“We asked Pecos River for help because true, open communication between the two brands just wasn’t happening. Instead of leveraging our strengths and sharing ideas and resources, we were competing with each other. As a result, performance indicators were starting to slip and collective morale was declining.

“In the beginning, Pecos River has helped the ANC leadership team recognize our purpose as individuals and as a company. Since we engaged Pecos River, there is a much more open, honest and respectful environment than before. We have begun to change the way we conduct business. Pecos gave us some phenomenal advice and practical tools that we are using to develop a more balanced and objective approach to the business. Analyzing, attacking and ultimately meeting our business challenges isn’t as difficult or painful as it used to be.

“Communication between the brands has improved and the coordination of brand positioning has the potential to deliver significant bottom line results.

“Mistakes are shared to gain ‘organizational learning’, and successes — both individual and corporate — are shared and celebrated by all. Projects don’t just get finished, they get finished quickly. (And without duplication, which means we’re saving time and money.) Overall we are much less territorial and our departments are more in sync in terms of goals and objectives.

“While there may be detours along the way, we have a clearer vision of our overall direction, energy and strength to get there.”