Great people make great companies, which is fostered through recruiting and retention, training and development, good communication, working together, accountability, and a strong company culture, said Tom Sellars, chairman and chief executive officer of Sellars Absorbent Materials.
“We solicit input from employees in the plant and the office at all levels to make sure we have diversity in thought and opinion and to make sure all voices are heard,” he said. Many times, some of the best ideas and suggestions we implement come from those on the front lines who are manufacturing our products or meeting with our customers.”
This is why Sellars, a two-time Titan 100, continues to invest in the training and development of his employees and shares its economic rewards through attractive wages, performance bonuses (all hourly manufacturing people are eligible for quarterly bonuses and monthly perfect attendance, office annual bonus potential), and core benefits of quality healthcare, retirement with a 100% match, and a homeownership program in partnership with Havenwoods and the City of Milwaukee.
Sellars Absorbent Materials is a leading U.S. manufacturer of wipes, towels and absorbent products for the away from home and DIY markets.
To foster employee growth, the firm hosts job training and an apprenticeship. The company’s summer internship program helps the firm identify potential future talent and grow the next generation of leaders.
Under Sellars’ guidance, in the past year, the firm crossed the one-year perfect safety record in its converting plant and accelerated sales to double-digit growth again. Sellars led the company to be awarded major promotions at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, NAPA, O’Reilly’s, and Tractor Supply while entering the mass merchandiser and grocery market channels at selected retailers including Target, Piggly Wiggly, SaveMart, and Lucky’s with its patented Bravo kitchen towel.
At the core of Sellars Absorbent Materials’ business model is utilizing recycled and natural fibers to compete with virgin and synthetic fibers. According to Sellars, the firm measures the number of trees saved and its carbon footprint while reprocessing paper waste in an absorbent core for spill absorbents that compete with synthetic absorbents. “We believe that service work is good for the soul, which includes Earth Day neighborhood clean-ups and serving at a homeless shelter,” said Sellars. “We also sponsor our employees in their charitable activities.”
To reignite his passion, Sellars said he stays connected to the business and people. “In addition to being energized by socializing with my leadership team, I get energized about our business when I see tangible examples of how we are making a difference in the lives of our people.”