|
HJI understands that in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace,
the formation of strategic alliances can strengthen the participating
companies' potential for growth. In considering a strategic alliance,
HJI is interested in partnering only with companies that mirror our values,
culture, and performance objectives in a value-added manner. Any strategic
alliance must meet the goals and objectives of each entity; and must be
mutually beneficial to both entities in order to be successful. The owners
of HJI have considerable experience in formulating strategic alliances,
which have been successful. Throughout each project, we continuously focus
on mutually acceptable objectives and strategies, honest communication
and problem resolution, cost justification, cost control, and most importantly,
satisfying any changing requirements over the long term.
Our objectives include:
- Setting realistic but aggressive cost objectives early in each project
- Devising and employing a process for accomplishing cost-schedule-performance
tradeoffs during each phase and at each milestone decision point
- Managing risks to achieve cost, schedule, and performance objectives
- Devising appropriate metrics for tracking progress in setting and
achieving cost objectives
- Motivating managers to achieve project objectives
- Establishing additional incentives to reduce operating and support
costs
Examples of successful partnerships include:
In 1988 and 1989, HJI and Johnson-Houston Transportation Company (JHTC)
entered into a partnership with an Illinois-based Transportation Company
to form Active Transportation Company and Automotive Carrier Services
Co. The combined entities grew from $3million to $50 million over a 6-year
period. Ford Motor Company endorsed the concept and over the years, each
entity was positioned to bid on business opportunities that they would
not have been able to achieve independently. Clear areas of competencies,
operational responsibilities, non-compete provisions, financial obligations,
and adherence to minority certification requirements were clearly and
mutually agreed upon, adhered to, and eventually embraced.
In 1994, the owners of HJI along with the president of the partner company
bought out the partnership interest, and reorganized into four separate
and distinct entities. The companies grew to $450 million in sales and
became the largest minority operated transportation company in North America
of finished cars, trucks, and heavy machinery.
In 2002, the owners of HJI along with several prominent members of our
community entered into a partnership with a leading bank in Louisville
to establish The Patriot Group - a full service insurance company. This
year, by mutual consent, the group bought out the bank's interest in order
to expand the scope and capabilities by partnering with Accordia Insurance
Company to serve as that company's official minority broker.
|