PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS Living Stone Design + Build thrives on its valued collaborations and partnerships, which are pivotal to its success. Sullivan acknowledges the significance of these relationships in enhancing their service delivery and overall client satisfaction. He mentions trusted trade partners such as CW Brown for exterior work, A-American Electric, Haywood Appliance, Chase Godfrey for grading, and Allied Insulation. Addressing ongoing workforce shortages, Living Stone works to maintain positive relationships with its trade partners. “Back in 2008 they were called subcontractors and vendors, and I felt like trade partner was more of a universal and appreciative term. We have worked hard in the last 15 years to build strong relationships with them, where we were bringing value to the table. They could work for anybody. We want them to work for us,” Sullivan stresses. As part of this commitment, and to ensure two-way communication, regular trade partner meetings are held, ensuring everyone is aligned and engaged. Living Stone also works to bring opportunities such as business workshops, to help these partners grow their businesses. A CONTINUED EVOLUTION As for what the future holds, Sullivan remarks, “To me, it’s about empowering and equipping our people. Doing that means building them as professionals, regardless of what their job position or title is in the company.” He shares a new undertaking, known as the Sullivan Family of Companies (SFC) Learning Institute, where classes about pertinent industry trends and innovations are taught to employees, along with other opportunities such as guest speakers during company meetings. “So continuing education, to empower and equip our people is what I would say our number one objective is for the future,” he concludes. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n A-American Electric www.a-americanelectric.com At A-American Electric, we don’t just view ourselves as a business—we are part of the community. Since 1981, we have been providing top-notch electrical services to homeowners and businesses throughout Western North Carolina. Our Vision is to be known as a charitable electrical contracting company where employees are proud to work, vendors are treated fairly, and customers receive the highest quality service available. 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07
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