Better Together For The Long Haul – SMA and GNA Unify Under Spartan Surfaces
It’s official, Salesmaster and Great Northern are now Spartan Surfaces. The transformation as SMA and GNA Unify Under Spartan Surfaces, going from a multi-brand organization into one powerhouse has been a remarkable journey. Since we combined forces in 2023, dedicated teams across Spartan, Salesmaster, and Great Northern Associates have been fully committed to building one unified team, culminating in the official rebranding on January 1st.
Want the inside scoop on how we did it? Check out episode 3 of the Better Together Podcast, where Wayne Carter chats with Special guests Ellen Stasi, the new National Director of Customer Service, and Michael Goldfarb, the new Director of Distribution about building this new company .
Ellen Stasi: Building a Home Away from Home
With over 26 years at Salesmaster, Ellen’s journey is a testament to loyalty and the impact of a supportive workplace culture. Starting as a newly single mom, she found not just a job but a community that empowered her as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Ellen emphasizes how the company’s environment made her feel at home and how it has evolved to support and uplift women in the workforce.
Michael Goldfarb: A Journey of Versatility
Michael brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his role. Before joining Salesmaster, he was a golf professional, owned a Carvel ice cream store, and worked in a packaging company. His varied background contributes to his unique perspective on distribution and operations. Michael values the relationships he’s built over the years and is motivated by collaborating with team members across all locations to tackle challenges together.
The Power of Relationships
The team believes that knowing each other personally enhances collaboration and makes work more enjoyable. Ellen discusses looking forward to coming in every day because of the strong bonds she shares with colleagues, describing the team as a family. Michael agrees, noting that these personal connections enable them to support each other both professionally and personally.
Communication in a Remote World
With teams spread across multiple locations, effective communication has become more crucial than ever as SMA and GNA Unify with Spartan. Michael discusses how daily interactions, whether through phone calls or digital platforms like Microsoft Teams, keep everyone connected. Regular communication ensures that the team functions seamlessly despite the distance, helping to maintain the company’s strong culture and camaraderie.
Integrating Cultures and Processes
The integration of Spartan Surfaces with Salesmaster and GNA presents exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. Ellen and Michael are eager to understand each other’s processes and meld them into a cohesive system that leverages the strengths of all three organizations. They plan to sit down with management teams to identify effective synergies and create a unified approach that benefits everyone involved.
Balancing Technology with Human Touch
While technology plays a significant role in modern operations, both Ellen and Michael believe it cannot replace the personal relationships that define Spartan Surfaces’ culture. They acknowledge that while there are multiple avenues for placing orders and communicating, many customers still prefer the human touch—speaking directly with team members who know them personally. This emphasis on relationships sets us apart and remains central to our way of doing business.
Key Strategies for Fostering a Culture of Shared Success
- Prioritize Personal Relationships: Building strong connections enhances teamwork and productivity.
- Maintain Effective Communication: Regular interactions keep teams aligned, especially when working remotely.
- Embrace and Integrate Change: Openness and collaboration are essential when merging different cultures and processes.
- Balance Technology and Humanity: Use technology to enhance operations but preserve the human connections that define the company.
- Commit to Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing education and be receptive to new ideas and approaches.
Looking Ahead: Overcoming Challenges Together
Wayne acknowledges that the journey of integration will have its challenges as SMA and GNA Unify with Spartan. He is confident that patience and teamwork will smooth the path forward. Ellen and Michael share this optimism. They are committed to working through any obstacles and are eager to see where the company will be in five years.
Join the Conversation
What are the secrets to building a more collaborative and empowered organization? Find out in the Better Together Podcast Episode 3 as Wayne, Ellen, and Michael delve deep into the strategies that drive shared success at Spartan Surfaces.
For more insights on this exciting journey, listen to the latest Better Together podcast episode and explore our past articles:
The Why Behind Better Together
Spartan and Salesmaster: Better Together
Better Together – A New Era of Collaboration
Better Together – Spartan Surfaces + Salesmaster + Great Northern
ABOUT SPARTAN
Spartan Surfaces is a specialty flooring supplier headquartered in Bel Air, MD. Employing over 250 team members, Spartan prides itself on taking a human-centered approach to business. We put people at the forefront of everything we do – our clients, our suppliers, our communities, our team, and our families. Spartan holds warehousing and offices in Maryland, Minnesota, and Upstate New York with showrooms in D.C., New York City, and Chicago. Its geography spans the contiguous United States with continued expansion on the horizon. We are great people dedicated to great products, great families, great friendships, and great happiness. Whatever you’re working on, we’ve got you covered!