None of us had to ask Dwight Hikel how he has multiplied his truss business even though housing starts are lower today than when he started his business. Or how he survived three periods when housing starts dropped precipitously, including the most recent drought, when many predicted the demise of his new $10 Million facility. All we had to do was look around at his recent 40 year anniversary celebration. The great truss business that Dwight, his wife Linda, and his son Joe created was proudly on display at their state of the art facility North of Baltimore. Industry and community leaders, former associates, and many suppliers joined them to celebrate their success.
The principles that took Shelter Systems from “Good to Great” are written in a book by the same title. Coincidentally, author Jim Collins used a 40 year period in this study of hundreds of companies. The great ones he chronicled evolved slowly and deliberately, with continuity of leadership, like the Hikels have provided. Most were successful in unsexy industries like housing – Kroger in groceries and Walgreens in pharmaceuticals. Most prospered via the longevity of key people, like the many Shelter associates with 25+ years of tenure, especially those who gave up office jobs in lean times to work in the plant.
That the Hikels have openly shared their business practices with dozens of peers, and even competitors, proves that there are no secrets to success. Just fundamentals, like blocking and tackling in football – teamwork, knowing your costs, continuous improvement, and running a consistent offense.
Congratulations to Shelter Systems and Best Wishes for another 40 Years!