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1.08.2010
1.07.2010
Business #5…Storybags: Cindy Bennett
Business #5…Storybags: Cindy Bennett
Denver, Colorado
303-419-4724
www.storybags.com
Start Date: April 2009
According to Chief Story Teller and Founder, Cindy Bennett, Storybags was born out of “a love of gift giving and sharing smiles.” When I asked her why she started Storybags, she told me her about her love for start-ups, the need for a new challenge, and a passion for doing something that made a differace. Cindy also told me that when she decided it was time to start a new business, she made a list of things she loved, and giving gifts was at the top. Who knew you could make a business out of gift giving! After a little more brainstorming with friends and colleagues, Storybags was created.
Storybags specializes in unique gift bags that are delighted to be re-gifted, in fact, it is encouraged. Each story bag is made from unique fabrics, ribbons, beads or coins, allowing the giver to not only give a unique gift, but to wrap in with a unique style. And since the bags are made out of fabric, they are designed to be passed on to other friends over and over; the ultimate in recycling.
Cindy admits that while she is still very new in her business development, she is not new to small business ownership. After starting and operating a cable consulting firm with a partner over ten years ago, Cindy was ready for another challenge and something a little more fun.
After jumping into the adventure, Cindy admits that it was a little more difficult than she thought it would be. She recalls thinking, “It’s gift bags, how hard could it be?” and then came all the details. Details like designing bags, tracking the designs. Who would make the bags? What fabrics? What styles? Building a website…the list went on and on. Cindy may not have even started the company if she done more investigating on the front end, but now that she’s in it, she loves it. Her key to getting through all the details has been to break them down into manageable pieces. Take manufacturing: she decided to just focus on find a local seamstress; then she found local manufacturing to produce limited quantities. In the future she hopes to outsource all production over seas, but that will have to wait…for now.
Marketing of her bags has not taken center stage as of yet. Cindy wants to perfect the bags and the process for making them before she makes the investment of time and money into marketing. The majority of these early sales have come through charity fundraising events (The Boulder Humane Society, Colorado AIDS Project, The Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, Colorado Youth at Risk as well as others), corporate gifting, and some retail. According to her website, she has placed 1470 bags into circulation as of this writing.
I was curious to know how she had been featured in the Denver Business Journal. She told me she just sent them an e-mail, but did mention she had previously been featured in Denver’s 40 Under 40 list, and her mom had recently been in the journal for her import business: AfricaDirect.com. A little shameless namedropping never hurts.
Cindy wanted to tell new and aspiring entrepreneurs that this life is not for everyone. It is exciting and “sexy”, but it is a lot of hard work. One needs to ask the question WHY? Be clear about what it will take, and ask other business owners if they think the idea is feasible. After you get all the advice, listen to your instincts, don’t listen too much to the “experts”.
Thanks Cindy for telling us your story. Your “love of gift giving and sharing smiles” is evident in your business, and I hope it takes you around the world.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Denver, Colorado
303-419-4724
www.storybags.com
Start Date: April 2009
According to Chief Story Teller and Founder, Cindy Bennett, Storybags was born out of “a love of gift giving and sharing smiles.” When I asked her why she started Storybags, she told me her about her love for start-ups, the need for a new challenge, and a passion for doing something that made a differace. Cindy also told me that when she decided it was time to start a new business, she made a list of things she loved, and giving gifts was at the top. Who knew you could make a business out of gift giving! After a little more brainstorming with friends and colleagues, Storybags was created.
Storybags specializes in unique gift bags that are delighted to be re-gifted, in fact, it is encouraged. Each story bag is made from unique fabrics, ribbons, beads or coins, allowing the giver to not only give a unique gift, but to wrap in with a unique style. And since the bags are made out of fabric, they are designed to be passed on to other friends over and over; the ultimate in recycling.
Cindy admits that while she is still very new in her business development, she is not new to small business ownership. After starting and operating a cable consulting firm with a partner over ten years ago, Cindy was ready for another challenge and something a little more fun.
After jumping into the adventure, Cindy admits that it was a little more difficult than she thought it would be. She recalls thinking, “It’s gift bags, how hard could it be?” and then came all the details. Details like designing bags, tracking the designs. Who would make the bags? What fabrics? What styles? Building a website…the list went on and on. Cindy may not have even started the company if she done more investigating on the front end, but now that she’s in it, she loves it. Her key to getting through all the details has been to break them down into manageable pieces. Take manufacturing: she decided to just focus on find a local seamstress; then she found local manufacturing to produce limited quantities. In the future she hopes to outsource all production over seas, but that will have to wait…for now.
Marketing of her bags has not taken center stage as of yet. Cindy wants to perfect the bags and the process for making them before she makes the investment of time and money into marketing. The majority of these early sales have come through charity fundraising events (The Boulder Humane Society, Colorado AIDS Project, The Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, Colorado Youth at Risk as well as others), corporate gifting, and some retail. According to her website, she has placed 1470 bags into circulation as of this writing.
I was curious to know how she had been featured in the Denver Business Journal. She told me she just sent them an e-mail, but did mention she had previously been featured in Denver’s 40 Under 40 list, and her mom had recently been in the journal for her import business: AfricaDirect.com. A little shameless namedropping never hurts.
Cindy wanted to tell new and aspiring entrepreneurs that this life is not for everyone. It is exciting and “sexy”, but it is a lot of hard work. One needs to ask the question WHY? Be clear about what it will take, and ask other business owners if they think the idea is feasible. After you get all the advice, listen to your instincts, don’t listen too much to the “experts”.
Thanks Cindy for telling us your story. Your “love of gift giving and sharing smiles” is evident in your business, and I hope it takes you around the world.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
1.06.2010
Business #4…Trudy Fruity Inc.: Gary Giliard.
Business #4…Trudy Fruity Inc.: Gary Giliard.
Denver, Colorado
303-329-4615
www.trudyfruity.com
Start Date: July 4th, 2009
Favorite Business Book: The Google Story by David A. Vise and Mark Malseed - More on this later.
I have to admit, while this sounded like a daunting task when I first conceived of the idea to interview so many entrepreneurs, this is turning out to be such a joy. Today’s interview with Gary Giliard was no exception. As you are about to understand, Gary has a deep passion and belief in his product, tremendous business aptitude, as well as a superior product with a story all its own.
I found Gary through a small story that was printed in the Denver Business Journal back in November. But of course, it was by no accident. Gary created the best tasting press release, and sent it to 12 local publications in hopes of landing a few stories. When the DBJ called him back they asked that he not give any other publications the story until theirs ran first.
Trudy Fruity specializes in holiday fruit cake cookies which were born out of a love of baking, and a family receipt handed down from Gary’s mother…Trudy. Gary shared with me that he started his business on July 4, 2009 at the Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market. But he admits that he thought it was a crazy idea to try to sell fruit cake in the middle of summer. Thankfully, people not only loved the cookies, but they loved Gary’s story.
Gary started his company out of necessity. Like many people, Gary found himself out of a corporate job last year due to company layoffs. When he couldn’t find a job, and asked friends for advice, they suggested he go into baking. For years, Gary had been baking his mother’s cookies, and was giving them to family and friends during the holidays. Over 20 years, the list just kept growing and growing. So when he asked his family and friends what they thought he should do after loosing his job, it was an easy decision…they already knew he would be a success.
With a background in marketing, Gary decided to bake and sell gourmet cookies to be sold through local retail outlets (Tony’s, Spinelli’s, and The Cheese Co.) and his website. He first tested and sold the fruitcake cookies, but then added other flavors as well. The timing could not have been better, with plenty of time to figure out how to transition his baking from the kitchen to a commercial kitchen before the holidays; Gary’s first six months have been perfect practice as he slowly grows his business.
Through hard work, and creative marketing, Gary was able to sell to over 500 customers for the 2009 holiday season. It was so successful, that he had to shut down all orders for pre-Christmas delivery a week before Christmas and only offer post-Christmas delivery. I have to tip my hat to Gary for this. As a new business owner, it is hard to tell someone “no, I am sorry I can not get it to you by then;” most entrepreneurs end up over promising, and under delivering.
When asked about the hardest thing he has faced, Gary talked about start-up capital. Gary did not plan on starting a company; he was forced into it, and did not have much savings. So, Gary turned once again to his biggest fans…his friends and family, to give him small short term loans. The really hard part was all the opportunity that he saw, but could not act on due to the finances needed to put the plan into action. Trudy Fruity needed money for packaging, commercial kitchen space, marketing, and ingredients. Putting product in retail stores was great, but it required more up-front costs than selling through his web site. One big opportunity he was forced to turn down was a deal with Whole Foods, he just could not come up with the capitol in time for the holidays.
For a company that has only been in business for six months, Gary has sold product almost all across the country. Gary told me he had sold cookies from Omaha to Tucson, but when I went to his website, I not only saw that he has sold coast to coast, but read an amazing story about one family in Florida:
Lake Mary, Florida
When I asked Gary about future plans and vision for his company, he told me that he hopes to be the “Girl Scout cookie of gourmet cookies.” He likes the seasonality of the business, and wants to focus on on-line sales and wants to get away from the brick and mortar model.
When we talked about his favorite business book - The Google Story, he told me that he had received it as a gift from the president of Scholastic books (his then employer), but dismissed it. One day, he picked it up and realized what a great story it was. It is a story about a company that grew because its products and services were so good, that their customers could not help talking about them, and so they grew. This is how Gary hopes his company will grow as well.
With a passion for his product, a wonderful grasp on how small business works, and a steadfast desire to provide great customer service, I can not help but predict that Trudy Fruity will grow into a fabulous company. Thank you Gary for sharing your story, and I for one can not wait to try some of your cookies.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Denver, Colorado
303-329-4615
www.trudyfruity.com
Start Date: July 4th, 2009
Favorite Business Book: The Google Story by David A. Vise and Mark Malseed - More on this later.
I have to admit, while this sounded like a daunting task when I first conceived of the idea to interview so many entrepreneurs, this is turning out to be such a joy. Today’s interview with Gary Giliard was no exception. As you are about to understand, Gary has a deep passion and belief in his product, tremendous business aptitude, as well as a superior product with a story all its own.
I found Gary through a small story that was printed in the Denver Business Journal back in November. But of course, it was by no accident. Gary created the best tasting press release, and sent it to 12 local publications in hopes of landing a few stories. When the DBJ called him back they asked that he not give any other publications the story until theirs ran first.
Trudy Fruity specializes in holiday fruit cake cookies which were born out of a love of baking, and a family receipt handed down from Gary’s mother…Trudy. Gary shared with me that he started his business on July 4, 2009 at the Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market. But he admits that he thought it was a crazy idea to try to sell fruit cake in the middle of summer. Thankfully, people not only loved the cookies, but they loved Gary’s story.
Gary started his company out of necessity. Like many people, Gary found himself out of a corporate job last year due to company layoffs. When he couldn’t find a job, and asked friends for advice, they suggested he go into baking. For years, Gary had been baking his mother’s cookies, and was giving them to family and friends during the holidays. Over 20 years, the list just kept growing and growing. So when he asked his family and friends what they thought he should do after loosing his job, it was an easy decision…they already knew he would be a success.
With a background in marketing, Gary decided to bake and sell gourmet cookies to be sold through local retail outlets (Tony’s, Spinelli’s, and The Cheese Co.) and his website. He first tested and sold the fruitcake cookies, but then added other flavors as well. The timing could not have been better, with plenty of time to figure out how to transition his baking from the kitchen to a commercial kitchen before the holidays; Gary’s first six months have been perfect practice as he slowly grows his business.
Through hard work, and creative marketing, Gary was able to sell to over 500 customers for the 2009 holiday season. It was so successful, that he had to shut down all orders for pre-Christmas delivery a week before Christmas and only offer post-Christmas delivery. I have to tip my hat to Gary for this. As a new business owner, it is hard to tell someone “no, I am sorry I can not get it to you by then;” most entrepreneurs end up over promising, and under delivering.
When asked about the hardest thing he has faced, Gary talked about start-up capital. Gary did not plan on starting a company; he was forced into it, and did not have much savings. So, Gary turned once again to his biggest fans…his friends and family, to give him small short term loans. The really hard part was all the opportunity that he saw, but could not act on due to the finances needed to put the plan into action. Trudy Fruity needed money for packaging, commercial kitchen space, marketing, and ingredients. Putting product in retail stores was great, but it required more up-front costs than selling through his web site. One big opportunity he was forced to turn down was a deal with Whole Foods, he just could not come up with the capitol in time for the holidays.
For a company that has only been in business for six months, Gary has sold product almost all across the country. Gary told me he had sold cookies from Omaha to Tucson, but when I went to his website, I not only saw that he has sold coast to coast, but read an amazing story about one family in Florida:
We received your brown-paper-wrapped package on our doorstep, addressed to a prior resident. With no way to forward your package, we opened it and discovered your holiday cookies. They looked so tasty and we could smell aromas of spices we remembered from our past. Your cookies were amazing. They reminded us of the fruitcake our parents use to bake. Please put us on your ship-to list next year.Ralph and Karen
Lake Mary, Florida
When I asked Gary about future plans and vision for his company, he told me that he hopes to be the “Girl Scout cookie of gourmet cookies.” He likes the seasonality of the business, and wants to focus on on-line sales and wants to get away from the brick and mortar model.
When we talked about his favorite business book - The Google Story, he told me that he had received it as a gift from the president of Scholastic books (his then employer), but dismissed it. One day, he picked it up and realized what a great story it was. It is a story about a company that grew because its products and services were so good, that their customers could not help talking about them, and so they grew. This is how Gary hopes his company will grow as well.
With a passion for his product, a wonderful grasp on how small business works, and a steadfast desire to provide great customer service, I can not help but predict that Trudy Fruity will grow into a fabulous company. Thank you Gary for sharing your story, and I for one can not wait to try some of your cookies.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Business #3…Aspen Creek Landscaping, Inc.: Mark Turner.
Business #3…Aspen Creek Landscaping, Inc.: Mark Turner.
Lakewood, Colorado
303-929-5804
www.aspencreeklandscape.com/
Year you started your business: 1989
Favorite Business Book: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen
Like many business owners, Mark Turner got bit by the entrepreneurial bug while working in the landscape industry for another landscape company. Mark appreciates his early times because as a sales person that got paid on commission, it made him understand the sales process. If he hadn’t, he would not have made much money. He seemed to enjoy those early days, but a lack of customer service and follow through by the company he worked for really bothered him. He was the one with the relationship with the customer, and it was out of his control to truly take care of them. So Mark took things into his own hands and started his own business.
Aspen Creek Landscaping was started as a true bootstrap focusing on residential new construction. Mark knew in the beginning, as he does now, that keeping his overhead low, and paying for things as he needed them, would allow him to keep a positive cash flow, and get profitable fast. That meant buying an inexpensive truck and some hand tools. When they needed heavy machinery like back hoes, trenchers, or dozers, he would rent them. As he had cash, and could afford theses essential tools, he would buy them. Not putting all his money in equipment allowed him to spend money on marketing his company, which he knew would be critical.
I asked Mark how the economy has affected him. He admitted to being just as busy as ever, but the margins have gone down. He has had to lower his pricing to win contracts. The reality is that many of Mark’s competitors don’t carry the necessary workman’s compensation or liability insurance; which is common in contracting. Despite the economy, Mark employs up to 10 guys during the busy summer season, and goes down to 4 or 5 guys in the winter months.
The toughest part of running Mark’s business is the stress that is created from a few areas. First, Mark confessed that working 60 to 80 hours a week in peak season is hard on him. He truly cherishes his family time which is the first to get compromised. The other area of stress for Mark comes from the need to provide great customer service…one of the main reasons Mark got into his own business in the first place. While he doesn’t like to have to do this aspect, he does it well. When we talked further about this, Mark relayed a great story of how important this aspect is for his business. Aspen Creek had just finished a project where they had installed a retaining wall. While they had been installing it and other landscaping, Mark provided a bid to one of the neighboring homes. Just after the project was complete, Colorado experienced a tremendous rain monsoon. When the rains subsided, the retaining wall showed signs of giving way…too much water, too soon. Mark got a call from the homeowner about the problem, and immediate sent his crew to repair the problem the next day. Now, I don’t know about you, but this is fabulous customer service. Needless to say, the neighbor that had received his bid next door, and bids from at least five other contractors, was so impressed by the remedy that they call Mark to award their project to him as well.
One thing I am sure of in business is that things will not always go according to plan, and problems do happen. The true mark of a great company is how you respond to those problems that will always make you stand ahead of the pack.
This type of action has been important for Aspen Creek Landscaping since they have built the business in a large part on word of mouth. I will say, Mark has done a fabulous job at building a website that truly shows off his work, and speaks to their level of professionalism. They have done flyers and letters to potential customers, but nothing is as effective as the testimonies of their happy clients.
Different things have excited Mark over the years as he has run his company. When he first started, he was excited about making big dollars, and becoming successful. Then, as he grew as a designer, he was excited about designing great landscapes. Today, Mark is excited mostly about how to market his company. This is evident in the newly redesigned website that features video testimonials, drawings of past projects, project photos, and original music Mark creates from his love for music.
Mark has a vision to create a company that competes less on price and is able to focus on their ideal customers. Mark would also like to implement systems that allow him to spend less time in his business and more time working on his business. To accomplish this, he knows he needs one thing: “Good employees. They are crucial.”
Parting thoughts for new or aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Keep your overhead down. Treat customers as you want to be treated. Market. Market. Market.” -Mark Turner
Thank you Mark for sharing your story with us. It is evident from the work you do that you are a business owner that strives for integrity and value for your clients. I wish you the best luck as you pursue your vision to own a company rather than to just own a job.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Lakewood, Colorado
303-929-5804
www.aspencreeklandscape.com/
Year you started your business: 1989
Favorite Business Book: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen
Like many business owners, Mark Turner got bit by the entrepreneurial bug while working in the landscape industry for another landscape company. Mark appreciates his early times because as a sales person that got paid on commission, it made him understand the sales process. If he hadn’t, he would not have made much money. He seemed to enjoy those early days, but a lack of customer service and follow through by the company he worked for really bothered him. He was the one with the relationship with the customer, and it was out of his control to truly take care of them. So Mark took things into his own hands and started his own business.
Aspen Creek Landscaping was started as a true bootstrap focusing on residential new construction. Mark knew in the beginning, as he does now, that keeping his overhead low, and paying for things as he needed them, would allow him to keep a positive cash flow, and get profitable fast. That meant buying an inexpensive truck and some hand tools. When they needed heavy machinery like back hoes, trenchers, or dozers, he would rent them. As he had cash, and could afford theses essential tools, he would buy them. Not putting all his money in equipment allowed him to spend money on marketing his company, which he knew would be critical.
I asked Mark how the economy has affected him. He admitted to being just as busy as ever, but the margins have gone down. He has had to lower his pricing to win contracts. The reality is that many of Mark’s competitors don’t carry the necessary workman’s compensation or liability insurance; which is common in contracting. Despite the economy, Mark employs up to 10 guys during the busy summer season, and goes down to 4 or 5 guys in the winter months.
The toughest part of running Mark’s business is the stress that is created from a few areas. First, Mark confessed that working 60 to 80 hours a week in peak season is hard on him. He truly cherishes his family time which is the first to get compromised. The other area of stress for Mark comes from the need to provide great customer service…one of the main reasons Mark got into his own business in the first place. While he doesn’t like to have to do this aspect, he does it well. When we talked further about this, Mark relayed a great story of how important this aspect is for his business. Aspen Creek had just finished a project where they had installed a retaining wall. While they had been installing it and other landscaping, Mark provided a bid to one of the neighboring homes. Just after the project was complete, Colorado experienced a tremendous rain monsoon. When the rains subsided, the retaining wall showed signs of giving way…too much water, too soon. Mark got a call from the homeowner about the problem, and immediate sent his crew to repair the problem the next day. Now, I don’t know about you, but this is fabulous customer service. Needless to say, the neighbor that had received his bid next door, and bids from at least five other contractors, was so impressed by the remedy that they call Mark to award their project to him as well.
One thing I am sure of in business is that things will not always go according to plan, and problems do happen. The true mark of a great company is how you respond to those problems that will always make you stand ahead of the pack.
This type of action has been important for Aspen Creek Landscaping since they have built the business in a large part on word of mouth. I will say, Mark has done a fabulous job at building a website that truly shows off his work, and speaks to their level of professionalism. They have done flyers and letters to potential customers, but nothing is as effective as the testimonies of their happy clients.
Different things have excited Mark over the years as he has run his company. When he first started, he was excited about making big dollars, and becoming successful. Then, as he grew as a designer, he was excited about designing great landscapes. Today, Mark is excited mostly about how to market his company. This is evident in the newly redesigned website that features video testimonials, drawings of past projects, project photos, and original music Mark creates from his love for music.
Mark has a vision to create a company that competes less on price and is able to focus on their ideal customers. Mark would also like to implement systems that allow him to spend less time in his business and more time working on his business. To accomplish this, he knows he needs one thing: “Good employees. They are crucial.”
Parting thoughts for new or aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Keep your overhead down. Treat customers as you want to be treated. Market. Market. Market.” -Mark Turner
Thank you Mark for sharing your story with us. It is evident from the work you do that you are a business owner that strives for integrity and value for your clients. I wish you the best luck as you pursue your vision to own a company rather than to just own a job.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
1.04.2010
Business #2…Straightline Professional Development: Wes Jankowski
Business #2…Straightline Professional Development: Wes Jankowski
Denver, Colorado
303.791.1732
www.straightlineprodev.com
Wes Jankowski owns Straightline Professional Development; a business strategy company that help dentists develop a vision for their practice and implement the plan to achieve short and long term results. In 2007, Wes decided to branch out on his own after learning about practice management from a family friend. With his business background, he learned that most dentists are technicians, and don’t realize that they are business owners. Teaching doctors this fundamental truth is what allows him to stay focused on his vision to: serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others.
When asked what separates him form other consultants, Wes explained that most consultants try to fix problems, while he strives to create a vision for the team for where they want to go and to help them figure out the steps to get there. Because it is such a personalized program for each office, Wes’ largest problem is bandwidth: he personally takes each office through his system. His system consists of a thought process rather than just using a route set of systems and programs; truly teaching the doctor and his/her staff to be reliant on themselves…eventually.
Straightline relies in large part on word of mouth advertising. Wes did explain that he does use an informational seminar for dentists and their team. Teams are encouraged to attend the low cost seminar together. When they learn something valuable, they see the value in working with Wes and sign up for a monthly commitment.
For Wes, it is more than a job, it is a vision that extends into who he is, and what he represents. He loves to be the teacher and show individuals that they can make the impossible, possible. He is constantly striping people of their self imposed limits and boundaries, and to do this, he must communicate. Which when asked, he admitted was his greatest business strength. And while his seminars are producing new clients, he admitted that marketing was his biggest weakness. His desire is to get in front of more dentists to communicate his message. In reality, this is what most small business owners stuggle with. How to get the word out.
Wes would like to see a future Straighline consist of partners, or co-owners that have a vested interest in the company. They would need to catch the big picture and be like-minded in his vision to serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others. He also has a desire to expand into other areas of the health care field such as veterinary clinics, chiropractic care centers, etc. In order to get there, he recognizes that he needs to do three things:
1.) Document and package his program so it can be delivered by other individuals
2.) Acquire additional team members that are like minded to teach his system
3.) Effectively market the program to his identified target client
I asked Wes what advice he would give to a new or aspiring entrepreneur. He responded: “Be passionate about what you do. You have to be excited and believe in it when no one else does.” This is especially true when one considers the daily hardships that every small business owner must endure.
Wes' recommendation as the best business book he has ever read was: It’s not about the Coffee, by Howard Behar.
Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Selling knowledge and experience to a highly educated client must present several difficult situations. Wes was clear that communication is a critical component of his service offering. This is a critical piece for any business owner. It helps set expectations, relay information, and can cause a fabulous or disastrous outcome for any business transaction.
I want to thank Wes for his time and willingness to share his knowledge with us. I loved his vision to serve and inspire others to serve and inspire. If we all did that, I am sure it would translate into better businesses, and a better world.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Denver, Colorado
303.791.1732
www.straightlineprodev.com
Wes Jankowski owns Straightline Professional Development; a business strategy company that help dentists develop a vision for their practice and implement the plan to achieve short and long term results. In 2007, Wes decided to branch out on his own after learning about practice management from a family friend. With his business background, he learned that most dentists are technicians, and don’t realize that they are business owners. Teaching doctors this fundamental truth is what allows him to stay focused on his vision to: serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others.
When asked what separates him form other consultants, Wes explained that most consultants try to fix problems, while he strives to create a vision for the team for where they want to go and to help them figure out the steps to get there. Because it is such a personalized program for each office, Wes’ largest problem is bandwidth: he personally takes each office through his system. His system consists of a thought process rather than just using a route set of systems and programs; truly teaching the doctor and his/her staff to be reliant on themselves…eventually.
Straightline relies in large part on word of mouth advertising. Wes did explain that he does use an informational seminar for dentists and their team. Teams are encouraged to attend the low cost seminar together. When they learn something valuable, they see the value in working with Wes and sign up for a monthly commitment.
For Wes, it is more than a job, it is a vision that extends into who he is, and what he represents. He loves to be the teacher and show individuals that they can make the impossible, possible. He is constantly striping people of their self imposed limits and boundaries, and to do this, he must communicate. Which when asked, he admitted was his greatest business strength. And while his seminars are producing new clients, he admitted that marketing was his biggest weakness. His desire is to get in front of more dentists to communicate his message. In reality, this is what most small business owners stuggle with. How to get the word out.
Wes would like to see a future Straighline consist of partners, or co-owners that have a vested interest in the company. They would need to catch the big picture and be like-minded in his vision to serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others. He also has a desire to expand into other areas of the health care field such as veterinary clinics, chiropractic care centers, etc. In order to get there, he recognizes that he needs to do three things:
1.) Document and package his program so it can be delivered by other individuals
2.) Acquire additional team members that are like minded to teach his system
3.) Effectively market the program to his identified target client
I asked Wes what advice he would give to a new or aspiring entrepreneur. He responded: “Be passionate about what you do. You have to be excited and believe in it when no one else does.” This is especially true when one considers the daily hardships that every small business owner must endure.
Wes' recommendation as the best business book he has ever read was: It’s not about the Coffee, by Howard Behar.
Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Selling knowledge and experience to a highly educated client must present several difficult situations. Wes was clear that communication is a critical component of his service offering. This is a critical piece for any business owner. It helps set expectations, relay information, and can cause a fabulous or disastrous outcome for any business transaction.
I want to thank Wes for his time and willingness to share his knowledge with us. I loved his vision to serve and inspire others to serve and inspire. If we all did that, I am sure it would translate into better businesses, and a better world.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
1.03.2010
The Adventure...
Small business ownership is an adventure. It is appealing to most because of the FREEDOM it promises. Well, I find that ironic. I always told people that owning my own business was great because I got to work whatever 80 hours a week I wanted.
People like Tim Ferriss, author of “The Four Hour Work Week” would look down on that notion, but to be honest, there are very few individuals that can build any lasting and thriving business on any less. If you are thinking about starting your own business, you need to take this into consideration. It is NOT easy. It takes time. It takes dedication. It takes a lot of hard work. AND it takes discipline. I think there are few businesses that make it because they do not understand this. They think it is as easy as reading a How-to book on ________________(you fill in the blank), and they will have a successful business.
I encourage you to read the stories that true business owners tell me. I will be interviewing veterans and rookies. I always love both because you get something different from each one. From the rookie we will see pure optimism, and a take-no-prisoners mentality. From the veteran we will hear wisdom and experience that has been tested by the adventure. Both excite me.
I hope this blog will be an encouragement to some, and a slap in the face to others. We all need both from time to time; I know I have.
So here’s to a new year, and a new decade. It is filled with hope and promise. Let us press forward to meet the challenges that will come, and create companies that thrive, advance, and make us very wealthy.
People like Tim Ferriss, author of “The Four Hour Work Week” would look down on that notion, but to be honest, there are very few individuals that can build any lasting and thriving business on any less. If you are thinking about starting your own business, you need to take this into consideration. It is NOT easy. It takes time. It takes dedication. It takes a lot of hard work. AND it takes discipline. I think there are few businesses that make it because they do not understand this. They think it is as easy as reading a How-to book on ________________(you fill in the blank), and they will have a successful business.
I encourage you to read the stories that true business owners tell me. I will be interviewing veterans and rookies. I always love both because you get something different from each one. From the rookie we will see pure optimism, and a take-no-prisoners mentality. From the veteran we will hear wisdom and experience that has been tested by the adventure. Both excite me.
I hope this blog will be an encouragement to some, and a slap in the face to others. We all need both from time to time; I know I have.
So here’s to a new year, and a new decade. It is filled with hope and promise. Let us press forward to meet the challenges that will come, and create companies that thrive, advance, and make us very wealthy.
1.02.2010
Business #1: John Erbert
So the adventure starts. Here is my first interview for the blog. Enjoy...
Business #1…Erbert Lawns: John Erbert.
Littleton, Colorado
303.948.6631
http://www.erbertlawns.com/
When you are asked what you do for a living, what do you say?
John: I mow lawns for a living. I don’t like to make it sound too glamorous. Some people ask more about it, and others just leave it at that.
Year you started your business: 1982
Original name: 2-Easy Lawn Care, then changed to Easy Lawn Care, then changed to JD Erbert Co., then became what is now Erbert Lawns.
What made you start your business?
John: I was 12, and my parents were only willing to buy me necessities. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Miami Vice was big, and I wanted a Don Johnson, white jacket. My dad told me if I came up with half of it, he would help me buy it. I also wanted a water bed. He split that with me too.
What was challenging when you first started?
John: I could only cut lawns within a few blocks of my house, and I wanted do more lawns. So I had my dad help me build a trailer for a three wheel bicycle that could move all my equipment. After a week, I realized it was too heavy. My dad then helped me buy a 10 speed bike and convert it, with it’s gears into the three wheeler. Then I could use the gears to go up the hills. Eventually I bought a truck to move my equipment, but I could not drive it. I wasn’t old enough. I had to hire someone that had a license.
How big is your business today?
John: We cup about 800 lawns a week.
What services do you provide?
John: We mow, fertilize, and aerate. That’s it.
As a business owner, what is your biggest headache?
John: Managing people: customers and employees.
What excites you about being an entrepreneur?
John: 1) Freedom to do what I want, when I want.
2) The challenges that arises every day to organize the resources.
It would be boring it there weren’t new daily challenges. I like the analogy of the kite: A kite soars because it has resistance.
What is you long term Vision for you company?
John: Significant growth, but not for growth or financial reasons. I want to have locations in multiple states for the challenges that it will create.
What is it going to take to accomplish that?
John: Funds to set up the branches and pay for marketing, and it will take attracting talent.
What advice would you give to a new or aspiring entrepreneur?
John: Keep it to two things: Focus and determination.
I want to thank John for being my very first business owner to interview. I know you will continue to succeed in your business because you do have great focus and determination to do whatever you set your mind on.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Business #1…Erbert Lawns: John Erbert.
Littleton, Colorado
303.948.6631
http://www.erbertlawns.com/
When you are asked what you do for a living, what do you say?
John: I mow lawns for a living. I don’t like to make it sound too glamorous. Some people ask more about it, and others just leave it at that.
Year you started your business: 1982
Original name: 2-Easy Lawn Care, then changed to Easy Lawn Care, then changed to JD Erbert Co., then became what is now Erbert Lawns.
What made you start your business?
John: I was 12, and my parents were only willing to buy me necessities. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Miami Vice was big, and I wanted a Don Johnson, white jacket. My dad told me if I came up with half of it, he would help me buy it. I also wanted a water bed. He split that with me too.
What was challenging when you first started?
John: I could only cut lawns within a few blocks of my house, and I wanted do more lawns. So I had my dad help me build a trailer for a three wheel bicycle that could move all my equipment. After a week, I realized it was too heavy. My dad then helped me buy a 10 speed bike and convert it, with it’s gears into the three wheeler. Then I could use the gears to go up the hills. Eventually I bought a truck to move my equipment, but I could not drive it. I wasn’t old enough. I had to hire someone that had a license.
How big is your business today?
John: We cup about 800 lawns a week.
What services do you provide?
John: We mow, fertilize, and aerate. That’s it.
As a business owner, what is your biggest headache?
John: Managing people: customers and employees.
What excites you about being an entrepreneur?
John: 1) Freedom to do what I want, when I want.
2) The challenges that arises every day to organize the resources.
It would be boring it there weren’t new daily challenges. I like the analogy of the kite: A kite soars because it has resistance.
What is you long term Vision for you company?
John: Significant growth, but not for growth or financial reasons. I want to have locations in multiple states for the challenges that it will create.
What is it going to take to accomplish that?
John: Funds to set up the branches and pay for marketing, and it will take attracting talent.
What advice would you give to a new or aspiring entrepreneur?
John: Keep it to two things: Focus and determination.
I want to thank John for being my very first business owner to interview. I know you will continue to succeed in your business because you do have great focus and determination to do whatever you set your mind on.
Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!
Happy New Year!! Now let's make some money...
About this time every year, I am ready to get back to work. Too much good food. Too much drinking. Too much making of small talk. I don't know about you, but I like routine, and I don't like to deviate from it for too long.
So what is this all about? Why should you read my blog? Well, I am setting out to interview 20 small business owners every month. They will all be from the Denver metro area. They will be from all different industries.
You see, I love talking business with people. I love hearing the stories. I could do this for hours. But I thought I would put some structure to this passion. I want to know how people start their business. Why they started. What do they struggle with. What would they do if they could. Where do they want to go. These are the questions that keep us up at night. Weather you are an aspiring entrepreneur or one that has made the leap and on the side of the mountain. Michael Gerber calls it the entrepreneurial bug.
So weather you are already a small business owner, or would someday like to be, come back and visit often. I will be interview several entrepreneurs each week. If you have questions about what I talk about, feel free to send them to me. if you are a small business owner, and would like to be interviewed for the blog, let me know that as well. I don't care what size, or what industry. Let's learn from each other and make 2010 a fabulous year.
So what is this all about? Why should you read my blog? Well, I am setting out to interview 20 small business owners every month. They will all be from the Denver metro area. They will be from all different industries.
You see, I love talking business with people. I love hearing the stories. I could do this for hours. But I thought I would put some structure to this passion. I want to know how people start their business. Why they started. What do they struggle with. What would they do if they could. Where do they want to go. These are the questions that keep us up at night. Weather you are an aspiring entrepreneur or one that has made the leap and on the side of the mountain. Michael Gerber calls it the entrepreneurial bug.
So weather you are already a small business owner, or would someday like to be, come back and visit often. I will be interview several entrepreneurs each week. If you have questions about what I talk about, feel free to send them to me. if you are a small business owner, and would like to be interviewed for the blog, let me know that as well. I don't care what size, or what industry. Let's learn from each other and make 2010 a fabulous year.
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