On November 22nd, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the unique opportunity to step into the heart of Perdue Farms, a household name celebrated for its poultry products. However, this visit revealed much more than the turkeys and chickens that grace dinner tables across America.
The cohort was warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic Team Leaders of the Washington Plan: Sara Norfolk, Colby Rigg, Tanner Pistelli, and Jordan Roundcount. These leaders offered an in-depth look into the intricate workings of Perdue Farms, emphasizing a world that goes beyond feathers and meat products.
At the foundation of Perdue Farms’ operations lie four core values: Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, and Stewardship. These principles guide every action, shaping the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence. This value-driven approach was evident throughout the visit, which highlighted how these principles influence everything from production to community involvement.
One key aspect of the visit was an exploration of Perdue’s vertical integration strategy, a cornerstone of the company’s future-focused operations. This strategy ensures control over every step of the production process, from farm to table, allowing Perdue to maintain its high standards for quality and sustainability.
The Team Leaders also stressed the importance of brand awareness for new businesses. They shared insights on how establishing a recognizable brand can drive long-term success. Frank Perdue’s iconic statement, “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken,” resonated as a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering quality.
The cohort also gained valuable leadership lessons from the team at Perdue. The Team Leaders emphasized several key takeaways for being an effective team member and leader:
*** Challenge the status quo: Always strive for improvement.
*** Reliability matters: Be someone others can count on.
*** Understand your purpose: Ask yourself, “Why am I here?”
*** Stay curious: Always ask “why” to deepen understanding.
*** Value personal connections: Remembering someone’s name can be the sweetest sound to them.
*** Lead selflessly: As a leader, “you have to get over yourself” and focus on your team.
Beyond leadership and strategy, the cohort was introduced to Perdue’s commitment to ergonomics and sustainability. The company’s approach extends beyond delivering high-quality products to consumers. It includes initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, ensuring worker safety, and fostering a culture of innovation.
The visit to Perdue Farms left a profound impact on the Daviess County CEO Cohort. Sara, Colby, Tanner, and Jordan’s graciousness and insights provided a valuable glimpse into the dynamic world of Perdue Farms. The cohort expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such dedicated professionals. Perdue Farms is not just about the products they produce; it’s about the values, strategies, and people who bring those products to life.
