the HTG portal was ready for the event (which is why he recieved the Founders Award on Tuesday evening).
The facilitators did a bang up job of leading their collective boardrooms. These folks are in the trenches and do a fantastic job of helping members learn and grow.
As always, the team at the Omni did an unbelievable job of taking care of us. Ramses, Terri, Cameron and team were very efficient in meeting our needs and serving our members.
We had 37 vendors there to connect with HTG members and this event doesn't happen without their support. Make sure you reach out and thank our vendor partners for being part of HTG.
The lineup of speakers for our breakout sessions was first rate. Thanks to all who were willing to share knowledge and guidance to our membership. You did a fantastic job.
A very special thanks to Paul Dippell and Ryan Morris for helping us convey the HTG 3.0 message to our membership. Change is a coming, and these industry thought leaders helped flesh out and explain the changes that are driving our strategy for the next version of HTG.
Last but certainly not least, we thank our members who spent 3 or 4 days out of office to attend the week in Dallas. As we talked about in our keynote, HTG is you. It would not happen without your willingness to be part of the community and living a go-giver life.
So thanks to all. A great week with a long lasting impact. THANK YOU!
Scott Scrogin who serves as president of HTG, is my first thank you. Scott works tirelessly and passionately to make HTG what it is. He was instrumental in helping pull off a great event.
Bob Burg did an awesome job sharing the principles of being a Go-Giver and the power of referrals, networking and relationships. His time with us was powerful and gives us a true focus for how we need to engage with our clients and community.
Christy Sacco was our event planner and took us up a few notches in terms of everything. She is the best there is and really helped make HTG Summit a fabulous experience for all.
Ken Shetler manages our vendor relationships and worked many long and sleepless days trying to herd the vendor cats so we could have a meaningful engagement with them in the lunch and learns, dinners, seats at the table and vendor fair experiences.
My bride Nancy tolerated a whole lot of long days and lots of people for months leading up to this event. I could not do what I do without her support and encouragement. Nancy also trys to keep up with all the agreements and contracts for HTG which is a whole lot of paper.
Sue Sorensen handles all the accounting for HTG. Talk about a wizard at billing and managing the A/R and other aspects of accounting, we could not do it without her.
Mary Petersen did all the design work and handles our newsletter production each month. She worked to help put the conference book together, sign design, shirt design and on the list goes. She also took a whole lot of pictures that are posted to the member portal.
Brad Schow and family (Robyn, Ben and Rachel) were instrumental in helping us with registration and a thousand other tasks that week. They spent spring break serving the HTG membership. Now that is commitment (or they live in a dictatorship). We never would have made it without them.
Aaron Booker brought VarVid to the event and captured some powerful video for us. We really appreciate all the support Aaron gives to HTG. Check out the video at http://www.varvid.com/ and next time you need something done, let Aaron know.
The HTG advisory board of Brad, Lyf, Scott, Stuart and Dan really help set direction and keep the ship on course. We are thankful for all their investment and leadership. A special thanks to Lyf for the literally hundreds of hours he spent making sure the HTG portal was ready for the event (which is why he recieved the Founders Award on Tuesday evening).
The facilitators did a bang up job of leading their collective boardrooms. These folks are in the trenches and do a fantastic job of helping members learn and grow.
As always, the team at the Omni did an unbelievable job of taking care of us. Ramses, Terri, Cameron and team were very efficient in meeting our needs and serving our members.
We had 37 vendors there to connect with HTG members and this event doesn't happen without their support. Make sure you reach out and thank our vendor partners for being part of HTG.
The lineup of speakers for our breakout sessions was first rate. Thanks to all who were willing to share knowledge and guidance to our membership. You did a fantastic job.
A very special thanks to Paul Dippell and Ryan Morris for helping us convey the HTG 3.0 message to our membership. Change is a coming, and these industry thought leaders helped flesh out and explain the changes that are driving our strategy for the next version of HTG.
Last but certainly not least, we thank our members who spent 3 or 4 days out of office to attend the week in Dallas. As we talked about in our keynote, HTG is you. It would not happen without your willingness to be part of the community and living a go-giver life.
So thanks to all. A great week with a long lasting impact. THANK YOU!
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