Brian Forth: A Business Leader

Brian Forth visited our class and talked a little about his qualifications, endeavors and successes. Brian was no stranger to corporate life given that the majority of his family was employed by a major corporation such as Lockheed Martin. Brian didn't exactly go to college for business, nor was his initial career anything to do with business. However, after getting a degree in Theology and Philosophy Brian decided to teach elementary school. Brian changed jobs again, and eventually decided to create his own job. Brian's creation was a company focusing on web site creation called SiteCrafting Inc. This company has grown in size to 30 employees in 3 locations, Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane. In 2009 Brian was honored at the 8^th Annual Business Leadership Awards winning the small business leader of the year award. Different from what most people think of business leaders, Brian puts a lot of emphasis on his employees during his day to day activities. He focuses on strategies and principals that will retain employees and encourage growth, knowing that this focus will lead to higher quality products and a more successful business. Management that recognizes that employees are a critical region of a successful business are surely more likely to succeed, even when economic conditions make business an uphill struggle. Brian seems to understand that, and during his acceptance speech said “We have to approach each day, confident that we can handle whatever changes come our way because we adhere to timeless, changeless principals.” I wish Brian continued success with his business.