Culture Crush Business LLC

Authentic Family – Highlighting Muscular Moving Men and Petsmart E3

March 5, 2021

Culture Crush continues to highlight leaders and companies that have a great company culture and Ken Smerz, the CEO of Zelus, was a perfect leader and company to highlight for the relaunch of the show. Zelus has grown dramatically over the first three years but at the core, they stay true to their four tenants; gratitude, passion, freedom, and truth. They strive, through all levels of the organization, to be a family that follows these tenants together. Through the conversation, Ken mentions many other “bites” that he uses to lead the company with including communication, mentorship and being care-frontational.


This podcast is full of many “bites” from the company Zelus on how they have grown and maintained their strong company culture. The listeners will want to listen in to hear the bites that can help their company culture as well This is a great podcast to listen to if you are wondering what great company looks like. This podcast is perfect for company leaders that are looking for new ways to strengthen their own company culture. This is also a great podcast to listen to if you are just passionate about good company culture and how to grow and support your company personally.


Resources: Along with highlighting companies with great culture, Culture Crush also tries to provide other great resources and role models through the conversation as well. This episode will mention some amazing resources and quotes from Marcus Buckingham, Jocko Willink, and Michael Gerber.

We wish the listeners could see the guests picking up their dogs to share with the camera, but the conversation (even without the dogs) is worth listening. Although puppies and kittens are of course a perk of Petsmart, there are other parts of the culture that Dani and Lauren discuss. Petsmart has continued to progress through the pandemic, support their staff through working from home, and continuing to have passion for people and pets.


Jennifer and Justin gave insight into the culture of Muscular Moving Men from the beginning and through the pandemic. They have been able to keep a strong family culture, continuing to support the staff through motivation, while keeping the customers accountable and safe as well. Both companies have growth plans for the future that also include doing good for the community as well.

Muscular Moving Men

Founders Josh Jurhill and Justin Hodge started Muscular Moving Men to be leaders in the moving industry. Arizona natives, initially just local moving company, MMM added long distance moves, storage, commercial moving & storage and this year Junk Removal.

Over the last 12 years Muscular Moving Men & Storage has expanded and seen tremendous growth focusing on amazing company culture and advancement. The staff at MMM has grown with the company with most office members initially starting in the field. According to Justin Hodge Co-Founder, “Its important that our entire staff understand how a move works and how important it is we take care of our customers on moving day.”.


Fast forward to 2020 MMM has expanded into a 20,000sf warehouse, 20 trucks, a commercial & junk removal division and a staff of around 70 hard working and very talented individuals. The core values of the company have and always will be “Outstanding Service, competitive rates, Muscles for a Move Made Easy!”

Justin Hodge

Justin Hodge is a 2018 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 Inductee and graduate of the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University. He is an Arizona native and Co-Founder of Muscular Moving Men & Storage which opened their doors in 2008.


With sights set on nationwide expansion, Justin and his leadership team work to change the culture of the moving industry and stay in touch with the small business feel that made the company successful out of the gate. Justin is a Husband to an amazing wife and father of two beautiful kids.

Jennifer Villalobos

Jennifer Villalobos is a first generation Latina who graduated graduated from the University of Arizona & received her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Today, as an industry executive, Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient & board member of multiple non profits, and now VP of Marketing for Muscular Moving Men & Storage, Jennifer inspires others to achieve beyond boundaries, never forgetting to return gratitude to those who helped lay the foundation and being a role model to her community.

Follow Muscular Moving Men on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Justin Hodge

Founded in 1986, PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives.


This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates, and how we give back to our communities.

We operate approximately 1,650 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products and offers unique pet services including training, pet grooming, boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp and in-store pet adoptions.


Expert veterinarian care is available in many of our stores, where Banfield Pet Hospital®, operates full-service pet hospitals. These in-store pet hospitals operate independently of PetSmart and employ veterinarians who provide a full range of health care and emergency services.


PetSmart, together with non-profits PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada, partners with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 9 million adoptions – more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.

Lauren Givens

Lauren Givens is the Manager of Emerging Talent at PetSmart. Lauren has more than 9 years of progressive and strategic experience in learning, leadership and talent development, and talent acquisition. Lauren attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she received both her BA and MA in Communication.


Lauren has worked for both for profit and not for profit retailers before she found herself at PetSmart. She is responsible for the end-to-end early career talent recruitment process that begins with development of the recruitment strategy, design and development of program content, execution of non-traditional recruitment strategies and new hire onboarding for early career talent. She is passionate about helping others see their potential and developing internal and external talent.

Dani Kaufman

Dani Kaufman has been with PetSmart for 5 years and currently leads the employment brand and recruitment marketing team. She is passionate about PetSmart and loves to give others a peek into #lifeatpetsmart. She also loves being a dog mom to Ace and Gizmo.


Follow PetSmart on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Resources

Muscular Moving Men

Petsmart

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This episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast is a real one- are you ready for it? This conversation includes insightful moments on personal journeys, mental health, and workplace culture. Host Kindra Maples and guest co-host Karen Nowicki dive in with guests Mathew Blades and Eric Brooker, to discuss the power of vulnerability in fostering connections and supporting employees through challenges.  They highlight the importance of initiating difficult conversations, building relationship capital, and creating empathetic workplace cultures. Hear impactful stories, like Eric Brooker’s, illustrating the significance of addressing personal struggles promptly, and gaining insights into navigating high-stakes jobs while prioritizing self-care. Join the conversation to learn how to foster resilience and empathy in your workplace today.
February 5, 2024
In the latest Culture Crush Business Podcast episode, host Kindra Maples and guest co-host James Christensen dive into the dynamic intersection of military culture, personal values, and high-performance leadership with esteemed guests Waldo Waldman and Dan Clark. The conversation weaves through a captivating exploration of resilience, identity, and the pivotal role belief plays in shaping organizational culture.  Dan, drawing from his triumph over paralysis, outlines a three-step approach to nurturing a positive culture—expanded belief, elevated expectations, and empowered behavior. He emphasizes the leader’s crucial role in instilling shared beliefs and fostering transparent communication. Waldo chimes in by stressing the significance of mutual support, admitting mistakes, and aligning with team values. The podcast’s second half delves into the art of professional speaking, emphasizing the importance of customization, embracing discomfort for growth, and the role of vulnerability in ineffective leadership. Dan and Waldo passionately advocate for leaders to connect with all levels of employees, address trust and ego challenges, and embrace a culture of continuous improvement. This riveting and enlightening episode delivers a comprehensive view of leadership, seamlessly weaving together military principles, personal narratives, and actionable advice for fostering a positive and growth-centric organizational culture. There is a take away in here for everyone!!
By Kindra Maples January 23, 2024
In this insightful episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast, the concept of culture is explored from various perspectives. Kindra Maples, sets the tone by defining culture as the shared rhythm and essence that emerges when people come together, emphasizing its pervasive influence across all aspects of life. Guests Stephen Smith and Jay Rayhons contribute their experiences in sports and business, discussing the importance of understanding and defining one's culture. The conversation deepens as Jay Rayhons shares his approach to financial work, prioritizing understanding clients' personal goals and values before delving into financial details. This emphasis on recognizing deeper values beyond monetary concerns is connected to leadership and organizational culture. The discussion expands with insights from Stephen Smith on maintaining strong connections within remote or hybrid teams, emphasizing proximity, time, and energy investment. Consistency in leadership is highlighted, drawing parallels to military training and the Ooda loop. Trust within organizations is explored, with mentions of the "Trust Factor" book and its O-factor assessment tool. The episode concludes with the guests encouraging listeners to seek the good in others, contributing positively to organizational culture. The importance of genuine inclusivity, openness, and ongoing improvement is emphasized, providing a holistic exploration of culture in the business context. A few books that were talked about in the conversation: Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High-Performance Companies by Paul J. Zak Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal , Tantum Collins Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition): Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin A few finals thoughts to take from the conversation:  Know yourself and include others on the journey. Look for the good in someone and you will find it.
December 12, 2023
This Podcast Episode is on “from the vault.” This episode has a very personal side and connection for Kindra and her guest, Jean Brunson. In this podcast episode, Kindra dives into a candid conversation about the evolution of the podcast and its focus on improving company culture. They reflect on how Jean was the one that pushed Kindra towards a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the significance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB). The conversation touches on the challenge of addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, acknowledging the reluctance some individuals may have in expressing their feelings or concerns due to fear of repercussions. The hosts highlight the need for safe spaces to have open conversations about diversity, recognizing the unique struggles faced by different communities. As the discussion weaves through personal experiences and the impact of diversity in various settings, it emphasizes the multifaceted nature of company culture. They share insights on how the podcast evolved to embrace a broader definition of company culture, extending beyond big corporations to encompass small businesses and diverse groups. The episode also delves into the significance of Juneteenth, tying it to the broader conversation on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The hosts discuss the recent federal recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday and reflect on the importance of acknowledging historical events that have shaped the experiences of black communities. Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on the power of conversations, the importance of listening, and the need to create spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Kindra and Jean share their personal growth through this journey, illustrating the transformative impact of intentional efforts to embrace diversity and foster inclusivity in both professional and personal spheres. Thank you Jean Brunson for your contribution to the growth of the Culture Crush Business and Podcast.
November 20, 2023
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Lindsay, a seasoned leader with almost 17 years of dedicated service at Desert Financial Credit Union, and Nikki, a passionate advocate for employee engagement and the driving force behind PeopleForward Network. This conversation, as the others that we have, was open, authentic and natural. The conversation led to examples of both companies leading in a human centered and people focused direction.  Lindsay highlighted the importance Desert Financial places on employee satisfaction and creating a workplace culture that empowers and values its staff. This commitment translates into exceptional service for members, where every interaction is more than a transaction. The organization focuses on connection, community, and service to others. Nikki, from PeopleForward Network, provided insights into their mission of sharing resources and insights with a global community of people-first minded leaders. From podcast production to growth consulting, PeopleForward Network collaborates with partners to make a meaningful impact on business development and marketing. These women are making waves in their industries in order to build companies with great cultures. If you are looking for examples, stories, and support for growing your company culture, then this is an episode for you to listen to.
October 27, 2023
In the modern business landscape, a company’s culture is not just an internal matter. It has evolved into a valuable asset that can significantly impact a company’s success and reputation. We know this! However, having a fantastic company culture is not enough. It’s equally crucial to communicate this culture to the broader community and potential partners. One effective way to achieve this is by partnering with experts that specialize in marketing and telling the story of your company’s exceptional culture, such as achieving recognition as one of the best places to work. Having an outstanding company culture is a remarkable achievement in itself, but it’s not enough if it remains hidden within the walls of your organization. To truly reap the benefits of a great culture, you must share it with your community, industry peers, and potential partners. Many companies face the challenge of being the best-kept secret in terms of culture because they don’t proactively communicate their strengths. We had the chance to highlight two amazing ladies from BestCompaniesAZ to talk about the importance of company culture, the benefits of telling the story of company culture, and discussing the work that led them to this space to help shine the light on other companies. BestCompaniesAZ has the expertise to craft compelling narratives around your culture, highlighting what makes your company unique and showcasing the human side of your organization. They are the cheerleaders that you didn’t know you needed! When potential partners and clients hear stories about your great company culture, they are more likely to view your organization as a desirable partner and provider of goods or services. So let’s start telling more stories about great culture! Are you a company interested in sharing the remarkable story of your outstanding corporate culture? Are you a business seeking to demonstrate to the community just how exceptional your company culture is? Do you specialize in conducting employee engagement surveys that reveal the excellence of your company’s culture?  Are you in search of the perfect awards to highlight and elevate the narrative of your company’s culture? Well, then you should listen to this episode!!!
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