(From left) Steve Urchison, Cloverdale Paint Inc.; Joelle Cohn, National Hardware Show (sponsor); Richard White, manager, Cloverdale Store #71, Saskatoon.
How did the team at Cloverdale Paint store 71 earn a 2024 Outstanding Retailer Award (ORA) in the category of Best Hardware or Paint Store? In large part by infusing the company’s core values into their own core purposes at branch level—and by focusing attention on employee development opportunities.
The Saskatoon store’s management say they use the simple phrase, “We’re here to make good things happen for other people,” according to their ORA submission. “We use it in how we treat our customers, the sales team, and each other,” says store manager Richard White. He also indicated that “This is our ‘Why.’ This is your job description. Do this and you will be successful.”
Cloverdale Paint believes that investing in employees’ growth and development is not just beneficial individually, but also for the organization’s overall success and sustainability. Training initiatives are designed to empower employees, helping them reach their full potential, and achieve their professional goals with the help of Cloverdale’s Learning and Development team.
Cloverdale offers personalized learning paths and career objectives. This is done through assessments, feedback sessions, and one-on-one consultations, resulting in a customized development plan to support employees’ professional goals.
Besides learning opportunities (including online courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and peer-to-peer learning sessions), technical skills and leadership development programs are also offered. Additionally, the company has a mentorship program to match employees with experienced leaders who provide guidance, support, and insights to help them navigate their careers and overcome obstacles.
“Our commitment to learning and development has significantly benefited both our employees and our company,” White said. “We have observed improved employee engagement, higher retention rates, increased productivity, and a more competent and adaptable workforce capable of driving innovation and accomplishing our strategic goals. By placing a high value on learning and development, we attract highly skilled individuals and enable our employees to succeed and grow in their careers.”
Fair renumeration is also considered. Annual cost-of-living increases ensure staff can support themselves financially, and a deferred profit-sharing plan can provide eligible employees with an opportunity to share earnings. A company-paid benefit package and merit-based wage increases are also offered.
“Investing in our staff is one of the many reasons why Cloverdale Paint is able to retain staff for numerous years,” said White. “Employees can pursue their passions with the support of the organization, without limitation.”
