Business View Magazine | April 2020

55 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 Proud Supplier of Earnest Products Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, AWG operates 77 retail locations in 19 states. EARNEST PRODUCTS “What we aspire to do, ultimately, is to have our own in-house apprenticeship program, where we would provide space and equipment and work with some other local companies and technical schools to provide training. This would allow us to leverage public and private expertise to benefit both students and companies to create long lasting careers and durable skill sets. We see this as a way to give back to the broader community while achieving our own objectives. There’s a lot of opportunity there and a lot of interest in our industry in doing those types of things.” BVM: Why would someone want to work at Earnest Products? Ahlers: “Our culture is based on Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Quality, and we believe in helping each associate achieve his or her maximum potential. We offer very competitive pay and benefit programs and all associates are bonus eligible. We offer training and development opportunities to allow people to continually advance in their capabilities and careers. We have regular communication meetings, newsletters, and engagement events like Associate appreciation week where we do something special for our team members each day.” BVM: What are some of the company’s long-term goals? Ahlers: “We expect to double the size of the company over the next three to five years through both organic growth and acquisitions. Southern Manufacturing is a great example of a very successful acquisition. We are continually looking for opportunities to acquire businesses that will strengthen and broaden our product lines and market presence. “Strategically - and this aligns well with the