Cline Church Nursery
Northwestern NC is home to Christmas tree farms….in Ashe County….Cline Church Nursery.
“In 1977 Cline Church Nursery was formed and the first trees were harvested in 1981…..now a 500 acre tree farm with Fraser Fir Christmas trees and Nursery Stock in various stages of growth.“
Christmas tree farms and farms in general require sound business skills just like any other business. Businesses that have succeeding generations have a strong foundation for long term success.
166 Years!
“Klein is the only major tool manufacturer worldwide focused on electrical and utility applications. No other manufacturer of hand tools and related products used in electrical applications makes more items in America than Klein Tools.”
“Klein Tools is still owned and managed by the Klein family. Direct descendants of Mathias Klein are actively engaged in every aspect of the business. Its products are still sold through distributors who serve the professional tradesman.“
Klein Tools is located in Lincolnshire, Illinois and has several U.S. manufacturing plants….a major one in Mansfield, TX. “With the addition of its massive heat-treating facility in Texas, Klein Tools has become nearly completely vertically integrated and is able to control every step of the tool-making process.”
Impressive that Klein Tools has been in existence for over 166 years.
2 Seconds Rule
From Inc.com: https://www.inc.com/steve-strauss/the-2-second-malcolm-gladwell-trick-that-can-rock-your-business-world.html
“Malcolm Gladwell is a New York Times best-selling author and a keen observer of modern life. Many of his books and insights have become cultural touchstones, for instance, something reaching a “tipping point.”
It was always a major effort to create a “good” first impression to our customers….from having a clean and plowed parking lot….a sparkling front door….. and freshly vacuumed carpet. The first few seconds gave the customer the confidence to consider us for their home furnishings needs. The next step was how we interacted with them personally and interactively. It was a process to reach the final sale.
“You have two seconds to make a great first impression. Quick! What are people going to conclude about you and your business in that time?“
Since 1931
Many cities have local mattress manufactures that have stood the test of time…..Dilworth mattress factory in Charlotte, NC is one of them.
After 82 (Dilworth) years…..this business model still works. There is something to be said for having this type of product to be made locally.….and compete against the national manufacturers such as Sealy, Simmons and Serta.
While our primary brand was Restonic….we also had a regional brand (Richards) which allowed us to offer a wide range of bedding quality and price.
https://dilworthmattressfactory.com/
https://mattressunderground.com/the-industry/manufacturers/local
Note: The local manufacture in Muskegon has been in business since 1946.
Tiroler
A futuristic ruler: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/raven-2020/a-exquisite-titanium-curve-measuring-ring-on-the-fingertips?ref=6u4q9u&spm=..index.image_with_text_1.1
“The Tiroler – a stunning titanium curve measuring ring that slips onto your fingertip. With its mesmerizing sci-fi-inspired circular design, this cutting-edge tool is poised to redefine the way you measure curved, irregular shapes, and extended lengths.”
Even more interesting is the almost $200,000 pledged in a fundraising campaign….plus it’s made of titanium *….a highly valued metal.
* Titanium alloys are mainly used in aircraft, spacecraft and missiles because of their low density and ability to withstand extremes of temperature.
Breakdown
J-M, Inc. Fort Recovery, Ohio is the manufacturer of grain carts. Grain carts are a key component of grain harvesting. The carts allow combines to be most efficient by transferring grain from the combine to semi trucks that can than carry the grain to storage and processing plants.
A farmer in Minnesota experienced a breakdown in the cart as a 1″ X 6″ bolt had come loose in the auger section of the cart.
Farmers are adept at fixing breakdowns….however this bolt was in such a confined area that despite several hours of trying….they were unable to gain access to replace the bolt.
What makes this story interesting is: the farmer has a successful “You Tube” channel (over 1M subscribers) and has been well satisfied with the grain cart….and J-M, Inc was willing to make the 700+ mile long trip to repair the cart on site.
Technology
“Founded in 2017, BeeHero – with 65 employees — uses artificial intelligence, and machine-learning algorithms with low-cost sensors to collect in-hive data used to stimulate pollination. This enables farmers to protect beehives and boost crop production.” (Revenue ~ $10M).
“BeeHero is now the largest pollination provider in the world, with more than 100K acres under management, and this 300% YoY growth has now secured fresh funding from Convent Capital, General Mills, and others.”
Bee pollination is critical for the food supply….this is an innovative solution using technology to address this issue.
November 2023
+ Where are they now from November 2018:
+ Where are they now from November 2013:
+ Rebuilding: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/30/ample-hills-couple-lost-40m-ice-cream-company-how-theyre-rebuilding.html
+ 3 Business Lessons: https://www.inc.com/peter-cohan/after-costs-eras-could-net-taylor-swift-6-billion.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=incmagazine%2fmagazine%2fmarketing
+ Seth Godin: Your (current) customers need to bring you your (new) customers.
+ Competency may get you in the room, but character keeps you in the room. -Carey Nieuwhuff
+ Blackberry rescued: https://www.inc.com/ranjay-gulati/how-john-chen-rescued-blackberry.html
+ Intelligence: https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/taylor-swift-just-did-something-incredibly-simple-yet-its-a-powerful-example-of-emotional-intelligence.html
TrueNorth 