Hear directly from the President & CEO of a once “old school” A/E firm and the revolutionary transformation of its environment, culture, and reward structure. The firm has engaged its employees in ways that have markedly evolved the 160-year-old organization in impressive ways. The results weren’t immediate and required an ongoing “walk of faith” on the part of a newly transitioned leadership team. Framing all management and strategic decisions against the backdrop of the firm's prime strategic initiative was critical to the firm's positive outcomes. This presentation will illustrate an emphasis on an internal culture of leadership that runs in the background at all levels, improved business development and marketing results, better risk management, an increasingly engaged workforce, improved technical quality, customer service & retention, and internal coordination. The presentation will have an emphasis on the corresponding payback to the company, clients, and employees, as well as why all leaders interested in keeping their firms relevant should be doing likewise.
Edward Jerdonek is President & CEO of Luckett & Farley, one of the oldest continuing architectural firms in the country. Located in Louisville, KY, and founded in 1853, Luckett & Farley enjoys a diversified practice that serves several markets throughout the U.S. In 1894, the firm designed the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs and was asked to redesign the entire racetrack facility again 110 years later. Recipients of numerous industry and design awards, Luckett & Farley is most proud of being recognized for five consecutive years the only design firm recognized as one of Kentucky's Best Places to Work. Jerdonek earned his architectural degree at The Ohio State University and an MBA from Indiana University.