Name: Ayn S. LaPlant
Occupation: President & CEO, Beekley Corporation
Location of Business: Bristol
Accomplishments: LaPlant is featured in various articles published in books, magazines, newspapers about Beekley Corporation’s unique culture and business model. In 2001, she was named the corporation’s third chief executive officer. She is the company’s first female CEO and first non-family member CEO. LaPlant began working at Beekley in 1977 as a sales coordinator.
In 2007 Beekley Corporation was named among the Top 25 Best Places to Work, and was ranked fourth in the small-medium sized company category. In 2009, the company celebrated its 75th year in business and designed and built the brand new Beekley Growth and Innovation Center located at 1 Prestige Lane, in Bristol.
LaPlant is a graduate of the University of Hartford and holds a B.A in political science and a MSOB from the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business.
Who was your most influential role model, and why?
W. Mason Beekley, my mentor, boss, and business partner for 24 years was my most influential role model until he passed away in August, 2001. Every time I brought him a challenge, Mason would toss it back to me and ask, “I don’t know. What do you think?” Seven little words that caused me to think for myself, to think like a leader, to trust my judgment, and take calculated risks. He was a role model for many as an entrepreneur, teacher, visionary, and philanthropist. His life was truly a life well-lived.
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Why are you good at what you do?
I have a high regard for all our associates and customers as the most valuable assets of our business. I have an open door policy, listen to improvement feedback and other perspectives, and treat all out associates as partners in the business. I lead by example and encourage people to learn from their mistakes and failures. I challenge and support the team to discover and develop their genius to anticipate and exceed customer and organizational expectations. We celebrate wins and achieving goals. There is a constant focus on continuous learning and improvement at Beekley. We focus on innovation and solutions and concentrate being the best we can be. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
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How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
Each year Beekley sets aside a portion of proceeds from the sales of our Mammography SPOTS to be donated to local and national programs that fund research, prevention, and early detection programs. In July of 2009, in conjunction with the Beekley Family Foundation, the Beekley Corporation donated a combined gift of $1 million dollars to Bristol Hospital to help fund its new comprehensive breast center. The center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2011. In addition, the team initiates many other fund-raisers for community service. As a company we applaud the generosity of our associates, who continually give from the heart to help others.
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What has inspired you in your career or where do you draw your daily inspiration?
I draw my daily inspiration from feeling blessed to be part of an organization that makes a difference in the medical and hospitality industries. I am surrounded by a dedicated team of people who are passionate about providing world class customer care to those we serve. I consider it an honor and a responsibility. We work hard, we play hard, and we have fun! I have total faith in our company’s mission to improve the accuracy of radiological diagnoses, and our ability to attract, train, and keep the kind of people who further our mission each day. I am the custodian of Beekley’s mission, brand, and promise. My commitment to that stewardship is my leadership compass and inspires me daily.
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How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Give an example or two.
Balance has been critical to my life and success. I subscribe to the work hard-play hard philosophy of business life. I facilitate a course at Beekley entitled Balance. We are a family-friendly organization and encourage all to work hard and make time for themselves as well as family, friends, and hobbies. We have a Health and Wellness coordinator who has initiated diverse and interesting programs to help keep everyone mentally and physically healthy and balanced.
