Question

Frank Pulley was the General Manager of Fred Arnold’s, “Arnold’s Moving and Storage”, a family-owned business. He had been with the company since he got out of high school. He worked summers and vacations to make money during his college years. The company had grown as did Frank. When Frank graduated from college with his degree in business management, he was given the job of Office Accounts Manager. He managed the money for the business. During the evening, Frank went to school and received his MBA in Finance. By then, Arnold’s had expanded to include long distance moving as well as office moves in the Mid-Atlantic area. The company was making over $3,000,000 in sales and was growing at a rate of 8% -10 % a year. Competition was strong in the Mid-Atlantic region so Fred wanted to expand southward. About this time, Fred’s son decided it was time to come back into the business. He had been working in IT in Miami. He liked Miami and felt he could work from there and bring the business down the Eastern Seaboard.

Frank had been with the business for 12 years now and felt that with Fred’s son now back in the business, it might be time to leave. Fred saw Frank at lunch one day shortly after Frank started looking for a new job. “Frank, I just heard that you are looking for a senior management position. In fact, I had to hear it from Janice Jeppy of all people. I ran into her at the bank. She says you applied to Jeppy Movers for a job and was wondering why you would want to switch moving companies. I am wondering too. Don’t you want to stay with us?”

Frank was surprised. The thought had never occurred to him. He assumed that Mr. Arnold’s son and daughter would take over the business. Both of Fred’s children had been working in the business since they were in high school. “I don’t want to leave Mr. Arnold,” Frank replied, “but I assumed that with Frank back in the business, he would take over. I just couldn’t see where there was room for advancement.” Fred was afraid this is what the boy would say. His son was bright and showed promise, but Fred knew they needed experienced people like Frank to keep the company moving forward. Frank was great support for the business and would be the best support that he and his son could have. Fred wondered how he could keep Frank in the business. “Come see me tomorrow at 10 a.m., Frank and we will talk. I can’t let you go to Jeppy Movers, can I”?

What Can Fred Arnold do to keep Frank now and in the future? Include in the discussion how the growth of the company will affect Fred’s ideas.

Also, address succession and Frank’s role in the business going forward.

Answer 1

Fred Arnold recognizes the experience and value that Frank brings to the company. The future generations of company will need guidance from such experience. Hence it is critical for the company to retain Frank.

Fred must conduct a one-to-one meeting with Frank to understand his aspirations and understand where he wants to see himself in the company in near future.

The experience and skill set of Frank qualifies him for senior leadership roles in the company. Fred must consult with the HR Head of the company and prepare a leadership development plan for Frank. The growth of the company will require the presence of experienced members like Frank on the board. Hence it is critical for the company to match his aspirations and retain him. Frank must be given more autonomy and decision making power so that he is able to participate in critical decisions about the business. The respect and empowerment will help in retaining Frank in the company.