Happy Holidays,
With each passing year I find it becomes easier to take for granted the many blessings in my life. Instead of being thankful for all the good things, I catch myself worrying about often-insignificant things. The crazy thing is I know that I’m happier when I focus on being grateful rather than dwell on what isn’t going right.
The blessings in my life start with, and are most abundant among, the good people in my life. This includes everyone from family, friends and co-workers to those acquaintances I encounter whose pleasant demeanor helps brighten an otherwise stressful day. This coming year I vow to put more energy into showing gratitude to those people who deserve it and to spend less time worrying about what’s outside of my control.
So, my first official “Act of Gratitude” at Wood’s Powr-Grip is to thank all of you — our customers, our vendors, ours friends and co-workers — for making 2019 a successful year. The struggles that WPG overcame during the past 12 months have only made it more apparent how thankful we should be for those who share in our journey and made success possible.
Have a wonderful holiday season! We look forward to a new year that finds us happier and healthier — and not taking for granted our many blessings.
From our family to yours, we wish you the very best this holiday season.
- Bryan Wood, CEO
Previous Messages
2018
Technology is great. So why is it so frustrating? I hate that I feel obligated to scan every incoming message, just in case I am holding up progress because I did not respond to someone in time. I hate that I expect others to constantly monitor their messages so that, on a whim, I can interrupt their day with questions that may not even be very important. However, I love it when I get that little vibration in my pocket, I pull out my phone, and am treated to a photo of a friend or family member enjoying a moment in time. I love that I can take as many pictures as I want without carrying around a camera or worrying about wasting film. I hate that some people are more interested in filming a precarious situation than lending a helping hand. I love that I can check the weather forecast any time I want, even though it rarely changes my plans for the day.
So my hope for the holiday season is that, every time your phone vibrates, buzzes, dings, or plays your favorite tune, you are treated by someone special in your life, sharing something that makes you smile. I hope you take lots of pictures, so that you can enjoy the spirit of the season all year long. If we are faced with a situation where someone needs help, I hope we respond appropriately. And of course, no matter what the weather throws your way, I hope you get to spend time relaxing with the people who are special in your life.
Have a wonderful holiday season. It is the best time of year to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Doing so will make Christmas even brighter, and the New Year even more joyous.
From our family to yours, we wish you the very best this holiday season.
Bryan Wood, CEO
2016
Following a long and divisive year, we are once again reminded of just how troubled and ugly the political process can be. Many people try to convince us that our country - maybe even the world - is in a precarious position. Other people go further, and actually seem to delight in making that gloomy prediction. Every chance they get in fact - or at least after every election. Eventually they'll be right. We'll have an off year, and they'll tell us "I told you so."
But I don't feel 2017 will be one of those years: We are coming off a relatively good year and seeing indicators of positive growth. Can we expect to see all the sensational changes we were promised during the election? Probably not. However we still have a lot to be thankful for, and a lot to look forward to.
That being said, especially when business is good, it's easy to get so busy that we lose sight of what is really important. For me, that's family and friends. This is the perfect time of year to rediscover what is really important to you. I hope this holiday season provides you with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the things in life that are near and dear to you, and I look forward to 2017 being a disappointing year for the "I told you so" crowd.
Best wishes,
Bryan Wood
2015
As we wind down 2015, I look back and am again struck with the reality that I have a lot to be thankful for. This being said, I am not oblivious to the senseless acts of violence and injustices many people in our world are enduring. With each mind numbing report I hear, I have an even greater realization of how blessed I am for the gift of each year.
2015 was especially busy for us as we undertook our first major expansion project in over a decade. What made this expansion even more exciting than past expansions is that our equipment was used to set all of the building panels. What a tremendous sense of satisfaction to watch the equipment you built not only perform flawlessly but also astonish those using it by cutting the time required to complete the job in half.
What does 2016 hold in store for us? Well another election for one thing. I love the democratic process and the passion that goes into supporting those involved. The "politics as usual" I could certainly do without. But despite the election rhetoric we will have to endure, I welcome 2016.
We look forward to taking full advantage of our expansion by streamlining processes and improving our work environment. We are also excited about developments we have underway that will continue to revolutionize the safety of materials handling, just as we have done ever since the introduction of the pump-style vacuum cup with the red-line indicator.
So as we prepare to unwrap the gift of another year, we are again feeling blessed for many reasons and, in particular, for the prospect of having another year of working with each and every one of you. So please enjoy what is left of 2015 with family and friends by having a very merry Christmas, and give thanks for the gift of a new and prosperous year.
Best Wishes,
Bryan Wood
CEO of Wood's Powr-Grip
2014
Every New Year, each of us resolves to improve. We set goals to be more efficient, to work harder and be more productive. The list seems simple enough at the beginning of the year. But if you are like me, each year you think, "It simply cannot be the holiday season already! I still have so much that I want to accomplish this year. A year seems like such a long time - how could I not have gotten everything done? I worked hard during the year; it's not like I took the year off. The goals I set were realistic." A couple of sub-zero cold spells, and the next thing you know, it's December.
Believe it or not, this year is just about in the history books. Now is the time to put a new list together and resolve to make 2015 the most productive year ever!
Like the tip of an iceberg, productivity is the small part we see. In truth it is what lies beneath that makes a difference and drives us forward. It is the meaningful relationships that we have developed over the years with our Dealers and our customers that keep us afloat. And it is our employees' willingness, innovative thinking and dedication that drives us forward. To all, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your loyalty and all your hard work.
However, before we set sail on a new course towards record levels of productivity, we all know what the best thing to do is: Take a vacation. With that in mind, we will be closing up shop between Christmas Eve and the New Year, so we can recharge, spend time with our families and friends, and prepare ourselves for the greatness that lies ahead in 2015.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and please take this time of year to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Doing so will make Christmas even brighter and the New Year even more joyous.
Sincerely,
Bryan Wood, CEO
2013
With a deep blanket of snow and subzero temperatures, it is definitely starting to feel like Christmas here in Montana. A quick glance at the national news indicates that much of the country is in the same boat. After an absolutely beautiful Montana fall, December has reminded us that winter is here, regardless of what the calendar says, and that another year has flown by. For Wood's Powr-Grip, it also means that we are preparing to celebrate a major milestone in our business.
In 1964 Grandpa Howard began a classic American success story. A WWII veteran, he believed enough in his ingenuity to invest everything he had to start a new company, based on a product he developed in his machine shop. As a result, 50 years ago the pump-style hand cup was born. This simple product was so revolutionary that it is still as relevant today as the day it was invented.
Unfortunately we lost Grandpa Howard back in 1983, but his influence on this company is still very apparent. We aren't as likely to close down the plant early and send everyone home, just because it is a nice Friday afternoon to head out on a camping trip. But we do use the holiday season to give our employees a well-deserved break. So while we are out enjoying our winter wonderland, we wish you and everyone special to you a joyous holiday season. We look forward to 2014 and celebrating our 50th birthday with all our friends.
Bryan Wood, CEO
2012
As we approach the New Year, I am reminded of the important events of the past year. Among others, we survived a long, heated and divisive election season. The negativity of this event has left many of us questioning what it is going to take for things to get better in 2013. One immediate improvement was with the elimination of campaign fliers and donation requests. I only need to empty my waste basket half as often! Now it is time for the politicians, who made countless promises during the heat of battle, to start walking the walk. As a small manufacturer, I heard both sides telling me how they were going to make life so much better for me. Needless to say, I am not holding my breath.
In the coming year, there is no doubt that businesses are facing a multitude of challenges that are different from those of the past. It seems that consumers are constantly demanding more for less - a trend which I accept, for as a consumer, I do the same thing. What is perhaps more disconcerting is how government leaders demonize those who do step up to meet these challenges. In doing so, these leaders create social barriers that prevent future generations from achieving their potential greatness. I fear that we are trending towards a society that places too much dependence on government. We're being conditioned to believe that it is socially acceptable to survive off of government assistance (which you and I are paying for), instead of adhering to a strong work ethic and accepting whatever job is available, even if the work is not ideal.
So what now? I believe the right track for this great country of ours is simple and hasn't changed in over 200 years: A strong faith in God and teachings that come with this; good, wholesome family values; the desire to make life better for your family, your friends and your community; and the realization that the quick fix is not always the best fix. Support of these fundamental values will do more for our country than any politician's rhetoric. With that in mind, WPG is doing our part by providing the opportunity for our employees to spend time over the holiday season with their God, their family, and their friends. We value the business, and more importantly, the trusting relationship that has grown between us and our customers. We sincerely hope that each and every one of you will find an opportunity during this blessed time of the year to build those special relationships and to touch someone's life in a positive way.
My name is Bryan Wood and I approve of this message!
Bryan Wood, CEO
2011
The past few years have indeed been interesting, what with the highs and the lows, markets up and markets down, sales up and sales down. But together we've plowed forward and vowed to ride out the hard times. As conditions continue to improve, we would like to thank all those employees whose selfless sacrifice has enabled us to continue on, to add new products and even expand into new industrial markets.
Moreover, we extend sincere thanks to you, our customers. Without your support, it would have been difficult to weather this recent economic storm. Our survival is testament to the loyalty and patronage you have shown us. We appreciate your business and trust that our relationship will help us mutually prosper and will successfully carry us all well into the future.
It is our sincere hope that this holiday season will find you surrounded by the people that matter most. We urge you to take time to enjoy those things that make a difference and share the joy of this season with good friends and family. Here's hoping that you have a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Bryan Wood, CEO
Wood's Powr-Grip
2010
The road to business has been a rough one these past few years. The economic downturn, high unemployment and uncertain government policy have weighed heavily upon us all. Any seasoned traveler will tell you that rough roads are passable if you approach them cautiously, well prepared, and never travel alone.
In the past, Wood's Powr-Grip has traveled through several tough economic periods. Each time we've done what we could to smooth out the rough spots, hunkered down and took our share of bumps and lumps along the way. Each time we've emerged stronger and better for the experience, and I'm certain that this time will be no different.
In the past year, we've developed many new products: the cladding vacuum lifters, low profile vacuum lifters, and forklift adapters, to mention a few. We've explored the possibilities of different and new industrial markets, and we continue to expand and proliferate our brand recognition. We are focusing our resources to assure that we come out of this economic downturn prepared and stronger than ever! But like the seasoned traveler, we know we can't do it alone.
The support all of you have shown has kept us true to course and made our journey through these rough times more meaningful. It is the loyal patronage of our customers, dealers and distributors, as well as the tenacious performance of our employees, that has given us the strength and means to forge ahead. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your sacrifice, your insight, your patronage and your support throughout the past year, and wish you all success in the year to come.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, prosperity and those things that matter most: friends, family and meaningful relationships with others.
Bryan Wood, CEO
Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc.
2009
The year 2009 has been a challenging year for everyone. With economic uncertainty and high unemployment rates, caution has been the business model of necessity. It is in these trying times that friendships and time-forged relationships gain added meaning. As we all strive to succeed, we realize that success is not measured merely by wealth. Success speaks of lasting bonds with those that help give the journey through life meaning and purpose.
We trust that the bonds we have developed with our employees, our business partners and our customers will help propel us all into a promising future. We would like to thank you all for your trust, your patience and your support throughout the past year, and we wish you all great success in the year to come.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, prosperity and those things that matter most: family, friends and meaningful relationships with others.
Happy Holidays!
Bryan Wood, CEO Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc.
2008
This time of year brings to mind those things that are most important to us: family, friends, and the relationships we build with others. Through the hustle and bustle of the season, it seems that we may never have a moment to enjoy those things that matter most. Still we make time to share the joy of the season with those that truly matter.
Here at Wood's Powr-Grip we are proud to be an integral part of the lives of our employees, our dealers and distributors, and our customers. Business is more than the selling of a product. It relies on honesty, trust and the building of lasting relationships to survive. The year 2008 has seen our company grow, and we owe this growth to our people, and those that have come to know our company through them. We value our relationship with all who support our company, and we wish for all continued prosperity into the New Year.
I'd like to take this time to personally thank you all for your patronage and support. We take seriously the trust you have given us and re-commit ourselves to offering the highest quality products and best customer service in the industry.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, prosperity and those things that matter: family, friends and meaningful relationships with others.
Happy Holidays!
Bryan Wood, CEO Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc.