Expertise
Home Depot could not have been as successful as it was without the expertise of Marcus and Blank. Both had been in top executive positions at Handy Dan, which had been relatively successful. They brought their knowledge of home improvement stores and their outstanding management styles to Home Depot. Not only were these two experts, but they shaped the organization so that each employee was one too. In other words, each employee was trained to solve the problems of the customers and create a personal connection with each one, thus becoming a ‘home-improvement master’.
Envision
Creating the future. That’s what Home Depot is all about. From the moment Marcus and Blank started the company up until today, the focus is always on the future. A great example of this is Frank Blake, the most recent CEO in charge. After a tumultuous time under Nardelli, Home Depot needed a rejuvenation, which it got from Blake. After Nardelli took the company away from Marcus and Blank’s vision, Blake rekindled the organization’s connection with the two founders. After a rough first few years because of a crumbling housing market, the new CEO was able to take the company to unprecedented growth. Now, it is the leading home improvement retail store and the future only looks more promising.