It doesn’t get much more People First than the idea behind The Dream Manager, by Matthew Kelly: hire someone whose specific job is to help employees articulate, pursue, and achieve their personal dreams. It’s an inspiring, deeply human concept, but in many organizations, it is quickly deemed ‘unrealistic’ or ‘too expensive.’ Many leaders admire it, but ultimately dismiss it or, at best, launch a lighter version. In our company, KLN Family Brands, we had a different reaction.

Our third-generation, family-owned company that produces premium candy, snacks, and pet foods is based primarily in Perham, Minnesota, a town of around 3,000 people. Since the very beginning, our company has prided itself on caring about its people. In such a small community, most employees have long been friends and neighbors as well; it was automatic. As wonderful as this was, much of that care was reactionary; if someone needed help, leadership stepped in. As the business evolved, it became clear that wasn’t enough.