General Manager Jeff Brock and his team at The Loth Co. take a straightforward approach to innovation: How is technology being used? And based on what they’ve found, Loth invested in a resource center for its team and clients.
“Our resource center was an investment in our philosophy around innovation,” Brock says. “It is dedicated to providing knowledge, products and services centered around technology and its impact on space. There is not another company in the market that addresses these issues the way Loth does.”
Brock was named one of 2010 Smart Leader honorees by Smart Business and Blue Technologies. We asked him about how he faces — and overcomes — challenges, as well as how Loth gives back to the community.
Give us an example of a business challenge you and/or your organization faced, as well as how you overcame it.
Most recently would be our purchase of the Thomas W. Ruff Co. When merging two organizations, culture is always a challenge. We created a market survey that gave us a great deal of strategic knowledge around our past and, more importantly, our future. This information afforded us the opportunity to rethink our brand and create a new regional strategy. One culture, one brand — Loth.
In what ways are you an innovative leader, and how does your organization employ innovation to be on the leading edge?
We look at how company’s today are using technology and how their real estate supports or hinders its use in their organizations. How is technology helping your company grow? How does it have an impact on collaboration and distribution of information?
How do you make a significant impact on the community and regional economy?
We believe strongly in giving back — whether the work we do civically or socially. We have been active supports with the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Nationwide’s Children’s Hospital, The American Heart Association, United Way, Camp Mary Orten, The Columbus Chamber, The Grandview Chamber. In addition, we are a small business that looks to continue to recruit and grow our associate base. We support intern programs locally through CCAD and The Ohio State University. The Loth Co. is over 100 years old and has been a fixture in both the Columbus and Cincinnati markets. Our commitment to this regional and city remain strong.
How to reach: The Loth Co., www.lothexperts.com.
