Canadian Retailer - Winter 2013 - 16

RETAIL LEADERS

Alain Baird admits to finding it difficult to relinquish control
of the business that he founded more than two decades ago.
He also, however, stresses the benefits of a well thought-out
succession plan, the need to develop much needed leadership
skills along the way, and the importance of never forgetting the
“why” of business.
What are some of the challenges involved in planning for
succession?
There are many challenges, but the two most important for me were
the need for patience and passion. Impatience is a human condition.
Society wants everything yesterday, and Jennifer was no exception
to this mindset as evident by her expectations coming out of
university. Passion was also a concern of mine, as it’s something that
cannot be taught. Passion has to evolve inside of you, and if you are
not passionate about the business, it just won’t work.
When did you realize that Jennifer could one day assume
leadership of the company?
Jennifer displayed leadership qualities from a very early age.
She has always been at her best when she’s showing you how
to do something. I realized that she could assume leadership of
the company when I saw the passion she was developing for the
business and its associates, while developing her skills during the
various positions she took on.
In your estimation, how does Jennifer suit the position of
President and CEO of Stitch It?
As the business continues to evolve—it’s had to make quite a few
changes over the last four years to stay competitive—Jennifer’s
youth better suits her for adapting to change. She’s not afraid to
challenge the status quo and she has a good understanding of the
issues, challenges and opportunities that come along with running
a service business. Jennifer’s people skills are a huge asset to the
business, our associates and the customers that we serve.
Has it ever been difficult for you to relinquish control of
the company?
Absolutely! For the last 23 years, Stitch It has been part of every
waking moment for me…not to mention my nightmares and
dreams, too. We have 650 associates whose families depend on
Stitch It being successful. I would rather die than let them down. I
appreciate that Jennifer has to take control, but I intend on staying
in the background to whisper in her ear, hopefully at the right time
for the right reasons.
How important is it for a company to develop a solid succession
plan for growth and continued success?
Business has to grow to be successful because the cost of doing
business is always growing. Therefore, if you don’t grow you cannot
be successful. Likewise, leaders need to grow if they are to be
relevant. However, a leader’s growth must never be at the expense
of ‘why’ they are in business or ‘why’ their associates want to work
for the business. When a leader’s personal growth becomes more
important than the ‘why’, then the company is doomed to failure.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice that you have given
Jennifer? And why?
There have been many pieces of advice that I’ve offered Jennifer
over the years. Here are a few bits that stick with me.
If you think you can, then you can. Positive reinforcement can never
be underestimated.
There is nothing wrong with Stitch It that cannot be cured by what
is right with Stitch It. Focusing on the positives will almost always
allow you to work through the challenges.
And…never lose sight of the reasons you’re in business and the
reasons your associates want to work for you. Retail is a people
business—it’s about the customers and the associates.

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canadian retailer | winter 2013 | www.retailcouncil.org/cdnretailer

structured conversations around the succession
plan and how well it is going is crucial. We may
be family, but we are not mind-readers.”
The communication between Baird and her
father continues to this day, allowing her to at
all times be within reach of advice from the man
who started the company and the benefits of this
advice are not lost on Baird.
“My father and I have a meeting every single
week where we talk about what’s happening.
We’re in a transition period right now. I have
taken over the president's role, but Alain is staying on full time for two years to continue to mentor me. He makes sure that things are going well
and allows me to make some mistakes while ensuring that ‘both of his babies’ are staying on the
right course.”
Do you want to learn more about the Stitch It’s
succession plan, and all of the challenges and opportunities that the Baird’s encountered along the
way? Jennifer and her father Alain will be sharing
their story and further insights about succession
planning at Retail Council of Canada’s 2013
Human Resources Conference on April 8-9, 2013.
To register, visit the association’s website at www.
retailcouncil.org, or call the RCC membership
team at 1-888-373-8245.

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Canadian Retailer - Winter 2013

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