Retail and Distribution Client Stories:
Selling a product can be as simple as getting it on the shelf-but the business behind the selling is a much greater challenge. When a distributor started in Central Ohio several years ago, the business owner had a few guiding philosophies that had served him well in the industry. “(Our product) is just another commodity, like food,” he says. “Make it accessible, and you can sell it.” That, coupled with striving for superior service and delivery, set the company on a course for success. However, with the growth came financial growing pains and the company realized it needed some help.
“We struggled with managing the finances as a new company putting money into the business…we were growing our business but not managing our balance sheet. When we talked to banks, we didn’t speak their language,” the Owner reveals. When the bank suggested he talk with Focus, it was advice readily heeded. With a few hours a week of support, Focus helped the company put the finances in order, instituting accurate reporting for daily numbers and monthly closings and, as the owner describes, “we are getting our financial house in shape.”
Now on a steady track financially, Focus is helping the company work out some human resources issues and maintaining the systems that have been put in place. Bringing Focus in enabled the company to continue to build on its success, without having to worry about what that success is costing in unchecked financial cracks.
“A year ago, we were just trying to figure out where we stood,” the owner recalls. “Now, I know I can run the business and focus on daily sales while Focus watches the numbers. I am no longer being taken away from what I do best.”