Do any members of the family still hold positions with the company, other than just sitting on a board?
So many used to actually work along side of many if us.
Where did they all go?
13 replies (most recent on top)
The very best time of my career with FHEG was 2002-2008. My boss in marketing was a thoughtful leader who truly cared about me, my efforts and my role in the company. There were times that I hid my fear of failure and all the times I had to deal with difficult customers but he always had my back and noticed when I was down and was quick to remind me of the positives. I just wish those of you who are still there could have such a boss. I'm praying for you and hope you are recognized for your contributions. Keep the spirit.
They are busy counting their dividends.
It is unfortunate how ownership will let over paid, over staffed executives not only destroy their business but also their reputations. Just a damn shame!
Follett is now just another failing company like sears, ace, kmart, office max etc that is slowly eliminating the only assets they have (there knowledge people) to make short term numbers and executive bonuses. Follett used to be a great company to work for and employees did not mind sacrificing long hours to achieve goals.
I know many long time college book people who have said similar things about the LItzingers and the Folletts. Funny thing about work eithic; you can't pass it along to your kids. We're suffering the proof of that.
the layoffs do not make sense - how they can make sensible decisions when they do not involve the managers is beyond me. but, i have heard this from friends about their workplaces, too, so i do not think this is unique to Follett. it is sad that many long-term folks who have given their "all" for many years are released without a thought. releasing the knowledge and hard workers while bringing in more upper level management does not make sense and will only hurt the customer in the long run. i do not think the family as a whole are involved in the details but some few are undoubtedly involved and aware of the outcome. my experience with family that i am aware of working in the ranks, is that the ones involved with the company in the past and now are hard-working and seem to have a good work ethic and are not obviously dependent up dividends.
You can tell by the tone of this response towards employees that this is either a Follett shareholder or member of senior management. Every action they demonstrate is disrespect of employees. Apparently we are petty with small intelligence. Can a company succeed without the loyalty of its employees? We will see, this is a case study for future textbooks.
What kind of comment is this "People who have even the smallest amount of intelligence recognize this but not the petty, bitter, jealous ones. It gets old listening to all the little gripes."
I had the pleasure to work with not for Bob Follett, D--k Litzinger and D--k Trout. Like I said, I worked with them not for them. They were very special people. They learned the industry from the inside out. They shelved books in the stores, they did buy backs, etc. I know because I did it with them. They weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths nor did they just wait for a dividend check. Oh another trait that they had was that they and all the home office personnel would work in the stores during rush.
Petty, little gripes. Understand your place or I'll put you in your place. Disgruntled. Uppity. Yep, that sums up the attitude of follett management towards the workers. 25+ years of tireless work, great reviews and increased responsibility only to be abused out of the business. I guess it was my fault for walking into doors, falling down stairs and asking too many questions. Aye Hole!
Thanks to my working at Follett I have a 401k where I have stock ownership and I would expect to get a reasonable return on that investment when it is performing well. I have bought stocks that have not done well and they reduce/eliminate their dividend and the stock appreciation does not happen until leadership turns the company around. Most public company do not impact employees just to make the short-term numbers. Of course, there are situations where there are too many employees and layoffs need to happen. No one believes that is the case at Follett. They have eliminated so many employees it is affecting the work that needs to be done. In addition, for some reason Follett did not eliminate anyone over the past four years based on performance and contributions to the company. Their selection criteria for those to be laid off is truly baffling. This company will not survive.
There are a few working at the company FG, EF and BF just to name a few.
public companies have owners and shareholders. Private companies have owners and shareholders. This is how it works. A business is hopefully profitable enough so that everyone makes money and is successful. People who have even the smallest amount of intelligence recognize this but not the petty, bitter, jealous ones. It gets old listening to all the little gripes.
The older generations are long gone. Those are the ones that were concerned about the long term well being of the company and the legacy of the Follett name from the founding Follett's. The new Follett's are young and never been involved with the company. They have collected dividends all their lives.