Ep 8. Forman Mills

The Undercover Boss is an Emmy-winning American television series that debuted in 2010. As the name suggests, the show features high-level corporate executives going "undercover," disguising themselves and working alongside their employees to better understand their struggles and the inner workings of their company. In season 6, episode 8, the executives of Forman Mills take center stage.

Forman Mills is a discount department store chain that has been in business since 1985. With over 30 locations in various states across the US, it's a favorite shopping destination for bargain hunters looking for affordable fashion and home goods. However, like many other retail businesses, Forman Mills has been facing tough times in recent years, struggling to keep up with online competitors and stay profitable. To gain insight into the company's operations and employee satisfaction, CEO Rick Forman goes undercover in one of the company's stores.

In this episode, we see Rick Forman donning a wig and fake mustache, transforming himself into "Johnny Lee," a new employee at a Forman Mills store in Virginia. Rick is determined to learn firsthand what it takes to work in the retail industry and what challenges his employees face on a daily basis. He is surprised to discover that working on the sales floor is much more physically demanding than he anticipated, with long hours on his feet, heavy lifting, and challenging customer interactions.

As "Johnny Lee," Rick works alongside floor associates, cashiers, and other staff members and gets a glimpse of their day-to-day routines. He quickly realizes that many of his employees are overworked and underpaid, struggling to make ends meet on their current salaries. Rick is moved by the dedication and kindness of his employees, despite their challenging work environment. He learns that many of the employees have been with the company for years, but feel undervalued and unappreciated.

Throughout the episode, Rick reflects on his own leadership style and makes notes on how he can improve his relationship with his employees. He also works to address specific issues within the store, such as inadequate training for new hires and slow checkout times. Along the way, Rick is floored by the unexpected kindness of his colleagues. One employee goes above and beyond to help Rick understand the store layout and merchandise, while another surprises him with a heartfelt letter thanking him for the opportunity to work at Forman Mills.

As the episode comes to a close, Rick reunites with his employees, revealing his true identity as the CEO of Forman Mills. He thanks his employees for their hard work and dedication and announces his plans to address many of the issues he observed while working undercover. The employees are thrilled to meet the man behind the company and are moved by his commitment to improving their workplace.

Overall, Undercover Boss season 6, episode 8 is an insightful look into the challenges of working in the retail industry, and the importance of valuing and supporting employees. It's a heartwarming reminder that even the most successful companies have room for improvement and that listening to the needs of employees is key to building a better business.