Siemer Milling's success is built on its employees' deep-rooted commitment to the company. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company since 2000, employees are not just workers but also part-owners. This vested interest creates a unique culture where everyone is dedicated to the company's success. Alan Waggoner, Information Systems and Security Manager, states, "Our employees are deeply invested in the company’s success, many of them having been with us for decades."
The tenure of Siemer Milling’s employees is a testament to this commitment. Many have been with the company for 30, 40, or even 50 years. They possess a wealth of knowledge about the company’s operations and history. Alan continues, "We have a couple of employees who’ve been here over 50 years, and everyone can tell you about the company's operations and its history." This continuity and expertise are critical in maintaining the high standards of quality and service that Siemer Milling is known for.
To continue delivering top-notch service, Siemer Milling needed to maintain a modern infrastructure across all business units and locations. The company faced several challenges, including upgrading its virtualization backend, centralizing its phone systems, and updating its networking infrastructure. These updates were crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring the company could meet the unique needs of its clients.
Alan Waggoner elaborates, "We had multiple projects going on simultaneously, from upgrading our backend to centralizing our phone systems. The complexity of these projects, combined with the need for seamless integration and cost efficiency, made it clear that we needed a strategic partner."
C1 stepped in with a tailored, collaborative approach that focused on people supporting people. Dedra Wagoner, Senior Systems Analyst at Siemer Milling, emphasizes, "C1 wasn't just about coding; it was about understanding our needs and delivering the right solutions." C1 provided specialized expertise through dedicated design architects and a consistent project manager, Sketch Diddy, who coordinated multiple projects effectively.
Sketch Diddy’s role was pivotal in the successful execution of these projects. Alan Waggoner noted, "Sketch has been instrumental in keeping things moving and ensuring we have the right resources at the right times." This level of dedication ensured that the modernization efforts were carried out smoothly, with minimal disruption to Siemer Milling’s operations.
In addition to Sketch, C1’s Pat McHugh played a crucial role. Pat’s approach was not just about making a sale but ensuring that the solutions provided were the right fit for Siemer Milling’s unique needs. Alan remarked, "Pat has been fantastic. It’s clear that finding the right solution for our business is more important to him than just making a sale. His dedication has ensured we get exactly what we need."
Since partnering with C1, Siemer Milling has enjoyed significant improvements in efficiency and operational capabilities. The centralization of their phone systems alone has led to substantial cost savings. Alan Waggoner shares, "By centralizing our phone lines, we've reduced costs and increased efficiency across our sites." The upgraded virtualization backend and modernized networking infrastructure have provided a more robust and secure environment, enabling the company to focus on strategic growth initiatives.
Employee productivity has also seen a boost. Dedra Wagoner highlights, "C1's specialists not only implemented solutions but also helped us do our jobs better and be more productive." The partnership has fostered a true sense of collaboration, with C1's team consistently available to address any issues and provide expert guidance.
Siemer Milling's journey with C1 highlights the potency of aligning technology with core business goals. Alan Waggoner understands the significance of implementing enterprise-level solutions similar to those used by larger corporations, which has been critical to Siemer Milling's growth as a small to midsize business. His vast experience has also made him keenly aware of the importance of addressing potential issues proactively rather than fixing problems after they arise. As Alan Waggoner puts it: "It’s better to achieve accuracy from the start than to return later to fix what is broken." He advocates staying on the leading edge of technology—without venturing into the risks of untested waters. “I don’t care for the sharp point at the front of the bell curve,” Alan Waggoner shared.
This strategic focus has enabled Siemer Milling to stay competitive amidst the ever-evolving grain milling industry. Their dedication to technology is more than mere adoption; it involves capitalizing on technological progress to ensure exceptional quality and enhance customer service. The collaboration with C1 has not only fortified Siemer Milling's IT infrastructure but has also laid the groundwork for ongoing innovation and success. Alan emphasizes how C1’s expertise and strategic guidance have supported Siemer Milling's vision: “C1 has truly transformed our technological landscape, allowing us to concentrate on our core expertise—providing unique and high-quality flour blends.”
Ultimately, the partnership between Siemer Milling and C1 exemplifies how strategic alliances and a concentrated focus on people can drive flawless transformation and cultivate a sustainable trajectory toward future success. Alan Waggoner's reflection encapsulates the essence: a seamless blend of forward-thinking technology adoption and unwavering attention to operational excellence is integral to Siemer Milling’s sustained competitiveness and dedication to delivering superb products.