Reiser’s Pieces: The Power of Company Culture - The Ultimate Differentiator

Just read MMR’s recent article on Walmart culture and it really hit home. (Did you see it? Great piece.) Sam Walton famously referred to it as the "Walmart chemistry.” Walmart's chief talent officer, Lorraine Stomski, described it as “the magic of Walmart.” Call it what you will, it’s about the incredible ability of Walmart to empower its people through an exceptionally strong, values-driven culture. As Ms. Stomski explained, “At Walmart, strategy is important, but it’s our culture that differentiates us.”

Who can argue with that? In this fast-moving world of omnicommerce, where algorithms shift, supply chains get disrupted, and consumer behavior evolves, culture is your ultimate competitive advantage. It’s what keeps your team aligned, motivated, and ready to tackle industry challenges. Companies that get culture right? They’re leading the pack.

Take Trader Joe’s, for example.

In a crowded grocery landscape dominated by scale and efficiency, Trader Joe’s has built a cult-like following—not by competing on price alone, but through a culture rooted in employee empowerment and customer connection. Store associates are given real autonomy to engage with shoppers, solve problems on the spot, and create a welcoming, informal environment that feels anything but corporate. Behind the scenes, they invest heavily in training and internal communication, ensuring that every team member—from the cashier to the category buyer—understands and embodies the company’s values. The result? Strong loyalty, low turnover, and a brand that consistently punches above its weight.

That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when culture drives the business—not the other way around.

And listen up, it’s not just true for big players, but for start-ups, too.

Consider Cheers, now the #1 alcohol supplement brand in the U.S. It’s a brand with a mission—and a backbone. Founder Brooks Powell credits Cheers’ success to a team that believes in the mission as much as he does. Culture isn’t just a talking point here—it drives everything they do. Built on scientific integrity and customer obsession, Cheers shapes everything—from product development to branding—around customer feedback and a simple goal: helping people enjoy alcohol while feeling their best. Which brings us to a core element of their culture: Resilience. That’s been key from day one. Skeptics don’t always “get” their brand purpose, but instead of backing down, the team doubles down. Brooks believes great brands don’t aim to please everyone. They focus on building a loyal base who truly connect with their purpose. As he says, “Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. You don’t want to be everything to everyone…”

To build a culture that can stand firm in an unpredictable retail landscape, purpose must come first. People gravitate toward companies that represent something meaningful. And companies with strong cultures are three times more likely to outperform their peers. Purpose-driven cultures boost employee engagement and retention, but also foster innovation and resilience. When teams understand the “why” behind their work, they bring unparalleled energy and creativity to the table.

Whether you're an established supplier or an emerging start-up, cultivating a purpose-driven culture isn’t optional.

To get started:

• Define and Reinforce Your Purpose. A strong culture starts with a clear mission and values. Companies that ingrain purpose into their DNA see higher loyalty rates and 23% higher profitability. Ensure leadership consistently connects day-to-day efforts to company goals.

• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration. Break down silos. Omnicommerce success requires seamless teamwork and shared problem-solving across sales, marketing, operations, and analytics. Collaborative organizations are twice as likely to exceed revenue goals. Shared KPIs can drive alignment and encourage joint problem-solving.

• Empower Teams with Data and Technology. A culture embracing data-driven decision-making and a test-and-learn mindset can better navigate complexities. High-performing brands prioritize upskilling employees and democratizing access to analytical tools.

• Create an Environment for Innovation.  Teams excel in environments where employees feel safe to take risks and challenge ideas. Reward innovative thinking, foster open dialogues, and treat failures as learning opportunities.

In our organization, we’ve come to understand the profound role culture plays in driving success. By becoming an extension of our clients’ teams, we gain deep insight into their challenges and goals, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions with real results. Our people are our “special sauce”—bringing expertise, curiosity, and diverse perspectives. We prioritize their growth and engagement because motivated teams create better outcomes. Through our OneMPG culture, we’ve broken down silos, aligned under shared goals, and empowered our team to think bigger and act faster. With this approach, we’ve delivered greater success for our clients.

In the end, culture is your company’s ultimate differentiator. Strategy, technology, and execution matter—but culture is the glue that holds everything together. In a business landscape where change is constant, a robust culture ensures your team remains aligned, innovative, and resilient. Whether you’re a start-up just laying your foundation or an established business navigating market complexity, there’s no better time to ask: Is your culture driving growth, or holding you back?