During the 4th quarter, we moved on from our MP in Davenport and Eric agreed to take on the challenge of getting what was once one of our busiest and most profitable locations back on track while at the same time, keeping an eye on things and supporting the team in CR.
In Cedar Rapids, Eric had spent extended time with a full team and while showing steady sales growth and financial success. It would have been simple to just stay the course and let the results continue without a big shakeup or extra responsibility. In Davenport, not only did he have struggling sales and financial results to overcome with no event coordinator during the busiest of seasons, but he also had to reinvent the culture and attitude that had deteriorated over recent months in the front of house.
Periods 12 and 13 saw a great improvement with Eric on board, something you can all see in recent statements and in the social media comments that have been coming in. Even more impressive to me was the lack of falloff seen in sales growth and financial results in Cedar Rapids, despite his attention being mostly directed to the East. Playing the role of MP in 2 stores as well as leading the event charge during the craziest time of the year was a challenge, but Eric was able to stay ahead of it all with a great attitude and in a manner that showed respectful accountability to the staff in both locations.
Please join me in congratulating Eric on being the Q4 2019 Spirit Award winner!
-Mark Evoy