Joe Dyer is passionate about developing people, leading growth, and Making a Positive Difference in our world as President of DISHER, a nationally recognized engineering, manufacturing technology, leadership, and talent recruitment firm headquartered in Zeeland. The combination of Joe’s technical skills, character qualities, and strategic abilities uniquely equip him to guide the DISHER team. Joe brings expertise in executive leadership, culture design and stewardship, automation, manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. His relational, trustworthy leadership style has created significant ripples of influence not only within the DISHER team but with customers and communities as well. Under his leadership, DISHER has achieved record growth, profitability, and community impact.
Talk to us about company culture. What are some values that you and your team live by?
Since DISHER was founded in 2000, company culture has been a focus and a priority for us. Though we are by no means perfect, keeping our Mission to Make a Positive Difference central to our day-to-day helps reinforce our commitment to building and growing a unique and vibrant company culture. Our team of 130+ engineers, talent consultants, marketing professionals, and leadership coaches are hired first for their positive attitude and then for their technical skills in whatever their craft may be. This doesn’t mean that technical skills are thrown by the wayside. But we believe that hiring people who “Carry Their Own Weather” and serve our customers well helps us fulfill our vision to Leave the World Better than We Found It. Our 12 cultural values, we call them “Culture Characteristics”, guide us along the way and include behaviors like, “Execute the Fundamentals” and “(Do) Two Extra Things”.
What strategies do you employ to motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best performance?
Within many studies and examples throughout history, language is known to be a big driver of culture. This is no different at a business or any other organization. What you collectively say, how you say it, and the ability to be consistent with language matters. And it matters in how to motivate and inspire the team. Using words (and meaning it)! Saying “coach” instead of “boss” is one example. Giving “Guidelines” instead of “Policies” is another example that builds confidence and empowers our team to make great decisions. In every interaction with each other, we have the chance to call each other toward a more positive future and reality. For us, this comes in the form of one-on-one conversations between coaches and teammates, yearly evaluations including 360-feedback from peers and customers, and consistent and open communication about company financials and strategic initiatives.
What key experiences and roles have shaped your career path, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Several key experiences stand out. From my work in machine design, automation, manufacturing, and machining all the way to the leadership work I do now, I am humbled to serve others. A common theme for me has been learning with others, serving people, and helping others to reach their full potential. When you work in manufacturing, you quickly realize that all business is people-focused, whether you are making a simple plastic part or working on a complex, automated process. None of it happens without people. Creating great teams from every part of an organization can change the trajectory of a project, company, and at times even a marketplace. People make the world go round. Another key lesson learned came while leading through the pandemic. Quite often there is something else going on under the surface. When we were (virtually) invited into one another’s homes while working, it was a joy to see more of each other’s character. At the same time, many were struggling with things behind the scenes. Let’s not miss the opportunity to serve others when they are having a rough season. Remember that sometimes a smile and an encouraging word could make someone’s whole week.
Can you share an example of a corporate initiative or project that aligns with your values and has had a positive impact on the community or environment?
One that quickly jumps to mind is our “Big Ripple” initiative. It was kicked off by a group of teammates who wanted to make an even bigger impact in our community for future generations. Our Big Ripple became a strong partnership with Lakeshore Habitat in their amazing effort on the Vista Green neighborhood in Holland. There are already homes complete and residents moved in. I’m so excited to see the change this can bring to so many lives because of the partnerships and work invested by area companies and organizations. We are now looking for what might become DISHER’s next “Big Ripple”. I’m delighted to discover what opportunities present themselves and to see what our team is passionate about so we can Make a Positive Difference in West Michigan.
What do you enjoy most about living and doing business in West Michigan?
My wife Stefanie and I have lived in West Michigan our whole lives. We feel blessed to continue to call this our home. Our two boys, Stef, and I enjoy getting outdoors, whether it’s enjoying our yard in every season or getting out on the water in our kayaks. We are constantly discovering new adventures together. In the same way, there are always new adventures to be experienced in business. In West Michigan, we are surrounded by wonderful innovators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, economic leaders, educators… the list goes on. The opportunity to work together on different projects and community initiatives with many diverse organizations and people is always a fresh challenge and puts a smile on my face.
Can you share why it is a priority for you to invest in economic development?
West Michigan is known for being a generous and collaborative culture, whether personally or in the business community. The gift of that culture is something that we all have received from those who have led before us. It is our responsibility as today’s organizational leaders and contributors to steward what we have been given. Economic development is a key part of that. We are grateful for organizations like Lakeshore Advantage who are devoted to investing in making our community stronger. We live in a time and a region of amazing blessing and abundance. Taking our stewardship responsibility seriously will ensure an even better future for those who follow behind us.