The Joseph Group

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President/Owner of Century Hospitality Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're an independent, boutique and local-based hospitality group consisting of restaurants, bars and a catering & events planning company serving the Edmonton market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• People & Culture
• Strategic Planning
• Lean/Effective Management

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

12+

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

There's likely not enough space/capacity here to articulate the positive change and impact Michael had on our organization - he was a very effective and different voice in the Boardroom that truly made a difference in our organization.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

"What gets measured, gets done" and MJ had a unique ability to both make and bring our goals to reality - he is a big personality and a very strong motivator.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They seemed to be a "step ahead" of us when it came to deliverables... We were never left waiting on data/results to get the required performance from our team.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The "company" is Michael Joseph himself...he gets your attention, keeps it, then harnesses that energy to deliver the desired results...9 out of 10...we're in the people business and MJ gets people!

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

From past experiences and having worked previously with a company that delivered on the "Business Execution Specialist" promise...as mentioned already, the Joseph Group was a 9 out of 10...and we don't ever give "10's" believing there's always the opportunity to be better/great!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the President of a Healthcare Research Organization

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a research organization who generates high-quality evidence to inform healthcare decision-making.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Strategic Planning for organization
• Vision, Values, Purpose for organzation
• Accountability on annual and quarterly goals

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Executive coaching for business; including developing strategic planning with 10 year, 5 year, annual and quarterly goals for business. Developing updated statements for vision, values and purpose of organization. Facilitating annual strategic planning session to review wins and set new goals; review and update SWOT analysis for business; and discuss growth opportunities.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our company was able to determine cultural fit and alignment with company goals within our team, which allowed us to make changes that benefitted our bottom line in 2023.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project Management was mostly in the form of setting up virtual meetings and sharing notes following the meetings.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Mike's background as a fellow entrepreneur was very helpful as he was able to understand and advise on a variety of situations that arose in our business from culture to process improvements. They provided genuine support and encouragement to our leadership team. Mike also was always available to discuss any topics that were time-sensitive, outside of our regular meetings, as a trusted advisor.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Professional services for regulatory strategy and environmental risk management related to erosion control, aquatics, fisheries, vegetation, ecology, wildlife and water resources.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Vision, values, statements
• Strategic plan annual priorities
• Leadership training

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Mackay CEO Forum

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Knew our company

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Mike worked with our senior leadership team of 12 people in 2018 and facilitated us in determining the companies vision, values and brand promise. EDI’s vision, values brand promise statement remains as it was developed though this work by Mike and is strong/relevant through the company today. After 2018, we engaged Mike to facilitate our annual priorities each year for the following 3 years.
The deliverables were a set of annual priorities with committed outcomes that focused our work on the business each year. In 2019/2020 we engaged Mike to coach our senior leaders, at the time ~16 people, in group sessions throughout a 6-12 month period.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

1. number of staff that knew EDI’s values statements
2. number of committed outcomes met or to what level they were met
3. level of engagement of leaders in the “business”

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes, Mike delivered on time and was responsive.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The service was customized and Mike’s skill at facilitating a broad group.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

Not that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Rangeland Rv & Trailer Sales Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Rv Dealership, sales, service, parts, rentals, storage

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Team Leadership
• 90 Strategic planning
• Accountability

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

11

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Created 90 Strategic planning with clear goals around the priorities we created. Key deliverables were around the outcomes that showed up based on the work people were accountable to do. Leadership training that could cascade down to other team members in departments. Creating and managing around our core purpose, values and the companies BHAG. We did many work shops around accountability, leadership, and talent mapping that included rewards and clear expectations for team members.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We utilize our training daily with tools that were set in place from our training. Executive team is aligned much better with the same goals in mind. The in house training allowed us to continue to do 90 priority projects that have solid outcomes to them and puts the priorities at the top of mind and everyone is accountable for. We have achieved top status in our industry and I believe helped us to provide the best customer experience we can provide along with a great culture of place to work.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management was always on time and on target. We would review what went well after our daily meeting and what we wanted to work on moving forward. Management would pivot when needed and always responded to my needs.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Our coach got to know our team. I believe the best way to train a group such as mine was to have a personal connection with each team member rather then just delivering some training. The team took a very personal approach with everyone, gaining a large circle of trust that allowed everyone to be super engaged.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

I have no suggestions at this time

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at CCI Solutions Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

An Engineering Consulting company providing niche services to the energy and forestry sectors

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Facilitate an offsite Exectutive meeting
• Provide guidance on managing /growing the company

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

• Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Referred to me

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• KPIs
• WWW
• Divisional Goals

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Leaders took away specific goals and schedules to complete them. We have a list of WWW's to complete

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Participated in planning of event agenda, facilitated the group for 2 days and delivered a summary / WWW in a timely manner afterwards.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

• In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was impressed by Mike's personal approach and knowledge of our business / leaders.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of The Woolrich Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Integrated residential design and construction.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Team quarterly planning
• Team bonding
• Identify how to get better

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Identify strengths and quarterly weaknesses to improve upon. Team bonding exercises.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Keeps us on track for quarterly improvements.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Very organized and timely.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal connection with the team and the coach. They are very engaging.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

Adding new content to the quarterly planning sessions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the EVP and Managing Director - Canada of a real estate company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Sales and leasing of commercial real estate.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Strategic Planning
• Mentorship surrounding goal setting and driving new business for our junior brokers

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

He is a friend of the family

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Quarterly meetings with the whole team combined with monthly meetings with our junior brokers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We had a strategic goal setting and yearly planning session where we set a number of goals including a very aggressive BHAG. We thought is would take 5 years to reach it and we came within 90% within 2 years

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They delivered items on time and were very fluid when our business objectives changed or were revised.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Mike has lived the ups and downs of running his own business and his openness, transparency and wisdom make him a very unique commodity

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

Nothing comes to mind

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Step 'n Wash

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Manufacture and sales of Step 'n Wash which is a floor mounted self-retracting step that enables young children to safely reach the sink and wash their hands in a public restroom.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Identify New Customers and Increase Sales
• Fine Tune Marketing Messaging

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We had the pleasure of working with The Joseph Group, which played a pivotal role in our company's growth. Mike’s expertise in helping us identify new customers and more importantly keeping us on task was nothing short of remarkable. With his guidance, we were able to streamline our operations, target the right audience, and develop effective marketing strategies. 
Mike’s commitment to detail and his proactive approach ensured that we remained focused on our objectives, resulting in significant business expansion into some of the largest retail stores in the US. Mike’s knowledge and dedication have been invaluable to our company's success, and we wholeheartedly recommend him to any business in need of a focused, knowledgeable and results-oriented consultant.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Sales increased over 300% in 4 years

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Mike was skilled in conducting in-depth assessments to understand our unique requirements and pain points. He then tailored solutions that aligned with our goals and objectives, ensuring that his recommendations were both practical and achievable. Furthermore, he always maintained open lines of communication offering ongoing support and adjustments as necessary to adapt to our and our customers changing needs and market dynamics.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Mike’s ability to combine a deep understanding of industry trends and best practices with a knack for innovative problem-solving. Every time I met with Mike he had just finished reading another book about a well-known business leader and using these lessons with his experience working with his other clients he has a talent to guide businesses towards sustainable growth by developing custom strategies that harness both traditional wisdom and cutting-edge approaches.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

Personally, I wouldn't change anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director / Partner of a hospitality & leisure company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide entertainment and hospitality experiences to the market through our venues and festivals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Leadership Development
• Team Building

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Four Decisions Training Program for Executives and Managers Program Objective:

• Creating and implementing the Four Decisions planning and execution framework in your company by engaging your organization’s executive and management team: the Leadership Team. 
• Participation in the training program enables your Leadership Team to create and execute a comprehensive growth plan for your people and your organization. 
• Mike Joseph is a Certified Trainer and Instructor in the implementation of this methodology. 

Four Decisions Training Program is based on The Gravitas Impact (GI) Intellectual Property for mid-market growth companies and their employees. 

Program Outline: Four Decisions Training Program creates best practices in the four areas that enable your leadership team to grow their business skills:

• PEOPLE
• STRATEGY
• EXECUTION
• CASH

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• People – month one:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction/ 2 hours of homework
  • Core Values – understanding individual and organization standards and expectations 
  • Core Purpose (Mission) – why do organizations exist? 
  • People Accountability Chart and Role Scorecards
  • Talent Assessment (A, B, C players) – “the right people in the right seats doing the right things” 
• Strategy – month two:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction / 2 hours of homework 
  • BHAG – (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) – “the benefits of stretch goals” 
  • SWOT – (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) – internal and external 
  • Core Customer Review-who and why this is important? 
  • Brand Promise- understanding the idea of competitive advantage
• Quarterly Planning Session – month three:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction/ 2 hours of homework 
  • Current state of the union, review of last quarter’s priorities, committed outcomes and action plans as well as key learning moving forward 
  • High-level review of financial concepts and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
• Execution – month four:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction/ 2 hours of homework 
  • Introduction of The Rockefeller Habits Checklist 
  • Data/Rhythm/Priorities and the Quarterly Planning Process 
  • Performance Management-effective, consistent performance reviews 
  • KPIs – (Key Performance Indicators) as leading indicators 
• Cash – month five:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction/ 2 hours of homework 
  • CCC (Cash Conversion Cycle) – impact and improvement tactics 
  • Power of One-small changes that create huge organizational impact 
  • Profit versus Cash 
• The Four Financial Drivers Quarterly Planning Session – month six:
  • Eight hours of classroom instruction/ 2 hours of homework 
  • Current state of the union, review of last quarter’s priorities, committed outcomes and action plans as well as key learning moving forward 
  • High-level review of financial concepts and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

With some exceptions due to business operations and peak periods - Mike was efficient, effective, prepared and followed our agreed upon schedule and was able to pivot seamlessly with us as our business fluctuated. He was always very responsive to our feedback and updates regarding changes in our very fast-paced business. We worked collaboratively and with transparency to ensure optimal outcomes from this program.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Mike’s vast experience and knowledge of our company and industry provided a keen ability for him to engage our team and present information and thoughtful questions to cultivate strategic thinking amongst our team members. We have worked with Mike Joseph for over 5 years in a coaching capacity with our senior leadership team. 

Mike always brings a keen sense of detail and a way of looking at problems from all sides while helping to guide the team to see all angles and find solutions. He brings to his coaching sessions a great sense of humor, a calm and professional demeanor, and a genuine love for his craft. He has been a pleasure to work with and has really helped our team find alignment while continuing to guide the development of new strategies and solutions to problems.

We would highly recommend Mike to any organization looking to improve.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

N/A.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Branch Manager and Manager of Planning at Aplin Martin.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Multi-disciplinary consultant firm supporting both public and private companies with land development initiatives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Joseph Group to accomplish?

• Leadership transition
• Strategic Visioning for new leadership team

SOLUTION

How did you find The Joseph Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Joseph Group over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from The Joseph Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Training consists of individual executive coaching meetings with a focus on: 

• vision/culture
• strategic planning
• leadership development
• execution of best practices 
• business education

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Several measurable outcomes including but not limited to:

• leadership alignment within strategy vision 
• refresh of company core values and purpose 
• strategy plan for the next 15 years
• key performance indicators to measure progress and outcomes

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

• Very responsive and always on time. 
• Very happy with the progress and outcomes.

What was your primary form of communication with The Joseph Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The approach of the process is to ensure all participate, engage, and provide input. Their approach allows maximum buy-in throughout the outcome preparation.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Joseph Group could have done differently?

No