|
David Yancho
Armor Protective Packaging
CEO & Managing Partner
Tell us what inspires and drives you in your work or business?
Personally, I’ve always loved the idea that a business has the opportunity to create something of great value for a customer. It can be done in a simple, no frills way or it can be something that leaves people saying wow! I’ve always figured that if we are going to take the time to do something and spend the kind of time we do at work, then let’s do it, as we say at ARMOR, “by taking it to 11”. Let’s do it great, not just good. As an example, we make rust prevention products for industry. That could be a pretty boring, mundane business. But, we’ve chosen to make it fun, make it innovative and “take it to 11”. We create value for our customers not only with the products we produce but also with the service and experience they have working with ARMOR. That kind of work inspires me and drives me!
What do you love about conducting business in Livingston County?
Livingston County feels grounded to me. There isn’t a pretentiousness or air of arrogance. It’s a place you want to live and work. Perhaps this comes from the history of it being a hard-working farming community but regardless, it’s a safe, tranquil place that has a rich history and strong work ethic.
What do you love about being a Chamber member?
I think it’s connected to what inspires me…..creating something, making something better, solving a need. I believe the Chamber helps businesses do that. The Chamber helps businesses with resources, connections, exposure and advocacy. While governments around the world seem to believe they have the solutions for people’s issues or needs, I believe enterprise and businesses do this better, in most cases. Businesses need to perform at the highest levels to attract and retain customers. It’s a pretty simple equation. The market (ie. the people) will dictate what they need or want and reward those who fulfill their needs with sales. I think the Chamber of Commerce is an important partner in that effort.
Can you share a recent success story?
ARMOR has been fortunate to win the Crains’ Cool Places to Work award 7X. While we’ve always had an excellent culture and outstanding people, we couldn’t quite cross the threshold of a best place to work until we implemented a better operating system or put another way, a system of “how” we manage and operate our business. We did that in 2017 and things began to change rapidly. While 2017 is not “recent” it was a pivotal moment in our company journey and it has allowed us to do so many things since. In the last few months, as an example, we outgrew our warehouse space at our HQ so we leased a second building to move our Stock & Ready warehouse, now referred to as our Stock & Ready Depot. This move, the strategy behind it and the smoothness of it couldn’t have been done without our operating system. It allowed us to plan, communicate that plan and handle issues in an effective and efficient manner. We began shipping out of the Stock & Ready Depot (located only a mile from our HQ in Howell) the last week in June!
Share exciting plans or initiatives for 2024?
This year has been exciting as we transition the leadership of the company. My business partner and I are both “retiring” at the end of 2024 while maintaining majority ownership of the company. While my partner Robin will actually be retiring, I’m starting a new venture called Left & Right Consulting. I believe there are two sides to brand and culture and they require both the left and right sides of the brain. Myself and another partner will be helping companies with branding, culture and their “operating system”. You can’t have a great brand and culture without it. ARMOR has been operating the last six months or more under the leadership of our new President and our leadership team. I’m so excited to watch this outstanding team grow and thrive. I think it’s a testament to the system we have in place, our culture and most importantly the outstanding people we have at Armor Protective Packaging.
| 
