MBX Case Study Part 1

In the Beginning
Once a small company, MBX Systems has come a long way. The company opened its doors in 1995 as “Drive Express.” The firm quickly expanded business, changed the name to “Drive and Motherboard Express,” then shortened it again a year later to “Motherboard Express.” After continued and steady growth, the company settled on the name MBX Systems. Located in Wauconda, Illinois, MBX Systems has established itself as the leader in software conversion for video on demand, firewall, spam filtering, network management and other applications to the appliance market.

Like many successful companies, MBX encountered roadblocks, mostly fueled by growth. The corporation had various issues including lack of teamwork, flat growth, little organizational structure, a lack of business values, and no formal planning process. These issues prompted the company to examine its condition. Thankfully, MBX was referred to CMI. Tom Crowley, the founder and CEO of MBX, learned about CMI through a friend and client of CMI. “My friend, Leo Sheridan and I were talking about our businesses and he asked me about my goals and objectives. When I gave him a blank stare, he gave me Bruce’s contact information and said that it was probably a good idea that I call him.” Tom accepted.

CMI stepped into the world of MBX in 1999. Tom spoke with Bruce Hodes, CEO and founder of CMI, and had an initial interview to determine needs. Tom recalls, “Bruce asked many hard questions to gauge where we were. As uncomfortable as it was, I knew that I needed this type of direction and coaching.” Though the early stages of the process were challenging, MBX was committed to their purpose, “to offer a buying experience for the customer and a work experience to employees that is engaging and fulfilling and to practice humility, generosity and service to others.” By working with Bruce Hodes and CMI, the team hoped to exhibit operational excellence, superior customer service and stand behind their name as a great company.

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