Repositioning a 60-year-old distribution company – during COVID no less – is a Herculean effort. Considering that VSE Corporation’s market cap has gone from $300 million to $1.2 billion since 2019, the mission has been successful.
For the CEO tasked with this turnaround, there’s one key ingredient to this success – present leadership. In this post-COVID era of remote work, it’s easy for companies to take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach, but VSE does the opposite. Prioritizing the right things, identifying the underutilized gems, and putting effort into the foundation pays off.
How do you turn a 60-year-old company into a market leader? How is VSE Corporation approaching M&A? In this episode, CEO John Cuomo talks about his journey since taking over the company, why his mindset is one of “writing a new volume of a book”, what sets them apart, and the secret to their success. By the way… he’s also one of the most sought-after CEO’s in the industry!
The presence of a leader is important, even if it’s limited. I think it sends a big message, you connect in different ways and you get something different out of the business’ story. -John Cuomo
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-1+1 is greater than 2
When conducting M&A many companies are mainly focused on buying a great asset. Why does the VSE Corporation start with strategy and culture?
-The whole power of presence
It’s easy to have a disconnect between the company’s leadership strategy and the people working the floor. How does VSE make sure the whole company is moving together in the right direction?
-The easiest journeys don’t give you the best reward
Transforming a company is no easy feat. Why does John Cuomo liken it to tearing a house down to the studs, rebuilding it, and ending up with the best home on the block?