In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, navigating complex projects and ensuring their successful execution can feel like endless challenges. At MCMILLANCO, we see this every day, and I recently had the chance to dive into this topic with Scott Hoselton, President of ACS. As a leader in systems integration, ACS has an impressive track record in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. Scott shared invaluable insights on project management, team dynamics, and building solid client relationships.
In our conversation, we discussed some of the best practices and hurdles associated with delivering complex projects, such as defining project requirements early on, empowering teams to make critical decisions, and keeping customers in the loop even when timelines change. Below, I’ll break down the main points of our conversation, highlighting the strategies and cultural values that help both ACS and MCMILLANCO deliver great results.
If you’re interested in listening to our full conversation, check out the latest episode of The MFG Monkey Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We delve into real-world strategies and share insights on elevating team culture and empowering employees to make big decisions that positively impact clients.
Defining Success in Project Management: Start with Requirements
One of the biggest challenges in project management is ensuring alignment from day one. ACS tackles this by working closely with clients to define project requirements early, setting the foundation for a successful project. When teams start without clear goals, they risk scope gaps and misaligned timelines.
At MCMILLANCO, we use a similar approach. Before we dive into a project, we ensure our clients understand the process and work closely to refining requirements. This is especially crucial when lead times can stretch to 50 weeks for specialized components—a reality both ACS and MCMILLANCO face due to high demand and supply chain constraints. Taking time upfront to outline a project charter reduces headaches down the road, and it’s a method I’d highly recommend.
Diversification is Key in a Competitive Market
For Scott and the ACS team, one strategy that’s paid off in spades is diversification. Initially rooted in the automotive market, ACS has expanded its expertise to aerospace, heavy industry, and even emerging sectors like chip manufacturing. By expanding their client base and broadening the types of services they offer, they’ve created a safety net against market volatility.
At MCMILLANCO, we value this kind of adaptability. While we specialize in warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing solutions, we’re always looking for ways to innovate and support new industries. Our team provides specialized kiss-cutting and die-cutting services—ideal for clients in industries such as automotive and packaging who need precise, high-quality solutions to support their production lines. Whether it’s delivering cut-to-spec components or exploring new opportunities in EV and battery production, our diverse capabilities allow us to apply our expertise in new and meaningful ways.
Building a Strong Company Culture: Empowerment and Communication
One of the main topics Scott and I discussed was company culture—a topic near and dear to my heart. At ACS, Scott has built a culture where team members are encouraged to take ownership, bring ideas forward, and make important decisions. Empowerment leads to better problem-solving and a more motivated team. When people are given responsibility, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to each project.
At MCMILLANCO, we put a premium on team empowerment and accountability. We foster a workplace where humility and vulnerability are valued. This approach encourages our people to speak up and share ideas, which often leads to better project outcomes and happier clients.
Enhancing Communication and Customer Relationships
One critical part of our discussion was around the importance of clear communication with customers. In today’s complex project environments, unforeseen delays happen. At ACS, Scott and his team keep clients informed and maintain strong relationships even when projects are delayed. This not only strengthens their brand but also builds trust and loyalty with clients.
For MCMILLANCO, open communication is a priority. We encourage customers to feel comfortable sharing updates or adjustments to timelines, so we can remain flexible and proactive. A strong relationship built on trust ensures that when the timing is right, our clients will be eager to come back to us.
Essential Reads for Leaders: Books We Love
During our conversation, Scott and I discussed a few influential books that shape how we approach culture, relationships, and leadership:
- “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle – This book explores how great teams build connection and foster a sense of belonging, sharing case studies from organizations known for their exceptional culture.
- “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni – This guide provides insights on common challenges that teams face and offers exercises for building trust and fostering effective collaboration.
- “Wisdom at Work” by Chip Conley – Through stories and research, this book underscores the value of wisdom gained through experience and how to apply it effectively in modern organizations.
Connect with Scott at ACS
If you’re interested in learning more about ACS and their systems integration expertise, feel free to reach out to Scott Hoselton via the ACS website. Visit www.acscm.com, and the team will connect you with Scott for more details on their projects and services.
Takeaways for Successful Project Execution
To sum up, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this conversation, it’s that successful project management is about balance. You need a clear understanding of requirements, a team that feels empowered, and open lines of communication with customers. By following these principles, MCMILLANCO and ACS can not only deliver outstanding project results but also build lasting relationships with our clients.
If you’re interested in learning more about how MCMILLANCO can help your business achieve its project goals, visit us at mcmillancomfg.com. We’d love to talk about how our kiss-cutting, die-cutting, and other manufacturing solutions can support your team!
And don’t forget, you can listen to this entire conversation on The MFG Monkey Podcast! Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and hear more about our approach to project management, team empowerment, and building lasting client relationship