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…]
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Sage Shed Business Advice
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 to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But how can a new entrepreneur be aware[Read More…]
Avoiding Communication Breakdown
Shed businesses involve many moving parts. 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, California, says he and others in his firm experienced a lot of frustration keeping (client communications)[Read More…]
Managing Shed Business Money
With any 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 can[Read More…]
Building on a Smaller Scale
I started making 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 toys such as[Read More…]
The Intimate Process of Sauna Building
We build outdoor, backyard saunas. They’re used to promote muscle relaxation, relieve stress, improve cardiovascular health, and overall wellness. We’re called Smart-Sauna, named after our original company brand and name, Smart-Shed. Our 8 by 12 Moderni model is our most popular sauna size. It features a mono-slope roof with a[Read More…]
From Promise to Reality
In the shed industry, 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. But there’s a critical point in the process that often receives far less strategic attention[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
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). But before we get there, let me do what many of us do best—start one thought, chase three others, circle back halfway,[Read More…]
When Your Numbers Finally 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…]
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