NextGen

by Kelly Scott, Barrydowne Paint

Solidifying a commitment to ALLPRO’s future has been on Michael Beaudoin’s radar for the past two years. But now, after hosting two NextGen ALLPRO Universities in New Orleans in 2018 and in New Jersey in 2019, ALLPRO is not only talking the talk, it’s walking the walk – by introducing the newly-formed NextGen Committee.

Along with my fellow committee members Ash Clement of Clement’s Paint, TX; Rachel O’Connor of General Paints Group in Ireland; Sean Paul from Dugan’s Paint in Sedalia, MO; Patrick Smith from Regal Paint Centers in Silver Spring, MD; and David Steuerman from PACOA in Port Washington, NY; I was honored to be asked to establish and lead this network of up-and-coming ALLPRO owners and key associates.

The mission of this new group is to blend the experience and leadership that we find today at ALLPRO, with the next generation’s understanding of our changing business environment, technology, and their own strong desire to make their mark on our industry. By doing this, we create the conditions for our group and the independent channel to grow stronger, and improve upon the legacy of success within ALLPRO.

Our mandate is to work together to build a strong support group that will help the next generation transition into ownership and leadership roles. In addition, NextGen will help plan and execute leadership and skills development opportunities for all members, including the next ALLPRO University planned for 2021.

ALLPRO NextGen University, New Orleans 2018

The More, the Merrier

The NextGen Committee is, by nature, a collaborative and team-oriented group. We want to keep the door open to new opportunities, ideas, and people. That’s why we decided to invite some special guests to our first meeting – to share their perspectives on the challenges ALLPRO faces and how the NextGen Committee can help meet those needs going forward. A big thank you to Glen Morosohk (who snuck away from his board meeting to join us), Tyger Paul from Dugan’s Paint, and Scott Herling and Eddie Pocoski from Ring’s End who lent their expertise on professional development and engaging high-performing team members.

Succession planning is a big topic around our table; not only how we see ourselves as future business leaders, but how we can eventually serve to support the group.

As a committee, we asked ourselves how we might be able to address those challenges. Looking down on the issue from 40,000 feet, it’s plain to see that failing to make transition and succession plans will take a toll on the overall health of ALLPRO. The NextGen Committee is exploring the barriers to a successful transition and identifying resources and tools to help all members moving forward.

Looking Beyond Allpro U for Development Opportunities

We are excited by the prospect of getting to plan and execute ALLPRO U in 2021. One interesting concept that emerged during our meeting was how to leverage technology to expand valuable training and development opportunities all year around.

ALLPRO U is limited by the number of participants, and for some, travel costs and scheduling are barriers to attending the event. That’s all the more reason we hope to explore using digital platforms to create training opportunities throughout the year. Besides widening our net to reach more people and make new connections, it is very apparent that technology-based training is becoming the new normal.

Little did we realize that we were onto something big. And then the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Stronger Together

It was as if Michael had a crystal ball when he and the ALLPRO board decided to go all-in on building a NextGen network. Of course, no one could’ve predicted that immediately following the Spring Show in San Antonio, we would find ourselves in the most challenging roles of our careers, if not our lives.

The ability to connect with each other helped us to navigate those first chaotic weeks in uncharted territory. Knowing we could reach out to colleagues, check in with one another and share our experiences in the trenches was both comforting and incredibly inspiring. I know the COVID-19 response we deployed at Barrydowne Paint would’ve been less effective if not for the valuable information and tips gleaned from fellow ALLPRO members. I’m forever grateful.

I speak for the entire NextGen Committee when I say this pandemic has truly demonstrated the power of a united ALLPRO member network. Once we crawl out of our respective foxholes, hopefully someday soon, it’ll be with the knowledge that we came through this stronger together.