Ron Dunn, co-CEO of CarpetPlus Colortile, and his wife, Sandy, recently took a RV road trip across America to visit member stores for the fifth year in a row.

According to Dunn, what he learns on his visits can strengthen other members through his in-store networking. He is a strong believer of supporting members through networking, education and sharing of best practices.
 
 “We’ve developed a nice three-part rhythm to each stop: meeting staff, touring the store, learning how each business evolved and is currently running; then reviewing key products, suppliers, best practices, new marketing initiatives and growth opportunities,” he said. “Then, with those who are willing to get in front of the camera, we interview owners and staff members. They are sharing great insights on how to be effective and how to lead.”
 
Since he visits stores personally and discusses topics first-hand, he can take his findings back and add them to the group’s collection of best practices which they publish in the Proven Ways books and videos. According to Dunn, the yearly store visits also help him keep the group in touch with front-line marketing and advertising practices as well as what’s selling and how members are selling it.
 
“[Ron and Sandy] bring so much industry-wide knowledge to our business, said Jim Brown, co-owner of CarpetsPlus Colortile of Bloomington, Ill. “They are truly inspiring and very motivated people. It was great to see how much they care about the success of our business by taking the time to visit our store during their drive across america. Their sincerity in the success of our business is second to none.”
 
Ron added, “These trips are without question one of the highlights of our year. Sandy and I enjoy seeing each of our member’s stores and learning more about their stories. Everyone has ‘here to there’ moments. Times in the evolution of their business and their own personal leadership when they were ‘here’ and needed to get ‘there.’ We captured some of this on film and I look forward to sharing the insights and best practices that came out of the interviews during our next convention in Tucson. This type of networking is educational, inspiring and a whole lot of fun.” 
 
For more information, visit carpetsplusbuyinggroup.com.