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From the Indy 500 to "JIFFY" Mix: Professionalizing Our
Family Firm While Retaining Our Values
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Howdy Holmes
Third Generation Chairman/President
Chelsea Milling Company
Chelsea, Michigan
Manufacturer of "JIFFY" Mixes |
Thursday, March 27, 2008
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Indian Valley Country Club, Telford, PA
Breakfast buffet included
You won’t want to miss this high-octane presentation by Howdy Holmes, former Indy 500 racecar driver and current third generation chairman/president of Chelsea Milling Company, manufacturer of kitchen staple, “JIFFY” baking mixes. Mr. Holmes will offer his perspective on leading the transformation of his century old family firm, after having gained 20 years’ outside business experience including launching several businesses of his own.
Founded in 1930 by Howdy’s grandmother, Mabel White Holmes, Chelsea Milling had done little to modify its star product, “JIFFY” Mix, over the intervening decades. An increasingly familiar presence in American homes, Chelsea now produces 1.6 million boxes of “JIFFY” daily and is market-share leader among industry giants. Remarkably, the company has no advertising budget whatsoever and depends entirely on loyalty and word of mouth.
Mr. Holmes has the confidence and commitment you would expect from an entrepreneur who also earned “Rookie of the Year” at the Indianapolis 500, but he approached his new position thoughtfully. As with every family business, there were difficult family issues that needed addressing, not always an easy process. Siblings and cousins were employed by Chelsea, including his father who led the business for decades. Also, there was the major issue of business fundamentals, and whether or not to “modernize” the rather plain and “homespun” brand. Holmes breaks businesses down into facilities, systems and people, and he recalls all three areas were in dire need of modernization.
Holmes earned the loyalty of his workers and can boast not one layoff in the company’s long history. Howdy explains his personnel policy this way: C’mon, just treat ’em right.
Howdy’s thoughts on leadership are down to earth and even surprising, while his observations on succession are both insightful and highly practical.
Come learn how Howdy professionalized his third generation family business and hear firsthand his homespun philosophy: We have an innovative combination of aw-shucks family business and professional management, much of it developed internally. This serves us very well.”
Meet the Speaker: Howdy Holmes
3rd Generation President of Chelsea Milling Company
www.jiffymix.com
After successfully competing in the world of motor sports for 20 years, Howdy returned to the family business in November of 1987. As a racecar driver, Howdy won championships, was “Rookie of the Year” at the Indy 500 in 1979, and competed in six Indy 500 events, compiling the best average finishing record of any Indy 500 driver who started in more than four events.
He started a motorsports marketing company and an advertising company, which served the motorsports community. Holmes authored an award-winning book called, “Formula Car Technology” and was a contributing writer for magazines and newspapers about racing.
Upon returning to “JIFFY” in 1987, Mr. Holmes led a transformation of the then 100 year old family business. With the help of others, a professionally managed strategic vision was successfully introduced.
Today, known for their Quality and Value, “JIFFY” Mixes is uniquely positioned for the 21st Century. “JIFFY” is the market-share leader in retail prepared baking mixes. Chelsea Milling is a privately held family-owned business.
Read more about Howdy Holmes in the Winter 2006 Family Business Magazine!
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Member "Best Practice" Highlight
Giving & Receiving the Parental Blessing
The Thompson Family
Laminators, Inc., Hatfield, PA
www.laminatorsinc.com
For More Information:
Please contact Sally Derstine at (215) 723-8413 or click
here for more information or to register.
The Family Business Learning Community
gathers monthly to learn best practices of successful business families
and competent advisors. Join our
membership of over 80 family
firms from all industries across the tri-state area. These 1st through
5th generations learn from each other and with each other at quarterly
Forums and monthly Mini-Forums.
Forum cancellations must be made 2 days prior to event; if registration
fees are involved, they cannot be refunded or waived when cancellations
are made after that date or when the registrant does not attend.
Directions:
Indian Valley Country Club
650 Bergey Road, Telford, PA
(215) 723-9886
www.indianvalleycc.com
From PA Turnpike (East / West)
-Take PA turnpike to northeast extension (route 476). See below.
From PA Turnpike (Northeast Extension /Interstate 476)
-Follow northeast extension to exit 31 - Lansdale.
-Exit toll booth and turn right onto Sumneytown Pike (PA route 63 West).
-Follow 63 West approximately 4 miles to center of Harleysville.
-Turn right at Harleysville Pike (PA route 113 North).
-Follow 113 North approximately another 4 miles into Telford.
-Turn left onto Telford Pike just before the Getty Gas Station.
-Travel about 50 yards, then turn left again onto Bergey Road.
-The clubhouse is 1/2 mile on the left.
From PA Route 309
-Follow PA route 309 to Souderton Exit (route 113).
-Turn onto route 113 South and follow approximate 1 mile into the center of Souderton.
-Immediately after crossing over the railroad tracks, turn right and continue following route 113 South.
-Travel approximately 1.5 miles until you reach Bergey Road (just before the Getty Gas Station).
-Turn right onto Bergey Road. The clubhouse is 1/2 mile on the left.
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