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Are you facing the same struggles so many other business owners face?
Long hours, seemingly no one to turn to, and constant operational challenges can make smooth sailing feel far off. That’s where FixtheBiz comes in. While others may tell you what to do, we go further: we also offer 'the how'. Our team of experienced practitioners aligns with you to navigate the bumps and barriers, offering actionable strategies and support that set the stage for lasting success!
A Story: Struggle to Success
Meet Hector and His Brother
For over a decade, Hector and his brother had poured their hearts into producing log, timber-frame, and post-and-beam building structures. They started the business with dreams of success but soon found themselves in a cycle of frustration and disillusionment. The unpredictable nature of their business led to mounting challenges, culminating in a looming threat of eviction from their leased industrial facility.
A Call for Help
In their darkest hour, Hector contacted their lawyer, who called on our team at the time, seeking solution. Some situations demand immediate action. The urgency in this case was soon apparent.
A Problem seen is often a Problem solved
Amidst the chaos seen during an initial visit to their facility, the solution to their immediate problem seemed clear. Multiple log stacks were scattered across their five-acre property. When asked ‘how so’ if they custom-ordered the logs for each new project, Hector explained, “We always order extra to avoid running short; these accumulated.”
Turning Challenges into Solutions
With a quick call to a log broker, the excess inventory was sold within days, providing Hector and his brother a much-needed financial breather. But that was just the beginning—the underlying issue of inconsistent sales still needed to be addressed.
Big Market Bigger Challenges
Recognizing the limitations of their local market, Hector explored foreign markets and took advantage of federal Canadian and Provincially sponsored ‘Export Junkets’. This led to several exciting projects, but the inconsistency of this ‘feast or famine’ market approach remained a big challenge.
A New Marketing Initiative
In response, we devised a new marketing strategy capitalizing on the favorable US/Canadian exchange rate. Focused on providing Wood Country Canada's ‘heavy timber’ packages to this specialized industry and its sector builders, the strategy targeted artisan builders situated throughout the rural and mountain areas of the Southern US. Interest in heavy timber homes had grown, especially among retirees and those seeking a peaceful escape from city life. However, soon, another hurdle emerged: most builders lacked the financial means to purchase the timber packages. Even though we had made arrangements with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada's export credit agency, to insure export sales receivables, EDC would only ensure ‘creditworthy’ purchasers. Few 'log home/heavy timber' builders qualified.
Finding the Right Solution
The answer: Instead of selling to builders, we focused on the ultimate homeowners and their banks. By connecting with credit-worthy Banks as the mortgage holders (selling them the log packages on an interim basis), we created a new pathway for financing that allowed Hector and his brother to thrive.
A New Journey
Thanks to our collaborative efforts, Hector and his brother experienced consistent and increasing sales in the following years. Their story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of seeking help when needed.
*Disclosure Note: Predates EOC
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If your riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there!
- Cowboy Wisdom
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The Issues: Let us look at the challenges, fears, and concerns that keep you up at night. While often the same, every business has its nuanced circumstances requiring special attention.
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The Answers: We will explore solutions frequently hidden within the challenges. By recognizing strengths and untapped potential, we start to reframe issues as 'possibilities' unique to the business.
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The Strategies: With clarity on the opportunities, we develop tailored strategies to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the business. These strategies are practical, actionable, and designed to build momentum.
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The Issues: Challenges, Fears, and Concerns
What keeps business owners up at night? Across all industry sectors, common concerns include cash flow, capital, credit, employee retention, and maintaining a competitive edge.
Consider, for instance, Family Farms ...relying on traditional practices may no longer yield the expected results while increasing regulations amplify daily operational stress. Next, a Soil Amendment Facility adopting new production methods may experience workplace friction as older and newer processes clash, leaving management caught between delegating responsibilities and retaining control. Further down the supply chain, at the foundational end, Mineral Quarries face market saturation, thin margins, and the challenge of avoiding commodity pricing traps.
Each industry sector faces unique challenges that impact not just growth but stability and long-term viability. EOC recognizes these specific hurdles and stands ready to offer opportunity-driven solutions tailored to respect each sector's unique dynamics.
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The Answers: Finding Solutions Within Challenges
Overcoming obstacles often means looking deeper into the challenges themselves; sometimes, the answers lie hidden within. EOC approaches these struggles not only to find resolutions but to uncover inherent strengths. Consider a situation with a large Dairy Operation* facing significant setbacks: rather than offering quick fixes, EOC challenged the foreclosing Bank, recognizing their advice had unintentionally contributed to the situation. This ‘push-back’ approach bought the operation the critical time needed to reorganize, and create a solution.
What may appear as a setback often reveals new paths forward. By reframing challenges as opportunities, EOC identifies and amplifies what makes each business unique, turning obstacles into springboards for potential. This method doesn’t just solve immediate issues; it lays a foundation for sustainable growth rooted in a business’s values and capabilities. Ultimately, this approach equips business leaders with tools to face future challenges confidently, knowing that resilience and insight are always within reach.
*Disclosure Note: Predates EOC
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The Strategies: Practical and Momentum-Driven
Once an opportunity is identified, the next step is crafting a strategy that is both actionable and aligned with the business owner's goals. At EOC, we believe clarity drives momentum. With a firm understanding of each business’s needs, we develop a customized approach that addresses pressing issues while laying the ground-work for long-term success. For instance, in the case of an expanding Plant Propagation Lab/Greenhouse* operation that was facing growth-funding challenges. We first ensured viability by enhancing product competitiveness with greater line diversity, followed up with a license-based, market roll-out program, collectively enabling an investment structure made even more attractive, by structuring a tax-incentive-driven financial opportunity.
These strategies and tactics are not abstract theories—they’re practical roadmaps that business owners can immediately implement. EOC focuses on building solutions that resolve immediate challenges while equipping teams with the skills and knowledge to sustain progress. Whether it’s improving efficiency, expanding into new markets, or strengthening resilience, EOC’s strategies are crafted to keep businesses moving forward.
*Disclosure Note: Predates EOC
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The Readiness: Embracing Entrepreneurship
The ultimate step is all about readiness. For businesses prepared to shift gears and embrace entrepreneurial principles, EOC offers the guidance to make that leap with confidence. This phase, or series of stages, if you will, focuses on evaluating the business’s capacity to adapt and thrive, ensuring it is equipped for the journey ahead.
Consider, for example, a 30-year Ag-Mineral Operation* that had only made minimal production improvements beyond quarrying, milling, 'prilling' (rolled balls) and bagging. Here, the game-changer was introducing value added, scientifically driven product formulations, component-material sourcing, and re-engineered micro-milling equipment. This combination enabled the production of a full spectrum of soil amendment products. With added branding and market entry initiatives, the operation secured a pathway for long-term growth continuing today.
At EOC, the aim is to prepare businesses to ‘entrepreneurialize,’ establishing systems and structures that support sustained growth and resilience. This is where the foundations are laid for transformative change, enabling owners to operate not just as business managers but as 'Entrepreneurialists'. With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, businesses are primed to adapt, innovate, and succeed in an evolving landscape.