The move represents Mehdiof’s mantra, “At the end of the day, happy employees means a happy company and happy clients.” Renovations are underway for North Point to relocate. The larger facility can accommodate their fleet of fifty-two vehicles and is within minutes of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
As the company prepares to move into the fresh, modern facility that has a designated space with exercise stations, big screen televisions, a pool table, showers, a bedroom, and what Mehdiof describes as “one of the best chauffeur lounges in the country,” the entire staff has started working with a life-business coach. The goal is to define and revamp the company’s core values, mission statement and culture to one that is team-oriented.
“It’s like anything else in life,” Mehdiof states. “Nobody’s perfect. You’re always looking for improvement and looking at how to enhance the environment you have, how to create an atmosphere and give them tools to go from a set mindset to a growth-minded way of thinking. In order to do that, you need to bring in somebody with expertise.”
According to a statement published in HR Monthly on the power of coaching, “Recent studies show business coaching and executive coaching to be the most effective means for achieving sustainable growth, change and development in the individual, group and organization.”
During a quarterly meeting with a national mastermind group comprised of leaders in the transportation industry, Mehdiof met Kirsten Zoub of Dasein Training. The organizer of the meeting brought Zoub in as a speaker. Afterwards, Mehdiof told her, “I really want to get you involved, have you come down to Atlanta and start working with my people.”
“Brainstorming as owners and top management of these companies, we found that a lot of us share the same issues and concerns, whether it’s New York, L.A., Atlanta or the mid-west,” explains Mehdiof about the negative mindsets many companies face. “You run into: I can’t, I’m too old to learn, I’m too limited, I don’t get paid enough and I don’t have time to balance my work-life.”
A statement on the Dasein website relays Zoub’s enthusiasm to overcome negativism: “There’s nothing more thrilling than seeing vision, honesty, understanding, and empowerment come together to create a fresh, new place where people and companies can transform!”
The transformation is in the first months of a long-term engagement. Mehdiof states matter-of-factly that North Point Transportation is in growth mode, and he wants Zoub to stay on board for a couple years, “because it takes time to change the culture.”
“We’re going to have new people coming to us and being hired,” he said. “We are setting the stage currently to get there and then keep it going by exposing any new employees to it from the beginning.” He wants new hires to see what they are joining, where the company stands and what their values are. Mehdiof voiced his hope for current and future team members to do well in their personal life as well as their business life: “We want to give you the tools to succeed here at work and hopefully carry that into your personal life as well.”
Improving the client experience is something Mehdiof works on daily. “At the end of the day, yes, we are taking people from point A to point B,” then asks, “But…how are we doing it? How safe do they feel? How good do they feel about that service they are getting? What kind of experience are they having with us?”
“Regardless of the solid reputation we have, regardless of the number of years we’ve been in business,” Mehdiof concluded, “There’s always room for improvement.”
About North Point Transportation, Inc.: With close to thirty years of experience in the worldwide chauffeured transportation and limousine service industry, North Point Transportation meets every personal, corporate, airport and special event transportation need. They are located in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information, visit their website, www.nplimo.com