Why Shared Values Are Key to Successful Business Partnerships

As the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We believe that success isn’t just measured in the profits from the services an individual business delivers; it’s about the strong business partnerships and relationships we form together along the way. 

Successful business partnerships don’t just form overnight for no reason, so what’s the secret to creating them? Keep reading to find out.

What are Shared Values?

Before we explore the benefits of shared values in a business partnership, it’s important to understand what is meant by ‘shared values’. Shared values refer to the morals, standards, and principles that make up the culture of a business or organization. These values don’t only shape the company culture; they help form concepts, generate ideas, and guide decisions made by management and employees everyday. 

How Shared Values Create Successful Business Partnerships

Partnering with organizations that share the same values creates a cohesive relationship that benefits both businesses greatly. Successful business partnerships can:

• Provide a new customer base
• Increase resources
• Provide shared expertise
• Enhance your brand’s reputation
• Improve customer experience and reach
• Increase sales and revenue

Partnering with another company in areas like marketing, operating support, and suppliers helps you to deliver on a promise to a customer. Maintaining alignment and a strong connection with your partners helps you will lead to both of your success. 

How Do You Achieve a Successful Business Partnership?

While it’s true that achieving a successful business partnership can play a huge role in the growth of your company, it's incredibly important to thoughtfully select and pursue partnerships with companies that share your values to ensure a cohesive, harmonious, mutually beneficial partnership. 

Research

Be sure to research the business with whom you’d like to work with, including reading their mission statement, vision, reviews and news articles.

Engage

Engage in conversations with people at different levels of the organization to get a feel for the company culture and values through the eyes of customers and employees alike.

Interview 

Conduct a meet and greet with the business or department you will be partnering with to ask important questions about their processes, contracts, and goals.

Collaborate

Start small and integrate the business into one project to see if it is a good fit. After completion of the project or contract, evaluate the pros and cons of continuing a relationship with the company.

Do Shared Values Matter Most In Hospitality and Healthcare?

In any industry, shared values are the foundation of every successful partnership. But for industries like food, beverage, hospitality, and healthcare, they’re even more crucial as they serve Wisconsin’s residents and visitors with basic human needs; food, shelter, and healthcare. In these industries, working with a company that cares about the same things you do—whether it’s quality, reliability, or giving back—makes it easier to achieve your goals.

The Gunderson Family Values Are Woven Into Our Business

For more than 70 years, we’ve provided customized linen rental services to healthcare facilities, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and more. Our employees are your friends and neighbors here in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee Metro area, so this isn’t just where we do business… It's our home.

Today, the third generation of Gundersons is proud to continue the family legacy started by Douglas E. Gunderson. It remains a family-owned and operated business. While we have had to adapt and grow to continue to serve businesses across Wisconsin, our values have remained the same over seven decades. 

Trust: World-Class Service

Trust is the cornerstone of any great partnership; whether personal or professional. Particularly in the healthcare industry, trust is critical in patient care. We understand the importance of trust, so when you work with us, you can trust that we’ll deliver on our promises—every time. We share your dedication to providing top-notch service, keeping your team comfortable, and ensuring your patients are safe in hygienically clean apparel and linens. No matter your industry, Wisconsin trusts you, and you can put your trust in us to maintain your reputation.

Integrity: Dedicated Customer Success Managers 

We know that every business is different. That’s why we pair you with a dedicated customer success manager who gets to know your needs inside and out. They will work with you to understand your industry and provide the uniforms and accessories you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. Having one contact for communication means you always know who to call, and you’ll never be left waiting for answers. When you partner with us, you’ll have a team that’s truly invested in your success.

Reliability: Delivery That’s On-Time, Every Time

We know how important it is to stay on schedule, which is why we guarantee on-time weekly deliveries. You can count on us to deliver what you need, when you need it, whether you’re gearing up for a busy weekend at your restaurant or managing a full house at your hotel. With Gunderson, you’ll never have to worry about missing uniforms or delayed deliveries. Here, old-school values meet new-age technology, like RFID tracking, to ensure that our operation runs smoothly– meaning yours does, too.

Responsibility: Quality, Certified Clean Garments 

Quality isn’t just a buzzword around here—it’s something we take seriously. From the durability of our uniforms to the softness of our linens, we make sure everything we deliver meets the highest standards– It’s our responsibility. We stand behind our Certified Clean guarantee, so you can trust that every item we provide is hygienically clean and safe for your staff and customers. Plus, we’ve got the accolades to back it up!

Generosity: Giving Back to the Communities We Serve

We’re proud to be a part of Wisconsin, and we believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us for so many years. We give back in a number of ways, including supporting local schools, the YMCA, the Women’s Fund, and more; We’re always looking for ways to make a difference. For us, it’s not just about business—it’s about being a good neighbor and creating a positive impact wherever we can. If we’re going to “go far”, we want to take as many organizations with us as we can.

See Why Wisconsin Businesses Love Partnering With Gunderson 

We’re more than just a uniform and linen supplier—we’re your partner. From dedicated staff to certified clean products, on-time deliveries, and a commitment to our community, we’re here to help your business thrive.

Ready to work with a company that shares your values? So are we. Find out if we are a good match for your business today.