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Shelly Munneke & Deb Kempema

30 years as business owners; 30 years as friends

By Virginia Olson | Photo by Faith Noelle Photography

Shelly Munneke and Deb Kempema believe 30 is one special number. Both women have been business owners in Rock Valley, Iowa for 30 years. Even more special, the two have been friends for 30 years.

Shelly is the owner of Economy Shop – a consignment store that offers quality, brand-name clothing for the entire family. Deb owns First Impressions – a one-stop shop for decorating needs, paint, flooring, furniture and accessories. The two business owners met through the Rock Valley Chamber. It was there the friendship took hold. Looking back, both feel their longstanding friendship has been a positive for their personal and professional lives and the reason behind their business growth.

“Shelly and I met as young business owners 30 years ago when we worked closely together at Chamber promotions,” says Deb. “We found we enjoyed talking to one another about our businesses and soon discovered we have such similar professional lives. Our friendship grew from there.”

“Deb and I also discovered that we shared common business goals,” says Shelly. “We both had visions and ambitions and knew the other understood what that meant. We would listen to one another and offer suggestions, and it was always nice to be able to 'bounce’ ideas off one another.” Shelly also says their long-time friendship has always been a real morale booster. “We realized our friendship not only supported each of us from a business standpoint, but also supported each of us personally. It was Deb who reminded me of my strengths and my successes when I have felt discouraged.”

Today Shelly and Deb believe this mutual support has been a key factor in both their lives.

“We are true friends who have provided incentives for one another to work harder and more efficiently,” says Shelly. “Our businesses have grown and expanded. Deb is now in her 5th location and I am in my 3rd.”

“Besides our business relationship, Shelly and I have a lot in common. We both have three children and both of us from Rock Valley,” says Deb.

Now as 30-year business owners, Deb and Shelly offer advice to other women who own a small business encouraging them to take the risk, try new things and don’t be afraid of change. “Shelly and I realized a long time ago that surrounding ourselves with people who are a positive influence and inspire us is so important,” says Deb. “We have always been there for each other. Both of us attest that a good friend is nice to have not only for professional growth but as a personal connection as well.” n

A FAMILY FRIENDLY CULTURE

How one company sets the example for creating the right culture

According to Forbes, in today’s work atmosphere a well-defi ned, inclusive, and positi ve corporate culture is the glue that binds an organizati on and its employees. In this current post pandemic labor market, culture has never been more important than it is right now. This is why companies like Schulte Subaru that prioriti ze creati ng a positi ve environment for their employees are thriving and growing post pandemic. “Schulte Subaru is all about family and not just fi gurati vely, we are talking literally,” shares Mike Schulte. “We employ over 17 diff erent sets of employees that are related and can be found throughout all of the departments; sales, service, body shop, parts, concierge and restorati on.” “We have everything from husbands and wives, fathers and sons, along with daughters, uncles and even cousins.” So how did it come to pass that Schulte Subaru employs a multi tude of family members? It simply goes back to their employee centric culture they have created. Schulte Subaru strives to promote from within giving their employees the opportunity to grow with the company. This employment development strategy leads to happy employees that recruit their family and friends to apply when a positi on opens. In additi on to promoti ng from within, they also off er the benefi ts todays employees are looking for; team environment with autonomy, balance between work and home life, and a competi ti ve compensati on and benefi t package. Thus, creati ng an employee culture that is made up of friends and family that support each other, look out for one another, and hold each other accountable. In short, they act like family! Hiring family members might seem like a good idea, but some companies fear it could lead to challenging and uncomfortable situati ons or even potenti ally hurt relati onships, so they write company policies that discourage this practi ce. The way Schulte Subaru has been able to overcome this potenti al hiring challenge is by implementi ng a strong hiring process and creati ng an environment that promotes positi ve behavior

and rewards excepti onal customer service. By focusing on creati ng positi ve experiences for customers and employees it naturally diff uses any potenti al drama that could be associated with hiring family members. Schulte Subaru is more than just a car business, they take pride in their unique culture, and it shows through the way they invest in their employees, customers and their community. They serve as an industry best practi ce example to other companies looking to create a dynamic corporate culture that att racts and retains employees.

BE KIND STAY POSITIVE THINK SUBARU

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