"1. Be Curious: Ask “Why,” attend industry events, read the trade magazines, dig in so you can make data-driven decisions.

2. Sweat the details: Make sure you really know what is happening in your plant and on the routes. Work hard to understand your cost structure, your value proposition to customers, your quality standards.

3. Take care of your people: Work alongside them, remove barriers to their work, give them the “why,” display gratitude and treat them like family.

4. Take care of your equipment: Expect and embrace discipline in your preventive-maintenance program, keep your equipment clean, make sure your ...