One of the things that makes Synergy work is how open members are with each other when it comes to sharing what’s working and what still needs refining. That spirit was on full display when Baker Group spent several days visiting Gardiner in Cleveland this past fall.

In early September, Gabe Stevens and Josh O’Neil from Baker Group traveled to Gardiner to learn more about how their team executes automation service agreements that leverage analytics. Baker Group has been actively working to improve their internal processes in this area and knew Gardiner had deep experience, from how analytics services are sold to how they are managed day to day. The visit created space for detailed conversations around team structure, accountability, and long-term scalability.

A major takeaway from the visit centered on Gardiner’s dedicated approach to analytics. Their team has invested in specific roles and resources to support this work, including a data services group led by Michael Mandilakis. Seeing how Gardiner structured and scaled this function reinforced how important it is to commit focused resources when launching or growing a new initiative. For Baker Group, that insight quickly turned into action, as they have already begun the process of hiring a dedicated analytics professional to support their own service agreements.

Just as important as the operational insights was the relationship itself. The visit highlighted what’s possible when members are willing to open the doors, share real numbers, and talk honestly about challenges. The exchange didn’t stop in Cleveland either. After Baker Group’s visit, Gardiner made the trip to Des Moines, giving both teams the chance to continue the conversation and learn from each other.

These kinds of peer visits are a powerful reminder of what Synergy is built on. When members take the time to learn directly from one another, the impact goes well beyond ideas on paper and turns into meaningful progress back home.

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Interested in joining a peer group like Synergy? Learn more about membership and what it means to grow alongside non-competing peers.