As we know the Values Economy has disrupted the status quo when it comes to how businesses...well, do business. Combining both profit and purpose, values are driving how customers do (or don’t do) business with companies.
Our sustainability consultant, Eliza Erskine, spoke with VP of Sales Lance Randall, to discuss how values play a role in client selection and Steelhead's experience with Cox Automotive:
How did Steelhead’s values play into being selected as a vendor for Cox?
They played a large part in selection. From the early stages, it was very clear that our model not only aligned with what they’re trying to do, but our values also aligned, and we know magic happens when values align.
Anyone can visit Cox’s website and see from their team statements that the organization is truly about putting their people and the planet first..
It's interesting to note that our relationship started well before our receiving our B Corp certification, but our goal of reaching certification definitely resonated with them. Cox pillar's are also very similar to that of B Corp's - community and environment.
The “values conversation” with Cox Automotive naturally progressed as we got to know each other. They have an entire team dedicated to sustainability and we now work closely with that team each year when planning for their events.
Through initial conversations we really saw their community pillar come to life, as it is a big part of their work and purpose, which the same can be said for Steelhead. We have our philanthropic and community outreach initiative, Give Happy, and there are analogous groups at Cox.
The benefit of longer relationships is that once the work starts, both parties realize values are not just words on a website. Cox and Steelhead have figured out that the values we share are real, not just words.