THE PROBLEM
While Dale Wilson was still in college, he worked in his friend’s tiny print shop in Santa Barbara with the funny name: Kinko’s.
Wilson soon became manager
of Paul Orfalea’s first store, and began learning the trade. After graduation, he decided to open his own print shop and called it The Alternative, as it was the only other quick print shop in town.
The firm prospered but, despite its growth, Wilson had a problem. The company offered both copying and 2-color printing, but was constantly being undercut in price by Kinko's. Worse, walk-in traffic took up an inordinate amount of his employees’ time for their onesy-twosy copy requirements.
Dale Wilson needed to redefine his business.
THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company recommended Wilson sell the smaller copy machines used by walk-in customers, and begin focusing solely on commercial business, outpacing Kinko's in that market.
To emphasize this change in focus, The Grede Company branded a new name:
Wilson Printing.
THE RESULT
The company has grown to become the 81st largest quick print shop in the U.S. (according to Quick Print magazine.)
THE PROBLEM
CPI is an audio video and film production studio that prides itself on having the latest and greatest digital production equipment, as well as creative personnel trained in its operation.
After a decade in business, owner, Jim Kagan, worried that the firm had grown stale. He needed to find out exactly what ad agencies and creative types around town thought of his studio.
THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company conducted comprehensive market research over a period of three months. It revealed that CPI’s customers wanted longer hours and lower prices.
Based on this input, the studio decided to offer evening hours at reduced rates. This change not only better utilized their capital equipment, it better served their customers' needs.
THE RESULT
Revenue jumped 28% and
profits tripled.
Address. 8330 S Tuckaway Shores Dr
Franklin Wisconsin 53132
THE PROBLEM
Briess Malt & Ingredients Company supplies malt to a majority of the breweries in the U.S., as well as a dozen foreign countries.
Focused primarily on niche markets, Briess has over 80 percent penetration among specialty breweries and beer pubs.
With beer sales in the U.S. relatively flat, the company sought opportunities for growth and called upon The Grede Company to help investigate new market opportunities.
THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company developed a program to launch four new products in the home brewing industry, including an award-winning point-of-purchase campaign.
THE RESULT
Briess carved out a 15% market share within just 18 months. The company is now a leader in the sales of malt to home brewers.
Tel. 414.235.4600
Email. rg@TheGredeCompany.com
THE PROBLEM
JONCO Industries is a fulfillment company in slow-growth industries with few opportunities to attract new business. Moreover, its infrastructure was not prepared to accomodate substantial growth.
THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan that included a new ERP system, employee training, and shop floor layout revisions along with an Integrated Marketing Communications Plan.
The program was launched with a new Website that includes channel options and ongoing customer retention management.
THE RESULT
JONCO has enjoyed substantial growth, nearly tripling sales 2003 to 2012 despite the Great Recession.
Social media are necessary for your success because the marketplace is crowded. Consumers rely on filtering mechanisms to navigate and inform their choices.
Social media offers a world of friend-to-friend discovery that is worth more than any prmotion campaign. It is a platform where people converse, share information, refer others, and research their next purchase.
YOU need to be there.
- Robert Grede
Speech delivered to Wisconsin Business Owners
July 27, 2012
Address. 8330 S Tuckaway Shores Dr
Franklin, Wisconsin 53132
Tel. 414-235-4600
Email. rg@TheGredeCompany.com
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