Leadership is an embodiment of qualities that inspire, motivate, and drive organizations forward. And when leaders are genuinely passionate about their people and their vision, the impact is profound. This sentiment rings true for SC Swiderski and our recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Erick Jensen.
The addition of Erick to the SCS executive team is part of the company’s continuous efforts to drive positive changes and growth. When asked about his initial thoughts since joining the company Erick said, “We’re blessed to have phenomenal leaders.” These leaders and the people on their teams are the engines that really drive company success, and Erick sees that.
And what that means for the company is getting back to basics, focusing on the right metrics, mapping processes, and valuing people’s input. Investing in our people and other resources with a focus on sustainability, training, and execution. One of the ways Erick sees us achieving more is by focusing on three core principles.
Principles of Heart, Focus, and Follow-through
From his first day at SCS, Erick Jensen introduced a vision grounded in three core values: heart, focus, and follow-through. Each of these principles offers a deep insight into the man behind the COO role.
Heart: It’s a matter of having passion and pride in your work and caring about the people around you. Erick genuinely cares about people in the organization. He believes in leading with empathy, emphasizing the need to understand, appreciate, and value each person's unique contribution. This approach is crucial for fostering a workspace where individuals are not just employees, but are seen, heard, and valued.
Focus: A trait planted at a young age and honed during his tenure in the Air Force, Erick's emphasis on focus reflects his commitment to the mission, the team, and the larger company goals. It’s a principle that reminds us to make sure that we’re doing precisely what we need to do when we need to do it.
Follow-through: Promises mean little without action. We must do what we say we’re going to do and execute on ideas. Erick’s dedication to seeing initiatives from conception to completion ensures that ideas don’t just remain ideas, but that they transform into tangible actions that benefit the company.
Process Improvement Culture
One of Erick's primary goals at SCS is to further a culture of process improvement. But it isn't just about optimizing workflows and enhancing efficiency. It's also about valuing people's input, recognizing the expertise and insights they bring to the table. By encouraging open communication and feedback, Erick said he aims to create an environment where individuals are enthusiastic contributors and collaborators. “We want to make it a place where people are glad to be here.”
A Journey of Leadership Experience
Erick's leadership qualities have been shaped by a diverse range of experiences. During high school, Erick worked three jobs – proofing checks at a bank, landscaping, and working at a rental company. Serving in the Air Force, ultimately in the demanding role of leading all maintenance operations for the Middle East, equipped him with invaluable skills in strategy, operations, logistics, and people management. His subsequent work in the healthcare industry, managing facilities and ensuring environmental compliance, speaks volumes about his versatility and adaptability.
Home and Office
At the heart of Erick's life are his family and his faith. Married for 18 years and a proud father of seven, it's evident that his commitment, love, and dedication pour into both his personal and professional life. Just a few years ago, Erick and a few others started a church at his home. What began as a small gathering has now blossomed into a congregation of over two dozen, reflecting both his leadership skills and his dedication to nurturing spiritual growth.
Professionally, Erick’s work took him around the country and the world. He traveled extensively. Erick remarked that one of his friends asked him when he was going to stop being a part-time dad and start being around for his wife and children. That hit Erick hard. His desire to be closer to home and spend more time with his family was ultimately what brough him to SCS. This personal journey undoubtedly influences Erick’s empathetic leadership style and deep appreciation for all the diverse paths we walk.
Coming Home
SC Swiderski is more than just bricks and mortar. It's a community of individuals, each with unique talents, aspirations, and stories. The addition of Erick Jensen to our executive team, with his blend of military precision, diligence, and empathy, poises the company for not just tremendous growth, but for cultivating an environment where people truly love to work.
