Fort Worth Report Features Freese and Nichols on Baldrige Award and 130th
Following the business practices that have won Freese and Nichols the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice has given the company a framework for improving performance and getting sustainable results, CEO Brian Coltharp and Chief Strategy Officer Cindy Milrany told the Fort Worth Report.
The lessons learned and changes made as a result of applying for and receiving the recognition in 2010 and this year might not be evident to employees who weren’t here 14 years ago, they said. But practices such as detailed strategic planning, consistent leadership expectations across offices and individual development plans are key to the company’s success and longevity.
“We’ve been on this journey a long time and now it’s just the way we do business,” Cindy told Fort Worth Report Business Editor Bob Francis. “We have these systems and processes in place for our clients and our employees because they deserve for Freese and Nichols to be the very best company we can be.”
Freese and Nichols celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2024.
Brian pointed out that the Baldrige reviewing judges were impressed by the company’s strategic planning and regular reporting to employees through an annual roll-out and mid-year update.
“They said a lot of people do strategic planning, but you all really engage your staff with that, so people know where we stand, where we are at the end of each month,” he said.
Read the full article: 130 years and two Baldrige awards for Fort Worth’s growing Freese and Nichols