Adaptability and leadership in times of crisis—whether personal or business-related—are essential skills for any business owner.

In 2018, Jef and Monica Forward were coming off their best year yet and gearing up for an even stronger 2019. Everything was on track—until life threw them an unimaginable challenge. Two key team members were diagnosed with cancer, one of whom was Monica, the company’s only estimator. The other was their lead designer.

Fast forward five years, and the Forward Design Build Remodel team is stronger than ever. In this episode, Jef and Monica sit down with Victoria and Mark to share their journey—how they faced adversity head-on and what kept their business moving forward.

Jef and Monica are business partners at Forward Design Build Remodel in Ann Arbor, MI. Jef has participated in every level of Remodelers Advantage Roundtables, is a member of the Mentor3 group, and serves as a Roundtables facilitator. Over the last four years, he has honed his leadership and coaching skills, leading to healthier growth, stronger client relationships, and a thriving team culture. He credits this success to his collaboration with Monica, their team, and the insights gained through Roundtables.

A strong company culture played a critical role in how their team rallied together and adapted to the emotional and operational challenges that came with Monica’s diagnosis. At the time, they were about to implement The Great Game of Business, a system that empowers every employee to think and act like an owner. Then, everything changed.

In this conversation, Jef and Monica open up about how they navigated the crisis, including:

• Preparing for the unexpected
• Developing a strategy to keep the business running
• Managing work absences and redistributing responsibilities
• The power of cross-training
• Leaning on the strength of your team
• Leading with vulnerability and transparency
• Maintaining a positive mindset through tough times
• Handling the emotional toll of leadership
• and much more…

Today, thanks to their resilient company culture and well-established processes, Forward Design Build Remodel continues to thrive. Tune in to hear their story of perseverance, leadership, and the lessons they learned along the way.