Karen Johnson: President W.F. Hann & Sons

Karen Johnson, President W.F. Hann & Sons

Type of business: HVAC - Heating, Cooling and Plumbing

Description of Job: As President of W.F. Hann and Sons, Karen carries many roles including, but not limited to, HR, Marketing, oversees sales, contracts and accounting, benefits and training. Starting as a controller 11 years ago, Karen also served as COO before being promoted to President.

Supervision and leadership responsibilities:

·Provide leadership to a team of 63 employees.

·Oversight of all operations within the company.

·Partner with Business Leaders locally and nationally.

·Create and manage a multi-million- dollar budget.

·Create and maintain relationships with vendors.

·Develop, enforce and reevaluate company policies.

·Continuously adapt to market trends in order to increase profitability.

·Meet regularly with the management team to ensure that decisions and needs are met.

Outstanding Achievements:

·First Woman President in Company’s 114- year history.

·During her tenure revenue has increased by 48%.

·Worked extensively with a variety of marketing agencies to maximize brand awareness by designing and launch a new website, maximizing website SEO, and by executing an industry-leading digital advertising strategy.

·Was instrumental in the company receiving, for the 7th year in a row, the Carrier President’s Award and the Cleveland Plain Dealer Top Workplace; 2018 Community Impact Award, and the 2018 Smart Business Longevity Award.

·Received the 2019 Business leader of Excellence from the Warrensville Hts. Area Chamber of Commerce.

·Relocated the entire company to a state-of-the-art facility.

·Recipient of the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award of 2021

Exemplary Leadership and management

·In 2020 achieved the highest revenue year in the company’s 114 years of history.

·Created a positive, strong company culture which resulted in an 90% employee retention rate.

·Implemented regular morale and team-building events including golf outings, holiday parties, food truck lunches, and incentive programs.These changes brought a 25% increase in productivity.

·Developed monthly training sessions for all areas of the company which has resulted in more proficient service technicians, reenforced the importance of customer satisfaction and increased profitability.

·Facilitated growth within the company allowing us to increase our team by 20%

·Educated employees on saving for retirement which led to a 35% increase in our 401k plan.Also created a company 401k match program.

Innovated Strategies

·During the Covid-19 pandemic created and implemented strategies to ensure the safety of our employees and customers while also continuing to provide industry-leading customer service.

·Built a training lab to enhance skills and continue to educate our technicians and installers.

·Implemented online scheduling, account management and text reminders for upcoming service appointments.

·Created a Year-End Total Compensation Statement providing employees the total value of their pay package including both direct and indirect compensation.

Strong Community and Professional Involvement

·Chairwoman of the Board of the Warrensville Hts. Area Chamber of Commerce

·Volunteer at the Cleveland Food Bank

·Participates in the Adopt-A-Family Program

·Supporting the Susan G Komen Foundation by making a donation for every service call ran within the month of October. We also create a ribbon wall of customers, employees, or friends that have been affected by breast cancer. Over $18,000 has been donated for Breast Cancer Awareness to date.

·Proud contributor of the Purse Project, Reading Across America, Heat & Plumb the Country and the Female Entrepreneur Summit.

Visit W.F. Hann & Sons: HERE

Listen to the CEOs You Should Know podcast with Karen Johnson below.