Why I love consulting with small businesses with big ideas!

I recently traveled to Nebraska to meet with a new client in the soccer industry. Walking into the meeting, I was ready to leverage my many years invested in helping to build one of the largest soccer brands in North America; and draw upon my most recent experience of planning, establishing, staffing, and?launching the North American business headquarters for Gymshark in Denver. Almost immediately, I was rewarded with that familiar spark of excitement that comes when working on grass-roots projects that have so much potential for growth.

From my first discussions with Graeme Eaglesham , Erica Nadeau Darren Callaghan - the dynamic owners of Future Kids- I could see that they have a wonderful business with a clear sense of purpose. This not-for-profit organization provides healthy lifestyle choices for elementary and middle school age kids through the introduction of soccer & fitness. Their core mission is to empower youth and help shape a better future for themselves. Graeme. Erica, and Darren have worked tirelessly to secure grants and funding; thus, enabling Future Kids to offer FREE character and skill building sports camps and after school programs throughout the state of Nebraska.?

Future Kids programs are doing so much good for children in the underserved urban and rural communities in Nebraska. And there is incredible potential for growth and expansion.

The process of analyzing their business really brought home the beauty of consulting to me. It allows me to call upon my own past adventures, mistakes, failed ideas, wild hair projects, successes, growth strategies, diversifications, winning partnerships, and experiences in building a positive and inclusive company culture.

While the businesses and industries may vary for which I’m consulting, there are some consistent areas of focus:

• Analyze P & L, suggest adjustments, and help put those adjustments in place
• Identify obstacles that are preventing growth or efficiency
• Determine what changes need to be made to core business principles
• Bring an out-of-the-box mentality to problem solving
• Assist in business planning and unlock new opportunities
• Evaluate and explore marketing mix, digital channels, and social media
• Assess staffing, compensation, benefits, and company culture
• Implement new programs and develop new product ideas
• Analyze supply chain and identify new providers
• Explore partners, collaborators and 3rd parties who could help accelerate growth

After initally helping Graeme, Erica and Darren assess their current business model and explore areas where they could improve operations and efficiency, I will now be working with them to implement change; identify new opportunities for core growth; expand and diversify their services; connect them with prospective business partners; and help them navigate the forthcoming common challenges that all growing businesses face.?

I find it invigorating to be back in the trenches, working on the granular details of a growing business. It reminds me of the early days of boot-strapping Challenger Sports. We went from a small operation with big ideas and limited funding to an international industry leader. This took an incredible amount of passion, resilience, perseverance, courage, determination, and competitiveness. This is what I love to see in Future Kids and the other up and coming businesses with which I am now working.

Future Kids is currently the largest after school sports program provider in the state, serving over 1,000 children each week! Keep an eye on this company - more great things to come!

To learn more about Peter Arch Consulting LLC - [email protected]?

To learn more about Future Kids please contact [email protected]