October 13, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, stared at the latest social media report. Despite great products, their online presence was flat. “We’re delivering, Rick,” she said to COO Rick Nelson, “but online, it’s like we don’t exist.” Rick scrolled through their Instagram feed—dull … Read more

October 7, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, stared at her screen. One of their biggest clients had sent feedback: “It feels like you’re not listening to what we need.” She shared the email with Rick Nelson, COO, the next morning. “We’ve been so focused on growth—innovating, expanding—but … Read more

September 29, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, sat at the head of the conference table reviewing the latest quarterly report. Profits were down, deadlines were missed, and projects were over budget. A note from the finance team caught her eye: “Missed deadlines due to lack of follow-through.” … Read more

September 22, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Leaders are challenged to balance competing demands, such as rationalizing short-term financial performance with long-term strategic growth, managing employee needs against shareholder expectations and aligning company goals with ethical standards and social responsibilities. Leaders must also sustain customer satisfaction while controlling the business bottom line as … Read more

September 15, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles At Baxter’s Bricks, Sarah Thompson is no stranger to challenges. But when her mentor, Jason, suggested she join a Vistage Group—a peer advisory group for CEOs—she wasn’t sure what to expect. “Sarah,” Jason said with his usual gravitas, “if you’re serious about taking … Read more

September 6, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesWellness at Work -Building a Healthier Future At Baxter’s Bricks, innovation isn’t just about making better bricks; it’s about making a better workplace. This vision came to life in a recent executive meeting where CEO Sarah Thompson, COO Rick Nelson, and HR Director Robert … Read more

September 1, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles At Baxter’s Bricks, the future isn’t just about stronger, more efficient production—it’s about sustainability. And no one understands this better than Tom Jenkins. As the Environmental Impact Manager, Tom reports directly to Rick Nelson, the COO, and is spearheading one of the most … Read more

August 25 , 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) At Baxter’s Bricks, where every brick counts and every project matters, Rick Nelson, our indefatigable Chief Operating Officer, finds himself at the helm of an ever-growing portfolio of initiatives designed to make Baxter’s Bricks leaner, meaner, and more profitable than ever. But with great power … Read more

August 18, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Choices Robert Makes Robert McKenzie sat at his kitchen table, his four-year-old son, Luke, sat beside him, flipping through the pages of his favorite book, Danny and the Choices He Makes. Luke loved how Danny’s choices, whether selfish or considerate, led to different outcomes. Robert … Read more

August 11, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, sat in her office and reflected on her next big challenge: supply chain logistics. She knew that the leadership team needed empowerment and innovative solutions to tackle the complex issues plaguing their supply chain. Gathering her top leaders in the … Read more