Unflattering
A new business opened in Muskegon:
Unfortunately the story also has an unflattering photo of the owner. From mlive: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/03/power_sports_dealer_opens_in_m.html#incart_river_index
Perhaps, the owner wasn’t prepared for the photo being taken….no matter what….an engaging photo conveys a good first impression. An inadequate website further complicates this startup.
Coffee from Columbia
Several years ago, a TV commercial featured a character named Juan Valdez (JV). *
Is there a real Juan Valdez?..at least there is in the form of a coffee brand from Columbia. A friend recently visited Columbia and returned with the “real JV” coffee.
This particular coffee bean is grown in the Huila region of Columbia.
“This coffee grows surround by fertile valleys and snow volcanoes recognized by its flavor and aroma.”
Different from my regular Peet’s, Juan Valdez Huila is a very nice coffee from Columbia.
http://juanvaldezcafe.com/en-us/
AtlantaFresh
Most business wants to be successful and grow. Atlanta Fresh was one of them….though in so doing made several mistakes.
From Businessinsider:
www.businessinsider.com/dairy-company-ceo-says-whole-foods-killed-off-his-business-2018-3
“In hindsight, it was a bad decision to have all of our eggs in one basket,” …. He said he also should have made sure his contract with Whole Foods was binding so that the company couldn’t cancel it without a penalty.”
Of course there were logistical/distribution issues as the products had a short shelf life. Businesses are eager to make a sale….and believe they have a strong customer relationship.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Leland International
In the early to mid 20th century, Grand Rapids, MI was the center of furniture manufacturing. Later furniture manufacturing became a major industry in North Carolina along with tobacco and textiles. Of course all that has changed.
In some respects, Grand Rapids and Western Michigan are still a major center of furniture….now commercial and office furniture….Steelcase….Herman Miller….Haworth being the most prominent.
From mlive: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/03/leland_internationals_new_pres.html
However there are smaller companies that fill certain market segments and Leland Furniture is one of them. “Formed in 1992, Leland International began with a clear vision: Design products that look and feel contemporary, while enduring timelessly.”
Good Work
Communities need business like The Man-Mur Shoe Shop. From WRAL: http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/17417359/
Small businesses like Man-Mur are the economic foundation of local economies. If they didn’t do good….they would not have been in business for the past 60+ years.
The key to longevity: “Do the best job you can, than a little more.”
Reasonable Price
It seems that having a collection of watches is like having a collection of ball caps….there is always something new….better….different.
A startup has taken the luxury watch not from high price but….to a more reasonable price.
From BusinessInsider: www.businessinsider.com/affordable-luxury-watchmaker-filippo-loreti-review-2018-3
“Nearly all under $300, these watches are more than worth their price.” And that is what differentiates Filippo-Loreti from the competition.
February 2018
+ Where are they now from Feb 2013 –
+ Here’s my problem: To be a good manager, you must be a good leader. To be a good leader, you must be a good manager. Hence there is … ZERO DIFFERENCE … between the two. (Completely phony distinction.) -Tom Peters
+ Wells Fargo disciplined by the Federal Reserve after fraud scandal. This is a bank that has many questionable business practices.
+ Significant change – LL Bean return policy: http://www.businessinsider.com/ll-bean-kills-lifetime-return-policy-2018-2
+ All successful people, from the local plumber to the 3-star general, understand the power of relationships and networks. -Tom Peters
+ Costco selling automobiles: http://www.businessinsider.com/costco-car-program-has-a-key-perk-2018-2
