Ice Breaker – Quality Names

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Today, we conclude Quality Week on The Stretched Blog with an ice breaker question about quality.  As usual, I’ll ask a question and give my answer.  Then, it’s your turn.

Question:  When you think of quality, what name or company comes to mind?  And why?

My answer:  For some reason, I think of two car companies.  First, I think of Toyota.  They have been known for the quality processes that they have in place to make sure their cars are produced at a high quality.  Since getting married over 15 years ago, my wife and I have had three Toyota cars.  They have been great!  Second, I think of Ford – at least Ford when they first started.  If memory serves me correctly, Henry Ford had a strong desire to make sure his cars were produced with quality and affordability.

See how simple that was?  Now, it’s your turn.  I look forward to hearing what you have to share.

Related posts:

  1. Quality – Time
  2. Quality Response Matters
  3. Quality – Starts With Me
  4. Ice Breaker – Back to the Future
  5. Ice Breaker – My First Car
  • http://www.facebook.com/michael.shaw18 Michael Shaw

    Jon: The company I most associate with quality today is Apple Computers, because of the aesthetic appeal of their products and the overall enjoyment I get from them. I have also always gotten good service at their store and over the phone with their help desk. They are more expensive than their competitors but they make the overall buying and owning experience a pleasure. When I spend my money I want a happy memory in addition to the actual product I am getting.

    I will say their products are not perfect from a usability standpoint but I see them as a vast improvement over the competition.

    All the best. Get in touch when you have time.

    Michael

  • http://billgrandi.com/ bill (cycleguy)

     I think of Nissan for their track record (as well as most japanese companies).  I think of Trek and Bianchi for bikes.

    • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

       Love my Trek. I had a Nissan before they were Nissan (Datsun) and liked that little mustard-colored car. But I’m Dodge fan today (mostly goes back to my grandfather managing a Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge dealership in the sixties).

  • http://www.thestoriedsoul.wordpress.com/ Arny

    Steve Jobs.

    Lord of The Rings.

    John Piper

    My Pastor.

    My Wife.

    and the list can go on…

    They stand out of the norm…that is quality.

    • danblackonleadership

      Arny,

      Steve Jobs is a great one, I totally agree.

  • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

     In reading other people’s comments, I think of Culver’s Restaurants. They compete with the McDonalds and Burger Kings of the world but each Culver’s has something in common with the others, a feeling of warmth and welcome (at least, that’s been my experience). I happened to speak yesterday to Craig Culver, the owner of the franchise, and expressed my appreciation of the quality experience I associate with his restaurants. I don’t know the man personally (or I do now) but I experience on a regular basis the eating environment/culture he’s developed. I’ve sat at our local Culver’s many an hour working on manuscripts, writing assignments, and blog material. They’ve been so generous and helpful that I’ve named them in my acknowledgements at the back of my soon-to-be released novel, “Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes.” I plan on scheduling my first book signing at the local Culver’s. Craig said to talk to Melissa about it. ;-)

  • http://www.eileenknowles.com/ Eileen

    I would agree with Toyota.  We have one and love it.  Hondas also make me think quality.  Another produce would be Tevas.  My husband has a pair that have lasted about 10 years.  That’s quality.  

  • danblackonleadership

    I think about Jack Welch and GE, the leadership team and company is all quality. I also think about people like Jim Collins and John Maxwell who are in the business and leadership arena.