Communication key to collaboration
Elms ’ participation in the Kwik Trip training session is an example of the importance of communication and collaboration within and between the two companies .
Project managers from the various Ayres divisions working on a Kwik Trip store typically hold weekly update calls to ensure the project remains on track .
“ The work each of our teams does impacts what the others are doing , so there ’ s a good deal of coordination involved ,” Zander said . “ And there definitely are those impromptu calls whenever there ’ s a problem or a question that arises .”
That communication is equally important between the Ayres team and their counterparts at Kwik Trip .
The name game
In Iowa , Kwik Trip stores are called Kwik Star . This has been the case since the chain opened its first store in the Hawkeye state in 1993 . This was done to avoid confusion with a chain of convenience stores called QuikTrip already operating in the state .
“ We ’ ve developed a good rapport with the project managers we work with at Kwik Trip ,” Paschke said . “ They appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that goes into our planning process . They help us anticipate potential problems and they give good feedback about how the plans we draw up are playing out in the field during construction .”
Typically , project assignments from Kwik Trip are issued each spring , with Ayres ’ design work occurring in the summer and actual construction during the fall and winter .
It ’ s a rhythm that Zander and his Ayres colleagues look forward to repeating . “ Kwik Trip is growing crazy fast ,” he said . “ And as long as they want us to continue working for them , we ’ ll be happy to do that .”
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