Company of Friends cells have popped up in more than 100 cities -- and lately, they've started popping up inside companies as well. At BellSouth, Qwest Communications Corp., and Ryder System Inc., people are gathering in cross-functional groups to explore ways in which their companies can become, well, fast companies. Brian Koval, 34, manager of integrated metropolitan applications at Ryder Carrier Management Services, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, leads one such group. Called Seeing Things as Fast and Forward (STAFF), it attracts about 20 Ryder employees each week. Fast Company talked with Koval about his latest Wow Project, about building spirit at work, and about working a crowd.

What Are You Working On?

'My group is putting together a network of metropolitan transportation-service providers. We plan to link smaller transportation companies in various urban areas with other providers from around the country. Our goal is to create a large network of companies, linked via the Internet, that we can pass freight through. Right now, for example, it can be a challenge for us to send a truck to Rapid City, South Dakota or Des Moines, Iowa -- especially if we wind up going one-way, dropping off a load, and bringing the truck back empty. But a smaller service provider might be able to carry that kind of load in a cost-effective way.

'This network will do more than support shipping logistics. We're creating an online community in which companies can share best practices. Smaller trucking companies from around the world will be able to share knowledge about each region's business. A company in Los Angeles and a company in Boston may be working with the same high-tech client: Now those providers will be able to share their experiences.'

Favorite FC Story

'Richard Barrett is one of my mentors. I keep a file of articles about his work, and I treasure my signed copy of 'Liberating the Corporate Soul: Building a Visionary Organization' (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998). Barrett and I have even exchanged emails and phone calls. Once, I was talking to a member of Ryder's senior staff about organizational development, the Company of Friends, and spirit in the workplace. He said, 'All of that sounds great, but I need something that's pragmatic and quantifiable.' The next day, the issue of Fast Company featuring an article on Barrett hit my desk (The New Spirit of Work, August 1998). The first pages of that piece included the words 'pragmatic' and 'quantifiable.' Talk about great timing!'

Guiding Principle

'I think of my work in the context of a global cocktail party: Lots of people are standing around a ballroom. Some are at the periphery, just holding their drinks and watching life go by. Others are on the dance floor, in groups of two or three. My job is to work the crowd -- because each of these people may hold a clue to the reason for my existence. I reach out to them, and if they've got a clue for me, I put it into the mix. Lessons are usually where you look for them: You can learn something from anyone.'

Coordinates: Brian Koval, brian_koval@ryder.com

From: September 1999 issue