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Appleton, Wisconsin – August 16, 2025 – Entrepreneur and CEO Brandon Erickson is addressing a prevalent challenge in contemporary business: the excessive dependence on technology and infrastructure coupled with insufficient investment in cultivating leadership.

Leveraging almost two decades of experience establishing and expanding businesses—spanning from e-commerce to precision manufacturing—Erickson asserts that a company’s most vital asset is not its hardware or software, but its people.

“We invested heavily in upgrading our equipment,” stated Erickson, who founded North Valley Precision. “We anticipated enhanced performance. However, the outcome was increased error rates and unfulfilled deadlines. The actual issue wasn’t our machinery; rather, it was our team’s capacity to navigate complexity effectively.”

North Valley Precision, responsible for protecting over $5 billion in manufacturing assets, reached a critical juncture upon securing several significant defense contracts. Despite implementing sophisticated technological enhancements, the company experienced difficulties with communication and output quality—until it redirected its efforts toward fostering leadership throughout all levels.

An Insight Supported by Data

A recent study conducted by the UK’s Chartered Management Institute (CMI) indicates that 82% of small business managers have never undergone formal training. Nevertheless, organizations that cultivate robust leadership cultures are 1.8 times more prone to achieve high performance.

“Many businesses perceive their challenges as issues with personnel or productivity,” Erickson remarked. “Yet, what truly impedes them is a deficit in leadership.”

Substantial Transformation Originates at the Operational Level

Within North Valley Precision, Erickson initiated a fundamental leadership program—designed not for senior management, but for frontline employees, quality inspectors, and project coordinators.

“We identified individuals whom others inherently respected and followed,” he explained. “Subsequently, we provided them with coaching, assistance, and accountability. We didn’t defer to changes in job titles; instead, we enabled them to lead directly within their current roles.”

The outcomes were prompt. A frontline supervisor decreased rework by 30% through the implementation of a proactive checkpoint procedure. Another team minimized changeover durations by identifying operational inefficiencies.

Leadership in Critical Environments

Erickson emphasizes that the significance of leadership is amplified in industries where quality is paramount—such as aerospace, defense, and biotechnology.

“Within these sectors, a single error can incur devastating consequences. Therefore, leadership is essential at every tier—not merely for achieving targets, but for safeguarding lives and preserving reputations,” he noted.

In this framework, leadership transcends control or hierarchical structures. It embodies operational precision, mutual accountability among peers, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.

An Appeal to Business Proprietors

Instead of endorsing further technological investment, Erickson is urging founders, managers, and team leaders to engage in self-reflection.

“Developing leadership doesn’t necessitate a six-figure budget,” he stated. “Begin by asking a fundamental question: ‘Which individuals on my team already command trust?’ Subsequently, provide that person with an opportunity for development.”

He advises businesses to commence with incremental actions:

• Conduct regular quality briefings where all perspectives are considered.
• Provide training on constructive feedback, rather than merely giving task directives.
• Acknowledge and commend accountability, beyond just measurable output.
• Mentor unofficial leaders, irrespective of their formal designation.

About Brandon Erickson
Brandon Erickson is the visionary behind 7 Innovations LLC and the Chief Executive Officer of North Valley Precision, a quality assurance firm located in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is additionally a published writer, an investor, and a volunteer coach for youth sports. His approach to leadership integrates operational rigor with sustained human growth.