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 Strategic Planning was a big topic for us throughout the fourth quarter. Several meetings and conversations resulted in an aggressive plan that holds true to our foundation and the things we’re best at. I want to share what we’re going after so you can get involved as much as you like and help keep us honest and realistic. Highlights include: FRESHNESS: In the flower business, the number of things that need to go right to ensure the BEST end-user experience is mind-numbing. While we embrace the challenge to examine and optimize every last step in the process from ranch to retail, we know that one aspect gets most of the attention: vase life. People who buy flowers want those stems and blooms to last as long as possible. That’s why we’re committed to a three-year-project to drive a full three days from our supply chain. This will demand better forecasting, planning, and logistics solutions, for sure. First steps include the recent addition of a full-time horticulturalist to oversee our fields in Mexico and visits to supply chain efficiency experts outside of the flower business. It’s our belief that the one thing that we will never hear from our customers and your customers is… “I really wish my fresh flowers didn’t last so long." INNOVATION: New seeds, new designs, and new displays will help deliver on our promise of “Different by Design®.” In March we’ll introduce you to our new Director of Operations who will focus so keenly on day-to-day operations excellence that I and other leaders will be free to play more offense and less defense. While Jeff Cottingham helps us gets everything just right on the operation side, I plan to increase visits with potential and existing clients and spend a lot more time on “new and next.” Our collaborative approach to date has served us well, and I will continue to ask the people closest to the action – YOU – for the insight, ideas, and feedback that will drive our future focus. Please click on the attached link if you’d like to help. If not, all good. We’re still working hard on everyone's behalf. 
PEOPLE:
All the freshness and innovative ideas in the world won’t do anything for us -- or you – if we don’t have the right team in place to execute. There’s opportunity to change and improve our hiring process to ensure we’ve got the right folks in the right seats – and that we’re treating them so well they don’t want to work anywhere else. An outside firm that we hired to help us with this teams up with us to help define our talent management strategy and long term road map.  This month we would like to feature our new Teammate Fernando Ayala, who is our Agronomist, handling our Mexican operations.
Q. Although I have just begun my employment with Dos Gringos I am most excited about?
A. The attention the company is giving me, I really feel like I am part of a team and a work family. Q. My personal moto or mantra is? A. Everything you wish for is possible, but if you leave it as a wish it will only be an illusion. Q. I chose agronomy as my course of study because? A. Earth is a female figure that must be treated with respect and care. Q. The top three highlights of my life (so far) have been? A. My family, agronomy, and Dos Gringos. Q. My favorite flower/ food/book/movie is? A. Dahlia, shrimp, Mexico Before God (Francisco Martin Moreno), La Malquerida, El Rebozo de Soledad (Soledad’s Shawl) and Maclovia. Q. People would be surprised to know about me. A. The only time my mother went with me to school is when I graduated. Q. In my free time I enjoy. A. Charreria (Mexican rodeos), Swimming, read articles related to my career and profession, and learn more about my country. Q. Is there anything you would like to add? A. The only barrier we have is fear to make a change. Never a dull moment, and we’ll certainly keep you posted on programs and progress. In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
SALUD!
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