“It’s all about the people.” — Kip Tindell, The Container Store

In today’s NRF blog post with Kip Tindell, CEO of The Container Store, he talks about employees being a true part of the business. From providing a team-oriented environment, to obsessive training, to the recently launched “We Love Our Employees Day,” (which includes goody boxes for all employees and a full-page advertisement that lists every single employee’s name), the company is focused on putting employees first.

We continue the Q&A with Kip Tindell, to learn more about his first start in retail, what he looks for in new hires, and what it takes to advance in the industry.

You began your retail career in high school working in the paint department of Montgomery Ward. How did that experience lead you to open your own store, and how did it shape your view of retail?

I’ve always loved the excitement of retail. The theater of it. The smile on the customer’s face when you’ve helped her find the exactly right solution for what ever she is working on that particular day. We really wanted to create a niche in the industry – and at the time it was putting together a collection of products that helped solve myriad challenges – it was all left up the to the creativity of the salesperson and the customer working together.

What do you love most about the retail industry?

That it’s ever-changing and that we must continue to provide added value for our customers, while staying true to our core brand and business. And the people!

On the flip side…what’s the biggest challenge?

Of course, in this economy the challenge is making sure that we’re providing the experience and value that customers are looking for, while staying true to your brand. Day in day out…it’s ensuring that we hire and keep great employees in retail…it’s all about the people.

You’ve been at the helm of The Container Store since 1978 when the first store opened. Since then, you’ve undoubtedly hired hundreds, if not thousands, of people. What are the most important traits you look for when someone comes in for an interview?

We love to hire a peer to our customer. Someone with great life experience, say sending a child off to college or organizing a business. Great energy, attitude and interpersonal skills. People who love to sell and problem solve solutions for our customers.

Tell me something about your company that most people don’t know.

Hmmm. I bet most folks don’t know that our very first employee that we ever hired still works here. Her name is Barbara Anderson and she started more than 30 years ago as our first salesperson and today is one of our fabulous Vice Presidents of Stores.

Also, I don’t know how many people know that we have an unofficial, internal mascot – Gumby. He represents for us the flexibility you have to have in retail.

What advice can you share with students and young professionals on how to advance in the industry?

Be bold and brave in taking ownership of your training and education – don’t wait for formal training to come your way. Speak up and speak often. Become a true merchant – read, read, read about what’s going on in the business pages and in the retail industry.

Kip Tindell was elected as the Chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors in January. Read the full interview with Kip on NRF’s BIG Blog.