Briggs & Stratton Corp.
Wauwatosa
www.briggsandstratton.com
Innovation: Briggs & Stratton Innovation Showcase
Three years ago, company leaders at Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. came up with an idea to recognize company employees for their innovative ideas and products.
The Briggs & Stratton Innovation Showcase highlights internal innovations coming out of different functional areas of the company. Ten awards are given in each of three categories every year.
“The idea really came from the top,” said Deanna Zabel, vice president of marketing at Briggs & Stratton. “We’ve always been an innovative company. The senior leadership wanted to take that concept to new heights and encourage some of our employees to continue to think innovatively on every single level.”
Briggs & Stratton recognizes innovation in three categories: product innovation, process innovation and customer delight.
This was the first year products in the showcase were actually on the market, Zabel said.
“We want our employees to feel excited about their ideas and feel good about where they work,” she said. “We want them to know about the things going on at the company, and the showcase is a great way to recognize innovation and hard work among our employees worldwide.”
The 2013 showcase was held in December, with a reception for the award winners in Milwaukee. Last year, Briggs & Stratton’s Sweden office was honored for a marketing campaign it produced on the company’s YouTube channel and two products, the Power Flow Plus pressure washer and the Mow and Stow mower, that were both highlighted in the showcase hit the market this year.
“It’s been a huge undertaking for the company, but it’s also been completely worth it,” Zabel said. “We’re happy to recognize our employees any way we can, and this is a great way to showcase their talents.”
Over three years, Zabel estimates approximately 35 projects have been recognized, with more than 200 team members receiving awards.
