Many of us have been deeply influenced by the thoughts presented by Robert Waterman and Tom Peters in their book "In Search Of Excellence". The all-pervasive theme of the book is that the formula for success in any business is nothing more than common-sense: Take care of the customer's needs and you will have more business than you know what to do with. It is surprising how few companies comprehend this, and search for a far more sophisticated formula for success.

"Excellence" in being a Manufacturer's Representative comes at least as much from your attitude as it does from your actions. It comes from really caring about the people you do business with. It comes from viewing every relationship as long-term. And it comes from remembering that both the manufacturers we represent and the people we sell to are our customers.

I am proud to have spent six years prior to founding my Company with an organization that truly understood these principles. I have shared in the success that comes when you live by these rules. My experience with that company has given me an outstanding model to live up to.

While "Excellence" may seem a bit ostentatious to choose as a company name, I have chosen it to remind me on a daily basis of my goal for servicing my customers and principals. And while few companies ever achieve "Excellence", those that pursue it as a goal are truly on the right path.

- Ken Simons