Intro: [00:00:04] Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open for Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: [00:00:18] Lee Kantor here. Another episode of GWBC Open for Business, and this is going to be a good one. Today on the show, we have Tina Weede with Peerless Performance. Welcome back, Tina.

Tina Weede: [00:00:30] Thank you, Lee. I’m just delighted to be here with you today. Thank you.

Lee Kantor: [00:00:35] Well, I am so excited to get updated. Tell us what’s new at Peerless Performance. And for those who don’t know, just kind of give us an elevator pitch for Peerless Performance.

Tina Weede: [00:00:45] Absolutely. Thank you again, Lee. Peerless Performance is a woman-owned performance, improvement, culture engineering, and incentive company. And we have had a huge pivot during COVID, which I am somewhat excited about. People would probably be somewhat surprised and I will tell you, I would be surprised if I would have told you five years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing today.

Tina Weede: [00:01:14] So, I’ve been in this industry going on 34 years. And our purpose statement is, every day we get to enhance the quality of people’s lives, and that’s what we do. So, when COVID happened, of course, the incentive side of our business and travel and meetings and events kind of went away. And so, we had to find new ways to enhance the quality of people’s lives, and so we’ve done that. And at the end of the day, it’s about creating safe environments where employees can prosper. And if your employees are prospering and you’re able to retain your high potential, high performing associates in a safe way, then they’ll stay longer.

Lee Kantor: [00:02:06] Now, that’s a great lesson for folks. While your tactics may have changed, your true north really hasn’t changed.

Tina Weede: [00:02:16] That’s right. Lee, it’s very important to us that we do not ever deviate from our purpose statement, the real big, lofty reason why we come to work, or our core values. Our core values are how we behave, and these are things that we help our clients establish. It’s interesting many times we go into businesses that their core values may have been something that is generated on the internet, or the leadership team sat around a table, or have lunch and decided what their core values would be.

Tina Weede: [00:02:50] Many times there’s a disconnect between leadership and the employee base with regard to how people are really living core values and also culture. A lot of times there’s a disconnect at the C-suite and the rest of the organization with regard to a culture. We all know that you have a culture, whether you like it or not, whether it’s a good one or bad.

Lee Kantor: [00:03:13] That’s right. That culture is going to happen. If you’re not intentional about it, believe me, it’s going to happen with or without your help, so you might as well encourage a good one.

Tina Weede: [00:03:23] Exactly. Because you’re going to get a bad one if you don’t encourage a good one.

Lee Kantor: [00:03:27] Now, as folks are kind of dealing with this, hopefully, post-pandemic, but they’re kind of creating these hybrid, like some remote, some not remote, coming back to the office, not coming back, how do you help folks bring people back to the office in a safe manner? Like, are there are some things you’ve learned on how to do this as smoothly as possible?

Tina Weede: [00:03:54] Absolutely, Lee. And part of that is partnering, really, with the best in the industry to provide the best solutions for our customers. If I were to come right out of the box and, you know, made the statement that I was an expert in safety or compliance, it would not have been believable, right?

Tina Weede: [00:04:17] So, what we did is we went out and we found the best partners who provide the best solutions in bringing people back in a very safe way. So, several of those partnerships we have formed, what we call, the safety shield. And it’s comprised of different products, but products that have been developed by the experts in their industries.

Tina Weede: [00:04:42] And so, for example, HB NEXT is the go-to in safety consulting and safety compliance. And they have amazing tools like Clear2 and the SafetyCloud. So, we’ve partnered with them to be able to provide technology that does self-attestation, could even do temperature checks. And, now, we can do the upload of a vaccination card or manage to a protocol for testing. And it’s very easy to use. The system is very well-established and used throughout many clients. So, that’s one partner.

Tina Weede: [00:05:26] Another partner is a company called Specialty and Safety, and they provide clean air solutions. And the clean air solutions are to a grade that is higher than the typical hospital grade. So, there’s UV opportunities, there’s HEPA opportunities, and the systems that they have actually monitor the air quality. We also have individual units that can go into hotel rooms, or go into cruise line cabins, or into work studios.

Tina Weede: [00:06:07] And then, we’ve also partnered with a company called MRS. And they have a full suite of products where, now, we can even do onsite testing. And this testing actually filters back into our Clear2 product, which allows people to come back to work and demonstrate that they’ve met the protocol in order to come to work that day.

Lee Kantor: [00:06:29] Now, having decided to partner with these other folks, can you share a little insight on how you were able to, number one, identify the appropriate partner? And maybe number two, how you’re able to build a relationship where it’s symbiotic?

Tina Weede: [00:06:48] Well, again, a lot of times it’s staying in your own way. Knowing what you’re really, really good at and then looking to compliment your partners, and all that does is make each other better. But, again, when you’re finding a partner or a strategic alliance, the most important thing to do is do your research, ensure that there will be a cultural alignment. Because the worst thing that you can do is bring companies together where you don’t have the same belief system and the same value system.

Tina Weede: [00:07:25] And I will say HB NEXT was the first in having conversations, and actually our conversations went back for years. And then, there’s another gentleman by the name of Paul Breslin, who is the managing director of Horwath Hospitality. He and I are now working with HB NEXT to bring these products into hospitality, because that’s Paul’s area of expertise and where he is focused for more than 40 years. So, even though these products work within manufacturing, and in construction, and in any type of corporate setting, an additional initiative that we have right now is launching it into the hospitality sector.

Lee Kantor: [00:08:19] So, now, what does an engagement look like when you have this kind of team behind you? Are you still the point person who is kind of establishing the relationship and understanding the needs and desires of the client? And then, you’re deploying whoever is appropriate depending on the outcome they desire?

Tina Weede: [00:08:37] Yes. So, the way we go to market with this product – and, of course, HB NEXT sells the same product through their channels – if we’re going through our channels and we are working as the marketing experts to bringing this out to the end user, it will come through Peerless. And the benefit to that, too, being a woman-owned business, we’ve been certified, very much involved with GWBC, there’s a benefit to our customers for this product to run through Peerless.

Tina Weede: [00:09:17] And so, what we do is we’re creating this atmosphere of whether you come through our door or you come through HB NEXT or Horwath Hospitality, or any of the others with safety or MRS, we want there to be a seamless solution for our clients. So, it doesn’t really matter which door you go in, you’re still going to get that exceptional experience, and that’s important. That user experience right now is important, whether we’re consulting you on your safety protocol, whether we’re consulting you on the new mandate, the OSHA emergency temporary standard that’s coming out, which will eventually become a permanent standard through OSHA.

Tina Weede: [00:10:10] We have the expertise now to be able to guide our clients to set the correct protocols so that we can mitigate risk. When we’re looking from a management standpoint, we want to mitigate risk, we want to make sure that you can have favorable insurance coverage and rates because you are meeting the protocol and standard that’s required from an OSHA standpoint. You can keep your employee safe.

Tina Weede: [00:10:36] Right now, we have such a hard time bringing employees back to work and keeping them. What a great way to show your employees that you truly care by creating a safe environment, physically but also from a privacy and security of data. We’re able to provide that privacy of data and the security of data as well through our systems. And then, you look at H.R., who’s thinking, “Oh, my goodness. How are we going to manage all these new protocols?” Well, now we have a global solution that helps manage it for you with notifications, employee confidentiality, and management to that protocol so that you always stay compliant.

Lee Kantor: [00:11:19] And then, these kind of services, these aren’t nice to have services anymore. These are must have. And someone has to stay on top of all these regulations, the compliance, you know, between OSHA, HIPAA. There are so many moving parts to this and you can’t afford to kind of get it wrong. So, you need a trusted adviser in your corner that’s kind of watching your back when it comes to this stuff.

Tina Weede: [00:11:43] That’s correct. And that’s why all of the alliance partners are so excited to be working together, because, one, we respect each other for being the best of the best within our own industries that we represent in our own sectors. So, we’re excited about bringing this to the marketplace. And when I look at companies that are kind of building their own homegrown type of solution to manage this, it may be a great solution. But wouldn’t you like to have a name like HB NEXT behind you with the reputation of over 20 years experience in workplace safety, consulting, and compliance?

Tina Weede: [00:12:26] And, now, with the best technology – and I’ve seen a lot of technology out there being on the meetings and events and travel side of the business as well for over 34 years, I understand what’s needed in bringing groups back together, and bringing people into hotels, and bringing people into large event arenas and conference spaces. So, that’s why it was so important as we all kind of came together that we vetted these relationships. The products are tried and true and tested, and we’re just extremely excited about this new solution.

Lee Kantor: [00:13:08] Now, has your kind of ideal customer changed with this pivot or is this something that it’s the similar customer just new services?

Tina Weede: [00:13:20] Well, you know, since we’re in the people business, we work with companies who hire people. And so, our business, really, it’s expanded not just to people who are running reward, recognition, and incentive programs, it’s now anyone who is an employer who wants to create a safe environment to bring their employees back. Again, it can be construction, it could be any vertical, it could be manufacturing, hospitality. Really, any employer is a potential client and relationship for us.

Lee Kantor: [00:14:01] Now, does the size matter? Is it like 50 or more employees, 200 or more, 1,000 or more?

Tina Weede: [00:14:09] No. It really doesn’t. Our products are very scalable. There’s an entry level within the technology, but it’s priced extremely moderately so that people can utilize this tool. I mean, what we want people to do is really use it. Like, the self-attestation tool for Clear2, for example, allows you to do a health screen before you come into the office. If you pass that health screen, and you have met the criteria of your vaccine and your testing protocol, whatever that is, you are able to get a clear to come to work.

Tina Weede: [00:14:59] And we also have the ability to scan QR codes so that we know where you’re going from building to building, or from what would be a safe room within a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, or in the back of the house and looking at manufacturing. So, it’s been put together.

Tina Weede: [00:15:20] And, again, this was not created for COVID. This was created not for the vaccine and the testing management. It was created when COVID first started, because HB NEXT had the need with their large building contractors to be able to have safe environments when people came to work. And so, they were one of the very first to meet this need in the marketplace. And, again, it is so scalable to be able to use front facing with employees or just back of the house for H.R. and just simply managing your vaccination and your testing protocol.

Lee Kantor: [00:16:01] What a tremendous service you’re providing to these folks. I mean, this is such chaotic time, and to have somebody kind of watching the ball as closely as you are is really a gift to your clients.

Tina Weede: [00:16:13] Well, I appreciate you saying that. And, of course, we love our clients. And I look at the relationship in my business of just how much we care about each other. We have now formed a second relationship with HB NEXT and look forward with hospitality as well as MRS and safety. And we’re doing this for the right reasons. At the end of the day, doing things that are tied to your purpose are going to be much more meaningful than just doing it because you see an opportunity to make more money or more revenue.

Tina Weede: [00:16:50] And I know the hearts of the people that we’re working with, and they are dedicated to making a difference in each of our individual industries and really making a difference in the world. Because to your point, people don’t know what to do. But if you have a group of trusted advisers, like what we have created with years and years of experience, I would much rather go in that direction than creating kind of a homegrown solution that might work or might not work.

Lee Kantor: [00:17:19] Amen to that. Now, speaking of kind of having a strong network, talk a little bit about GWBC, has that network helped you kind of navigate this pandemic?

Tina Weede: [00:17:33] Oh, goodness, yes. So, we have been certified through WBENC for the last four years and also as a WOSB. And I have made strong, strong relationships within the WeBe network from leadership throughout all of the WeBes. And I sit on a couple of committees, so I sit on the Voice Committee that is chaired by Tina Stevens. And I also sit on the Mentor Protege Committee with Lissa Miller for Truist Bank. And Sheryl Burk with GWBC. And I’m on this committee, but I’m also a mentor.

Tina Weede: [00:18:29] And I’ve always said in all the years that I’ve mentored young women, I get more out of it, I think, than they do. And I’m just very honored to be able to be part of that, to give back. You know, women sticking together can help change the world. And I’ve seen that and I am seeing this. And I would urge any woman-owned business to get certified to join this network of WBENC and GWBC, and others. But it has really been life-changing to me, and we have wonderful leaders within GWBC, like Roz Lewis.

Tina Weede: [00:19:15] And it’s just been a great opportunity for me and my staff. So, my staff joins in on a lot of the webinars that we have, and the training that we have, and the networking that we do. And we have a meeting tomorrow, that’s a very, very large manufacturer out of South Carolina that would drive in tomorrow. And that opportunity came specifically through the relationships with GWBC.

Lee Kantor: [00:19:46] Now, can you give some advice, maybe to younger people who maybe aren’t a member yet or new to GWBC, how to get the most out of a mentor-mentee relationship?

Tina Weede: [00:19:58] Oh, absolutely. So, the more you’re willing to share in a mentor protege type of relationship, the more you’re going to get out of it. And the more both of you, the mentor and the protege, will get out of this. And really being vulnerable. Sometimes it’s a little bit difficult sometimes to be vulnerable, especially with people that you might not know too well. But you have an opportunity with a mentor to really gain insight into how to grow your business, how to make changes within your business, and sometimes changes are the hardest thing to tackle. But look at it as having an expert or somebody that really cares about you wanting to help you reach your goals.

Tina Weede: [00:20:47] And what I’ve seen during this, is, a lot of times when we first start talking and we first meet, the goals of the protege tend to be much, much different than the goals when we end the program after a year. But a lot of times you just don’t focus on money. Money is a byproduct of something really good. If you’re making the revenues that you want, then you’re doing a lot of things right to increase those revenues or change you have to make. It’s not just hoping for more money. So, it’s looking at how do we help them reach their goals and even redefine what their goals may be.

Lee Kantor: [00:21:30] Well, congratulations on all the success. And thank you for all that you do for your profession and the community. If somebody wants to learn more about what you have going on, what’s the website?

Tina Weede: [00:21:43] Our website is www.peerlessperformance.net.

Lee Kantor: [00:21:50] Well, Tina, thank you again for sharing your story. You’re doing important work and we appreciate you

Tina Weede: [00:21:55] Well, Lee, I appreciate you. And I just appreciate you having me again, and the opportunity to advocate for women, and WeBes, and WBENC, and GWBC.

Lee Kantor: [00:22:07] Good stuff. Well, this is Lee Kantor. We will see you all next time on GWBC Open for Business.