Meet Mike
The last few weeks have been anything but normal. Our business and personal lives have been rocked to their core. Times like these have a funny way of revealing the best in people, however. This week I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Horne, Inventory and Warehouse Manager in Nashville. Mike is one of the most motivated and engaged individuals I have spoken with in my time writing the Beat.
“This is the best company I have worked for since my time in the military. It is a team and people truly care here,” Mike began. Our inventory and warehouse teams are an essential part of our business. We would not be able to offer industry-leading product selection without these teams keeping everything flowing and organized.
“What are people buying? How can we keep ahead of the curve? If we bring this item in, what are we taking out?”
“If I notice I need 20 cases of something and it says I need 30, what does it know that I don’t?”
“Inventory and warehousing is about balance. Every day I try to assess ways that we can be better. Nothing is ever perfect, but every time we walk those aisles we get closer.”
Mike doesn’t just know what he is doing, he lives it. Whether it is coming in on a Saturday to facilitate a transfer from another warehouse to avoid waste, or questioning everything in his warehouse walks, there is pride and ownership in every action. “Constant movement requires constant research. We have ordering tools that recommend how much of each product we should bring in, but those tools can’t be with us in the warehouse each day. If I notice I need 20 cases of something and it says I need 30, what does it know that I don’t? The more accurate you can order, the less waste you have. Waste is a huge pillar for us. Again, balance. I’ve been in situations where my days on hand is very low – meaning we are selling everything we bring in. While that is good, it also means that I could be bringing more product in for our clients. We want to offer the biggest selection for the optimal days on hand. That’s a challenge I love.”
Mike’s attention to detail reminds me of the ‘Five P’s:’ Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. This week, question something about your process and see what you can find.
LOOKING AHEAD: Mike is also the safety champion in his district and hearing the pride in his voice speaking about something he genuinely loves made me smile. Finding a program you enjoy can supplement your work experience! Get involved!
