Even the most accomplished organizations recognize that there’s always an opportunity to grow and improve, and their ability to act on this is what keeps them successful. The Montgomery County Commerce Department convened its first Business Breakthrough roundtable discussion in Colmar on Apr. 2, gathering local business leaders to explore one of today’s most pressing workforce challenges: retaining employees and scaling business growth through strategic workforce investments.
The event featured Craig Edsill, CEO of Clemens Family Corporation, and Keith Stahler, Director of Talent Acquisition, who shared the transformational journey the company undertook to reduce turnover, expand operations, and enhance profitability through bold organizational change.
Edsill and Stahler explained how Clemens Family Corporation, a major player in the food industry, has undergone a significant cultural shift in recent years — one that has not only improved employees’ lives but also increased the company’s overall business scope and efficiency. Clemens operates numerous production facilities and employs over 5,000 team members. Through innovative workforce policies and investments in talent, Clemens has successfully scaled up its workforce, dramatically reduced turnover rates, and expanded its operational capacity.
A Cultural Shift That Drives Business Success
During the discussion, Edsill and Stahler detailed the fundamental changes that allowed Clemens Family Corporation to achieve these results. Recognizing that traditional workforce retention strategies were no longer sufficient in today’s competitive job market, the company took a proactive approach by prioritizing employee well-being, professional development, and workplace culture.
Without a well-defined hiring strategy, businesses can easily resort to reactive hiring, resulting in misaligned teams and increased turnover. The company introduced new policies focused on career advancement opportunities, enhanced workplace benefits, and employee engagement initiatives.
These efforts not only reduced turnover but also fostered a stronger, more committed workforce, allowing the business to scale up production, meet growing demand, and ultimately increase profitability. Clemens Family Corporation has cultivated an inspiring workplace culture, rooted in family values and a shared sense of purpose, that draws a waitlist of individuals hoping to join the company.
Investing in Talent for Long-Term Growth
One of the key takeaways from the roundtable was that investing in workforce development is not just an HR initiative — it’s a business growth strategy. By shifting its approach to employee retention and development, Clemens Family Corporation has positioned itself for sustained success, demonstrating that what’s good for employees can also be good for the bottom line.
Many companies think of workforce challenges as a cost or an obstacle, but what Clemens has proven is that strategic investments in talent pay off in measurable ways. By creating policies that support employees, they have been able to significantly increase their capacity, improve efficiency, and expand their reach in the market.
A Conversation That Will Continue
The Montgomery County Commerce Department remains committed to supporting local businesses through discussions like this roundtable. Workforce retention, employee engagement, and business growth are ongoing challenges that require continuous adaptation, and events like this provide a valuable forum for business leaders to share strategies and learn from one another.
For those interested in future roundtable discussions or workforce development initiatives, please stay connected with the Montgomery County Commerce Department for upcoming events and resources.
For information on future events here.
