Networking! It's the buzz word of the decade. Individuals are networking to find new customers, jobs, suppliers and homes. A couple of years ago "The Power of Attraction" movement was big. Put yourself out there and the power of attraction will help you connect to the right people. It's all a form of networking. Does it work, or is it pure luck that you find the right connection?
Our entrepreneur of the month was in a career transition for over a year and was out there exploring his options. He mentioned to me that it was "pure luck" that we connected. I say he networked his way to the business of his dreams.
Congratulations Mike, and welcome to the world of Entrepreneurship!
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Mike Lang
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Mike came to me as a client in a round-about way. He had initially looked at a restoration franchise on his own but determined it was out of his investment range. That franchisor referred Mike to a colleague of mine in Massachusetts and they had an introductory conversation. Mike enjoyed personal relationships and expressed a desire to deal with someone face-to-face. And that's how I got the referral of Mike Lang.
Mike, his wife Sue and I met in person and discussed his current career situation. He had last been employed by Harley Davidson as manager of transportation, logistics and contract services for their parts and accessories division. He had been downsized during the recent economic turn down. He had been out of work for over a year. Mike had an associate degree in marketing and had a variety of warehouse supervisor experience around the greater Milwaukee area. Although he had a lot of experience and a great track record in his field, he was being screened out for most of the jobs for which he had applied because he didn't have a college degree. This was his third downsizing over the past years and he knew he needed to take control of his career and destiny. He was ready to be a business owner. Our mission was to determine what that business would look like to in order to be a good fit for him.
Mike is a friendly, outgoing guy, very detailed and analytical. He views himself as a creative problem solver. He likes challenges, learning new things, solving problems and mentoring. He admits that he was not a good corporate game player and likes his independence.
We started our journey of discovery together doing our customary interviews, completing a behavioral profile and determining his criteria preference list for his hypothetical business. Initially we zeroed in on several different business models such as a drug testing business, a nanny and tutoring business, transportation cost reduction business and a specialty packaging store. We also took into consideration that Mike's wife Sue and perhaps his kids might be involved in the business some day.
Mike started his due diligence and validation of these business models. He learned how these various business models functioned and what he would be doing as an owner. We compared what he learned to his goals and needs and the life he desired as a business owner. In the end, Mike gravitated to a franchise called Handle with Care - The Packaging Store. They package and ship specialized freight for businesses and consumers.
Handle with Care - The Packaging Store is owned by Annex Brands which is also the parent company of the Postal Annex, a pack and ship store. The difference between the two is that Handle with Care Packaging Store is a warehouse facility that does custom packaging and crating that the normal retail UPS type store can't handle. They specialize in F.L.A.V. -fragile, large, awkward and valuable objects, i.e. high value artwork shipping, auction house shipping, custom packaging, crating, equipment shipping, warehouse fulfillment shipping, on-site packaging, trade show shipping and personalize shipping and supplies.
With Mike's logistic and transportation background this was a great fit. Mike thanked the other franchises for their time and decided to concentrate on trying to make this opportunity work for him.
Like many of my clients, Mike had some financial challenges we needed to work through. With Mike's determination and persistence he was able to persevere. He got a good deal on warehouse space through a family friend and decided to rollover his retirement funds through a special program to get his business started. He had plans to look for a second shift job to bring in some income during his initial ramp-up period. This would allow him time to market his business and develop a customer base during normal daytime working hours until the business needed him full time. I loved that attitude of Mike's -- "Do whatever it takes to be successful."
Here's what Mike had to say about his discovery journey: "After being in the corporate world of transportation and logistics for twenty plus years, I experienced another downsizing (second time) that put me back in the job seeker market. During the interviewing process, something occurred to my wife and I - we really didn't want to go through this anymore.
Marty helped us out by not only being a knowledgeable filter to narrow down the choices and great sounding board, he was also able to align our skill sets and personalities with the different franchise models in a no pressure environment. In less than three months we were able to find a match that was made in heaven - Handle With Care - The Packaging Store."
Mike's been in business for about a year. He's enjoying his new business and corporate America is just a distant memory. I asked Mike to describe for my readers what he does and how things are going. In his own words, "We pick up, pack and ship just about anything - but our niche is handling the F.L.A.V.- (fragile, large, awkward or valuable) objects. From family heirlooms, priceless antiques, museum art work, electronics and appliances... whether it's small or large, light or heavy, our packaging experts can get it there with care. What we really enjoy is that we get to go out, see and meet the most interesting people and unique things. We have shipped a recording studio sound board to Hong Kong, cosmetic lasers to Dubai, circa 1800's antique teller cages to Utah and even a seven foot replica of the U.S.S. Constitution to California. The list goes on, but the people we run into and the stories they tell are what really makes the effort worthwhile."
And lastly, here's my favorite quote from Mike; "If it wasn't the sheer luck of running into Marty through a business referral - this may have never happened."
If you, a friend, relative or boss needs something "fragile, large, awkward or valuable" shipped to anywhere in the world and you live in the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, be sure to give Mike a call. Mike and his team will create a custom package to ship your item safely and efficiently. That's why his business is called Handle With Care - The Packaging Store. "Get it there with care."
Mike's business is located at N77W31144 Hartman Ct. Ste. B, Hartland. WI 53029, Phone 262-966-7217, FAX 262-966-74248: www.packwi.com .
Mike mentioned that it was "sheer luck" that we connected and together found the business that would be his new career direction. I think it was his hard work and determination. It's that same hard work and determination that will make Mike successful in his new business.
You don't have to rely on luck, fate or the aligning of the stars. I am just a phone call away and would be most happy to talk to you, help you determine your goals and needs and guide you through a journey of discovery that hopefully will uncover the business of your dreams.
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