Hey everyone, sorry it has been so long since I last posted...
Three weeks ago, my manager and the lead installer left together to start their own business. That left me by myself for a little over two weeks. The owner came by and told me I was doing a good job and promoted me to store manager, then told me to hire a lead salesman and a part time installer.
A word of advice.. managing a small business sucks!
And for all the new guys out there that think they are asking dumb questions, keep asking them! I was asking those same questions a little over two years ago. I want to thank all of those who so patiently answered my questions and thanks to all those who participate in this forum. I would not be where I am today without you.
Replies (20)
alanjlamore on 04/30/2005 14:12:59
Hey, congrats on the promotion!
It's always good to have another gold back!
ttocs on 04/30/2005 18:09:06
I had a similar situation when they fired the only other installer at the first bay I worked at. Then they would get mad at me when I would ask for a day off every two weeks.... I didn't last long there after that.
danielm87 on 05/1/2005 00:15:12
CplKITTLE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!
way to go hot shot!
this site really does have an authentic sense of expert advice and community spirit, and its hard to find that anywhere else, thats what keeps me coming back!
Thanks a bunch for your help when i used to ask mindless questions about Car Audio. I still dont know everything there is to know, but if ever theres a day i come across something of that nature, i know CK will have the answers!
Buickman94 on 05/1/2005 02:11:59
congrats man, best of luck with the promotion
swez on 05/1/2005 12:12:18
Hang in there Kit.... this transition is going to test you in every way possible. Just hoping you can find some good people to fill the gaps and still manage to train them as you learn the new ropes too.
A word of caution.... "do not even try" to do everything yourself until this all comes together. You are the manager now... but the owner(s) have to pitch in too. They have to realize this is now peak season and opportunities can be lost, (big time) without adequate manpower and staffing.
Have been through this sort of dilema before too. The best I can suggest, is to pair down the services and sales functions to do the best you can at generating sales and profits for the owners. If someonelse can do the counter work and sales functions for now, while you concentrate on installs, (or farm some of that out for now) the shop and you may survive the changes well.
If possible, set up interviewing schedules so they do not interfere with your sales and install profits opportunities. Once you find a few key people that fit as a team, figure 60-90 days of hard work, overseeing them until they are up to speed. Most of all, make the owners part of the solution and not more problems for you. They stand to gain/lose the most if they are working with you on this revamp plan.
I wish you the best and have plenty of Tylenol on hand for the headaches you will probably have for a time. (j/k... but not entirely).
Hope this info is useful to you and your owners. Congrats on the promotion and good luck friend.
Swez
PS If we could make arrangements, I would consider coming down there to do your sales and basic install functions for a time. However, the pay scale would have to be adequate to make the trip, food & lodging and some pocket money as well. Yes, I have plenty of sales experience and a moderate degree of install backround. But this may only be a temporary solution to the dilema.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 00:14:47
screw that mang they need them a sales manager! Some one that is organized and patient, good with sales.....
hmmmmmmmm.... who could that be....
swez on 05/2/2005 09:34:34
Cute comment ttocs. Wonder who could help them out?
Have done that (Sales) for over 20 years now. Took my most recent biz base from <$2.0 million/yr to a tad over $5.0 million/yr. It took about 3.5 years to get there, but it remained steady at $5 million for about 8 years.
Also, was part of a major downsizing that left the territory with 2 Sales engineers, 1 Regional Manager and an Administrative assistant. When I started. Some moved on, others were let go and it was just one guy manning the territory. (Swez) Had to do it all... Sales, territory management, forecasts & budgets, trade shows, regional promos, tech support and all the rest. Pretty lean on manpower for over 10 years and a one hat (does all) solution was needed... so I got the hat... re-organized the biz and took it to the streets. That lucky old Fidora... workes every time! hehe (or maybe it was the golf cap???)
Have also been a Product Marketing Manager for a Nationally based Distributor. Oversaw purchasing, sales support, Marketing and inventory management. That was interesting. A real "whorish" market there too. And finally, have about 3 years of Retail Sales experience as well. Other than that, I don't know a darn thing about business management and sales.
Swez
PS CPL, care to have your people contact my people? Let me know.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 14:06:30
ya better call him, sounds like he will not be doing much more then sleepin......
MrBrownstone on 05/2/2005 15:08:53
I don't know who he's considering hiring, but there's a 3 folicle minimum...TTOCS, YOU didn't get the job.
BRRRRRRNN!
Hey mang, I managed a retail and e-tail store for quite some time. I can say that if anyone thinks newbies online are a bunch of fun, try it in store. Retail is more agony than 3 wifes and 4 alimonies.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 18:17:13
I have 3 folicles, be more then happy to show ya...............
I don't think I would like the commute much!
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 18:41:15
send me some info, Swez.. (cplkittle@yahoo.com)
I can't make any promises, but I will talk to the owner. right now I do have a part time greenhorn installer and a somewhat seasoned salesman, but experience far outweighs enthusiasm.
This is something new I am marketing.. was looking for opinions on this one.. anyone??
www.motionlite.com
swez on 05/2/2005 19:15:27
CPL,
Sent you an e-mail and attached a short form resume. Have a look, review with the powers that be and if interested, get back to me via e-mail or phone.
Thanks,
Swez
PS Where is this shop located? (City, State) I live in Detroit, MI area now. Some warm weather sounds like a nice change. :-)
Victor on 05/2/2005 20:20:23
Hey kittle.. that is real cool stuff.. especially for those in the show biz..
cud u do a favour.. cud u please inquire if they want to get a distributor in india..??
I wud be willing to get that stuff here in india as soon as possible..its got great market here especially with those rich young kids..
hoping to hear a positive response from you..
Victor...
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 23:23:08
I will ask, Victor. I am getting it through a local vendor.
Swez, my shop is located in Chattanooga TN. The weather is currently in the mid 60's to low 70's during the day, and summertime hovers in the low 90's. The shop is an old gas station on one of the main drags that runs east to west through the city.
danielm87 on 05/2/2005 23:30:56
How long has the shop been in operation? And whats the name?
I live up in Knoxville, and took a trip down to Chattanoogee to visit relatives this winter, and stopped into a few little shops, i might've stopped in yours......small world.
Man CPL your weather sounds nice... up here in Knox its been cold&raining the past week, finally decided to clear up today, but the flowers are still weary of blooming....i dont know about you guys, but im ready for summer!
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 23:44:14
I am on Hixson Pike about 4 miles west of hwy153. The name of the shop is Audio Visions.
ttocs on 05/3/2005 13:59:41
it gonna be 90 today here........
I think you have the snowbird idea all confused swez..... Supposed to head south fer the winter, not summer.
swez on 05/3/2005 19:24:39
In today's economy, go where the money is.
Also, it's been far less than Spring the past 7 days here. We had snow again yesterday and it dipped to 37 degrees last night. I was working out in my shop last night till 2:00 AM and it go a bit cold... so I had to give it up.
Must say this, I love working late at night. No distractions, everyone is in bed, have time to tinker and think as well. Not a bad deal if I don't make too much noise huh?
Swez
cplkittle on 05/10/2005 03:41:07
Victor..
a little insight on the motionlites.. they doubled their price.
This is a new company with a new idea, and they are making a bad mistake. I would wait for a more reputable company to duplicate this idea and purchase from them ( probably at a much lower cost).
Victor on 05/10/2005 04:42:50
Too bad, But it can be counted a smart move too..
i feel that they will eventually come down with the prices back to normal, they are just trying to make the max out of the monopoly they are enjoying now, as soon as another player comes into the market they will cut down the prices even lower then the new player,
and they can afford selling at extreme low prices because they wud have earned enough margins while they enjoy this period of monopoly.This will help them compete with new players in future.
They are going to gather enuf funds for the drought season.
This kind of a move is usually seen in most monopoly trades.
Victor..
Three weeks ago, my manager and the lead installer left together to start their own business. That left me by myself for a little over two weeks. The owner came by and told me I was doing a good job and promoted me to store manager, then told me to hire a lead salesman and a part time installer.
A word of advice.. managing a small business sucks!
And for all the new guys out there that think they are asking dumb questions, keep asking them! I was asking those same questions a little over two years ago. I want to thank all of those who so patiently answered my questions and thanks to all those who participate in this forum. I would not be where I am today without you.
Replies (20)
alanjlamore on 04/30/2005 14:12:59
Hey, congrats on the promotion!
It's always good to have another gold back!
ttocs on 04/30/2005 18:09:06
I had a similar situation when they fired the only other installer at the first bay I worked at. Then they would get mad at me when I would ask for a day off every two weeks.... I didn't last long there after that.
danielm87 on 05/1/2005 00:15:12
CplKITTLE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!
way to go hot shot!
this site really does have an authentic sense of expert advice and community spirit, and its hard to find that anywhere else, thats what keeps me coming back!
Thanks a bunch for your help when i used to ask mindless questions about Car Audio. I still dont know everything there is to know, but if ever theres a day i come across something of that nature, i know CK will have the answers!
Buickman94 on 05/1/2005 02:11:59
congrats man, best of luck with the promotion
swez on 05/1/2005 12:12:18
Hang in there Kit.... this transition is going to test you in every way possible. Just hoping you can find some good people to fill the gaps and still manage to train them as you learn the new ropes too.
A word of caution.... "do not even try" to do everything yourself until this all comes together. You are the manager now... but the owner(s) have to pitch in too. They have to realize this is now peak season and opportunities can be lost, (big time) without adequate manpower and staffing.
Have been through this sort of dilema before too. The best I can suggest, is to pair down the services and sales functions to do the best you can at generating sales and profits for the owners. If someonelse can do the counter work and sales functions for now, while you concentrate on installs, (or farm some of that out for now) the shop and you may survive the changes well.
If possible, set up interviewing schedules so they do not interfere with your sales and install profits opportunities. Once you find a few key people that fit as a team, figure 60-90 days of hard work, overseeing them until they are up to speed. Most of all, make the owners part of the solution and not more problems for you. They stand to gain/lose the most if they are working with you on this revamp plan.
I wish you the best and have plenty of Tylenol on hand for the headaches you will probably have for a time. (j/k... but not entirely).
Hope this info is useful to you and your owners. Congrats on the promotion and good luck friend.
Swez
PS If we could make arrangements, I would consider coming down there to do your sales and basic install functions for a time. However, the pay scale would have to be adequate to make the trip, food & lodging and some pocket money as well. Yes, I have plenty of sales experience and a moderate degree of install backround. But this may only be a temporary solution to the dilema.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 00:14:47
screw that mang they need them a sales manager! Some one that is organized and patient, good with sales.....
hmmmmmmmm.... who could that be....
swez on 05/2/2005 09:34:34
Cute comment ttocs. Wonder who could help them out?
Have done that (Sales) for over 20 years now. Took my most recent biz base from <$2.0 million/yr to a tad over $5.0 million/yr. It took about 3.5 years to get there, but it remained steady at $5 million for about 8 years.
Also, was part of a major downsizing that left the territory with 2 Sales engineers, 1 Regional Manager and an Administrative assistant. When I started. Some moved on, others were let go and it was just one guy manning the territory. (Swez) Had to do it all... Sales, territory management, forecasts & budgets, trade shows, regional promos, tech support and all the rest. Pretty lean on manpower for over 10 years and a one hat (does all) solution was needed... so I got the hat... re-organized the biz and took it to the streets. That lucky old Fidora... workes every time! hehe (or maybe it was the golf cap???)
Have also been a Product Marketing Manager for a Nationally based Distributor. Oversaw purchasing, sales support, Marketing and inventory management. That was interesting. A real "whorish" market there too. And finally, have about 3 years of Retail Sales experience as well. Other than that, I don't know a darn thing about business management and sales.
Swez
PS CPL, care to have your people contact my people? Let me know.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 14:06:30
ya better call him, sounds like he will not be doing much more then sleepin......
MrBrownstone on 05/2/2005 15:08:53
I don't know who he's considering hiring, but there's a 3 folicle minimum...TTOCS, YOU didn't get the job.
BRRRRRRNN!
Hey mang, I managed a retail and e-tail store for quite some time. I can say that if anyone thinks newbies online are a bunch of fun, try it in store. Retail is more agony than 3 wifes and 4 alimonies.
ttocs on 05/2/2005 18:17:13
I have 3 folicles, be more then happy to show ya...............
I don't think I would like the commute much!
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 18:41:15
send me some info, Swez.. (cplkittle@yahoo.com)
I can't make any promises, but I will talk to the owner. right now I do have a part time greenhorn installer and a somewhat seasoned salesman, but experience far outweighs enthusiasm.
This is something new I am marketing.. was looking for opinions on this one.. anyone??
www.motionlite.com
swez on 05/2/2005 19:15:27
CPL,
Sent you an e-mail and attached a short form resume. Have a look, review with the powers that be and if interested, get back to me via e-mail or phone.
Thanks,
Swez
PS Where is this shop located? (City, State) I live in Detroit, MI area now. Some warm weather sounds like a nice change. :-)
Victor on 05/2/2005 20:20:23
Hey kittle.. that is real cool stuff.. especially for those in the show biz..
cud u do a favour.. cud u please inquire if they want to get a distributor in india..??
I wud be willing to get that stuff here in india as soon as possible..its got great market here especially with those rich young kids..
hoping to hear a positive response from you..
Victor...
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 23:23:08
I will ask, Victor. I am getting it through a local vendor.
Swez, my shop is located in Chattanooga TN. The weather is currently in the mid 60's to low 70's during the day, and summertime hovers in the low 90's. The shop is an old gas station on one of the main drags that runs east to west through the city.
danielm87 on 05/2/2005 23:30:56
How long has the shop been in operation? And whats the name?
I live up in Knoxville, and took a trip down to Chattanoogee to visit relatives this winter, and stopped into a few little shops, i might've stopped in yours......small world.
Man CPL your weather sounds nice... up here in Knox its been cold&raining the past week, finally decided to clear up today, but the flowers are still weary of blooming....i dont know about you guys, but im ready for summer!
cplkittle on 05/2/2005 23:44:14
I am on Hixson Pike about 4 miles west of hwy153. The name of the shop is Audio Visions.
ttocs on 05/3/2005 13:59:41
it gonna be 90 today here........
I think you have the snowbird idea all confused swez..... Supposed to head south fer the winter, not summer.
swez on 05/3/2005 19:24:39
In today's economy, go where the money is.
Also, it's been far less than Spring the past 7 days here. We had snow again yesterday and it dipped to 37 degrees last night. I was working out in my shop last night till 2:00 AM and it go a bit cold... so I had to give it up.
Must say this, I love working late at night. No distractions, everyone is in bed, have time to tinker and think as well. Not a bad deal if I don't make too much noise huh?
Swez
cplkittle on 05/10/2005 03:41:07
Victor..
a little insight on the motionlites.. they doubled their price.
This is a new company with a new idea, and they are making a bad mistake. I would wait for a more reputable company to duplicate this idea and purchase from them ( probably at a much lower cost).
Victor on 05/10/2005 04:42:50
Too bad, But it can be counted a smart move too..
i feel that they will eventually come down with the prices back to normal, they are just trying to make the max out of the monopoly they are enjoying now, as soon as another player comes into the market they will cut down the prices even lower then the new player,
and they can afford selling at extreme low prices because they wud have earned enough margins while they enjoy this period of monopoly.This will help them compete with new players in future.
They are going to gather enuf funds for the drought season.
This kind of a move is usually seen in most monopoly trades.
Victor..
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