Sexual harassment in the workplace is a topic every business owner should be prepared to address. In the shed and metal building industry, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong relationships, and a “get it done” mentality. It’s a hands-on business whether you’re on a lot, in the office, at[Read More…]
V12I3
Sage Shed Business Advice
Running a successful shed business comes with plenty of life lessons learned the hard way. Mistakes are a fact of life, and that’s never truer than in the world of business. For a variety of reasons, about half of new businesses are likely to fail in their first year, according[Read More…]
Avoiding Communication Breakdown
Shed businesses involve many moving parts and having a proper customer relationship management (CRM) system can be the key to avoiding breakdowns. Vendors, builders, dealers, haulers, and customers must be able to communicate clearly to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. Vernon Ulrich, sales manager of Golden State Buildings near Fresno,[Read More…]
Managing Finances for a Shed Business
With any shed business model comes fiscal responsibilities and other economic factors. Whether shed professionals need to increase profit margins, improve cash flow, inspect financial statements, or completely restructure, there are many resources available for those who need them. What follows are some ways builders and dealers in the field[Read More…]
Building the Shed Industry on a Smaller Scale: Wooden Shed Toys
I started making wooden shed toys two years ago when business was slow at the Main Outdoor Living store in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. I’ve always enjoyed working with wood. My uncle Joel Zook made Conestoga wagons to scale, and I was always fascinated by what he made. I have made[Read More…]
Sauna Construction: A Look into the Building Process
Sauna construction requires careful attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. At Smart-Sauna, we specialize in building saunas designed to promote muscle relaxation, relieve stress, improve cardiovascular health, and support overall wellness. Smart-Sauna takes its name from our original company and brand, Smart-Shed. A Look Inside the Sauna Construction Process Our[Read More…]
Shed Delivery: Why Customer Experience Matters
In the shed industry, the shed delivery process is one of the most crucial aspects of the customer journey. We spend a great deal of time refining the early stages of the customer journey—marketing, sales conversations, design tools, and pricing strategies. These moments matter. They shape expectations and build anticipation.[Read More…]
When the Dog Runs the House
The day we picked up our golden retriever, I knew we were in trouble. She stepped out of the car, and I looked at the breeder and said, “Are you sure she’s 10 weeks old?” Because what just climbed into my arms looked less like a puppy and more like[Read More…]
Adaptive, Driven, Hyper-Detective: ADHD in Sales
Welcome back to another column from the Shed Geek. Today, I want to talk about something that has been incredibly relevant in my own journey: ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in sales and entrepreneurship. But before we get there, let me do what many of us do best—start one thought, chase three[Read More…]
Better Financial Decision Making: When Your Numbers Tell the Truth
The call comes on a Tuesday morning. You’re staring at last month’s materials cost report, and something doesn’t add up. Raw materials inventory is showing a $150,000 increase over last year, and nobody can explain it. Is it a system glitch? A data entry error? Did someone make a massive[Read More…]