The Connected Enterprise: A New Normal - Episode 5

Effectively shifting business priorities during uncertain times.

Summary

Enterprise businesses with multiple divisions may face different impacts. In this conversation, Larry Brand, CHRO at Elkay Manufacturing shares Elkay’s experience communicating to and driving its workforce through uncertain times.

Key Takeaways

02:59 – Managing different product lines during the pandemic
05:46 – Balanced messaging for different types of workers
09:00 – Consistent effective communications designed for multiple locations
13:25 – Top leadership attributes for successful team leaders
17:30 – Expanding company culture to further embrace social responsibilities
20:49 – Driving immediate changes to the business
24:01 – Shifting business priorities for better business continuity
27:30 – Key learnings for businesses to implement in the future

Larry Brand serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Elkay Manufacturing. A privately held family-owned company since 1920, Elkay has commercial offerings in stainless steel and quartz sinks, faucets, foodservice fixtures, water coolers, drinking fountains, Smartwell Water Delivery Systems, and ezH2O bottle filling stations. Elkay is also a global leader in the design and buildout of branded retail environments for brands such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, and Dunkin Donuts. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Elkay employs more than 3,500 employees worldwide, working from 17 locations across the U.S., China, and Mexico.

As Elkay’s CHRO, Mr. Brand is a versatile HR executive with leadership experience serving CEOs, Board of Directors, and global leadership teams. With over 25 years of business experience with increasing levels of responsibility, Mr. Brand compels leadership and boards to adopt business driving people strategies. He is an accomplished leader of talent, strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and board of directors’ relations. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Sparton Corporation (NYSE: SPA), an industrial manufacturer.