Years ago, Brandi had a boss who took a special interest in her career journey. The support made all the difference for her professionally. And it’s something that she has always remembered. So, when Brandi came to ScottsMiracle-Gro to lead the Consumer Services team in 2020, she asked herself a question.
“How can I encourage a growth mindset with my team?”
And then she set out to do just that.
The last two years have been full of growth for Consumer Services in multiple ways. The number of consumer inquiries increased dramatically during the pandemic. The team expanded to handle e-commerce, AeroGarden, Canada and key Hawthorne products. And Consumer Services gained a seat at the table during many company operational meetings, sharing the critical consumer insights they hear every day. But it’s the growth and development of the people on her team that Brandi is most proud of.
A focus on growth
“I wanted to create a career path for folks so they didn’t think they’d be in the same job forever,” says Brandi. “I have amazing managers on my team, and together, we tell our associates that we’re here to help them get wherever they want to go in this company, within our department or others.”
Along with creating more leadership opportunities within the department, Brandi and her managers meet regularly with Consumer Services associates to discuss their career path. Associates are given “stretch” assignments and unique focus areas based on their interests and strengths, and associates are encouraged to share their ideas for making the department and company better.
“When you give people the space to stretch and use their creative talents, it makes all the difference,” says Brandi. “I’m blown away by our team.”
It’s all about people
Consumer Services has had zero attrition of associates leaving the department because they didn’t like the job. However, careers have blossomed into other areas of the company. Over the last two years, SEVEN Consumer Services team members have moved on to other roles throughout the organization.
The vast array of skills––along with a pulse on the everyday business operations and consumer insights––makes Consumer Services a great launch pad for careers.
“It’s like sending your kids off into the world,” Brandi says. “To have seven individuals within the last two years move on to make an impact somewhere else within the organization, it’s super cool.”
A bit of advice
If Brandi had to share one piece of career advice with other associates, it would be this. Be bold enough to share your ideas.
“Someone else may not have thought of it,” says Brandi. “Each of us has a unique point of view, and as a people leader, it’s our job to create the space where associates always feel safe to share their ideas. You never know when your idea might be the next awesome thing to drive the company forward. At Scotts, your ideas can really go somewhere.”
