Good Morning, our shop has had tremendous growth the last 10 years and it's a challenge for the owners(there's two of us) to keep it going. We have done all the bookwork and both been on the shop floor all the time. Along with that, we have done all the sales. We have two locations that we are considering merging into one. I feel like we could use some good advice to guide us into the next phase. So I have the bright idea for a consultant. Is there anyone that you all know of that can consult job shops on the business side?
I'd like to keep this thread focused on the title if possible and get into what we should do or shouldn't have done in our shop. Thanks fellows!
I am 100% skeptical when it comes to consultants.
A) I have watched one situation from a distance at a customer's facility, and the outcome was insane, and eventually just dropped, but not until after I went $180K into hock for what was to have been a bunch of work coming in, knowing full well at the time that it made no sense.
B) I have always been under the assumption that if these jokers are "all that", then why don't they have their own shingle up?
C) I have always been under the assumption that if you are the Big Cheese at such place that needs to hire someone (who doesn't "know" your business) to show you what you are dooing wrong, then maybe that person should have your job?
As always, whenever this subject comes up, I will state that you are in a place that is full of peers - that actually have their own businesses, and we know your business better than the fella in the yella pages ad. Spend time here, asking and reading.
Also - this was actually the subject of a writ in one of the trade journals in the last cpl months.
I'll see if I can find it...
edit:
I have a feeling that this writ was in CNC West, and their site either is partially down, or it is so data heavy that my connection won't load it. (the archives part)
I should have the last cpl mags at the house, and if I think of it, I will search the hard copies tonight.
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