The Chairman's Corner

By Shiree Hammer

March 2023

I hope you were able to get registered for the upcoming convention. After what seems like a very long winter, warm days in Rancho Mirage sound promising. I missed the convention back in 1995 when my grandpa, Joe Hammer Sr., came in as the CMSA Chairman. I had a good excuse though; I was a sophomore in high school in Washington state.

I moved to California shortly after that to attend college. Not only did my grandpa employ me when I moved here in 1998; but my grandparents also let me live with them as I found my way around in a new state. It was a big change for me coming from the rural small town of Pt Roberts, WA.

When I look back, I now see that he was giving me a job more for the experience than the need of the company. He was helping me occupy my time; and instead of hanging out at Cal Relo for something to do, he made me feel as if my role was important. I appreciate this much more now looking back as it certainly helped mold my future.

I always knew I wanted to major in business but studying it while working at Cal Relo gave me the ultimate hands-on knowledge and understanding of running a company. Since we are the first grandfather/granddaughter team in the Chair position I thought it would be interesting to read his articles from 1995 and compare them to my experience this year. What I have learned is that the CMSA board had the same goals back then as they do now; making decisions that guide our industry into a successful future. It is also apparent that a quality mover still values their employees as one of their greatest assets. Interestingly enough, many of the advertising companies remain the same today; this shows how loyal our suppliers and vendors have been over the years.

During my chairmanship this year I have touched on this several times—teamwork. His September article discussed this very subject. This is definitely something I acquired from watching him in a leadership role. He mentions how important it is to be there for your team; and that it is hard to make a difference if you are not around to contribute and lead. So very true!

My grandpa went to his first CMSA meeting in 1955, I would not attend one until 43 years later. My first experience was very similar to his. The CMSA opened both our eyes to the moving world. It taught us that there is much more to moving than putting boxes in a truck. It also taught us that the more you are involved and educate yourself, the more you realize how much more there is to learn.

Perhaps one of the most notable articles of his I read reminded me of a quote he hung in his office; “The bitterness of low quality lingers much longer than the sweetness of low price.” At the time of this article, one of the major mover topics was discount levels. I still have this quote in my office today.

Although my days of hanging out at Cal Relo for “something to do” are long over, I appreciate the process from then to now; and everything that has happened in between. The role the CMSA has played in both his career and mine is not just a coincidence. Many have told me that I am a younger version of him as I always tend to get myself involved in everything. I guess I have him to thank for that! Joe Sr. and I will both be out in Rancho Mirage and hope to see you there.

March 2023 - CMSA Communicator