On November 19, the Daviess County CEO Cohort welcomed Rob Dyer, Asset Protection Manager at Home Depot, for an engaging and insightful session. Rob opened with a lighthearted team-building activity involving toilet paper—an unexpected but effective way to set a collaborative, energetic tone for the morning. From there, he guided the students into a deeper discussion on the idea of “headline risk,” reminding them that negative moments tend to be remembered far more vividly than positive ones. He emphasized the importance of being intentional with actions and decisions, as both shape the personal and professional “brand” each student is building.
Rob’s presentation centered around five key themes:
**Safety in the Workplace: The foundation of a well-run business is a safe environment for employees and customers alike.
**Shrink Mitigation: Protecting inventory and reducing loss is crucial for maintaining a healthy bottom line.
**Responsibilities: Effective leaders take ownership of their actions, decisions, and assigned roles.
**Avoiding Headline Risks: A strong reputation is built by minimizing careless choices that could lead to negative attention.
**Building a Strong Brand: A brand is more than a logo—it’s the reflection of a team’s values, actions, and integrity.
Rob encouraged the cohort to surround themselves with knowledgeable, experienced individuals, reminding them that no entrepreneur succeeds alone. He challenged students to reflect on their identity and purpose with two important questions: “What is your brand, and what do you stand for?”
He also addressed common fears faced by young professionals, including the fear of failure. Rob urged students to take risks, step outside their comfort zones, and view setbacks as learning opportunities. Additionally, he shed light on the challenges brick-and-mortar stores face today, including the rise in organized retail crime, encouraging students to remain vigilant and proactive in their future business endeavors.
The cohort deeply appreciated Rob’s guidance and looks forward to welcoming him back for future conversations.
