Strategic planning, organizational change, action learning consultant firm with 30+ years of experience, trusting, one on one style.
Keywords: strategic planning, organizational change and development, action learning, strategic thinking, strategic plan, changemaking systems, minnesota, john johnson
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Changemaking Systems is 30 years old this year (2012).
What is your primary product or service?
Guiding businesses and agencies in both strategic positioning and organizational effectiveness. We work with clients in a partnering fashion, in a sense as their strategic and organizational counsel. The general dynamics of change and how best to do it is the context for our work. Therefore, the name Changemaking Systems. The work with a client often starts with a free, serious conversation, triggered by the need to modify plans or structure, address an urgent challenge, or run a critical meeting.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I was a Lutheran minister in Dakota County, MN, and founder of the Community Action Council (now called 360 Communities) in 1970. That experience led to clients asking for organizing and planning assistance. By 1982 Changemaking Systems was born. And over the years it has become a regional and national resource to large businesses, venture firms, professional practices, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and governments. It now also helps start-up firms get going.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
All the client work is done by the principals of the firm. All the work is a combination of strategic thought and organizational design and development. That combination is usually represented by two different disciplines or industries, business planning and people development. Here it is combined in each engagement. We look at both the strategic and people sides of issues. And that also leads to the involvement of other technical resources as needed, which puts a customer intimacy/total solutions twist to our services.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Just one location - Burnsville, MN. But we serve clients from coast to coast.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Meetings by appointment. Usually in the client's office.
What type of payments do you accept?
Payments by check, based on agreed upon work proposal and contract.
Which areas do you service?
Coast to coast. All types of businesses, not-for-profits, governments, and foundations.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
John Johnson
What are your hours of operation?
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., central time, Monday through Saturday.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That they respect me.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi