At a Glance
In 2021, Phil Schmidt and Clyde Weycker decided to purchase Haen Meat Packaging and merge it with their other two companies, The Meat Block and BBQ Pits n’ Spits. They saw an enormous opportunity and believed that their new company was only operating at 50% efficiency.
The Challenge
The transition of melding the companies was challenging for multiple reasons. New owners, Phil and Clyde’s most significant struggle was that the former owners had created a culture of high anxiety and stress where conflict was rampant. Phil and Clyde struggled to get buy-in and change the toxic culture.
Secondly, the new leaders had their own communication challenges. As they came together, they discovered they had very different leadership and communication styles. Phil was a flexible, visionary thinker whereas his partner Clyde was more task-oriented and straightforward.
The Solution
Phil and Clyde sought out the assistance of Dignify to aid in improving their culture and communication during this time of transition. Dignify’s technology provided a blueprint to build understanding and walk them through healthy communication. After viewing one another’s Dignify Snapshots and having regular one-on-one Dignify Check-Ins about their motivations and personal rules for communication—conflict changed to understanding and acceptance.
The Results
Phil and Clyde successfully merged two company cultures and empowered their teams—leading to less conflict and stress. In addition, communication between Phil and Clyde vastly improved as they began to better understand themselves, one another, and how to lead their team to success. Overall, the company became more productive and cohesive as clarity was gained and less time was spent in confusion and drama.
Dignify in Action
“‘We had an employee who worked here for many years and struggled with communication. She came off demeaning and abrasive. We had a conversation with her and said if this doesn’t change, you won’t be here anymore. Dignify helped us speak honestly with her, not condemning her.
Today, she’s one of our success stories. She made a choice to get on board and since then has taken on huge leadership roles within our company. She’s learned to speak honestly with her team and set expectations rather than complaining afterward.
It’s really neat for Clyde and I to see some of our people who were not on the right path who are leading the ship now. It’s worth the effort you put into your people to see where you can take them.'”
– Phil Schmidt