Rodent Regatta

Last week I visited a business that is over 100 years old. It’s currently being run by the first member of the fifth generation of the same family. The last member of the fourth generation was on hand – as he is every day – to make certain that thing happen as they always have.

My visit was to discuss the company’s needs. We do some rather broad consulting work spanning strategy, technology and operational improvements. To the question, ”what are the toughest issues you face today,” we received a one-word answer. The word was ”insurance.” When we started to ask, ”what kind of…,” we were cut off in mid-question. ”All kinds,” was the reply.

Clearly, at the moment I was meeting with him, this guy was convinced that he had no other business problems other than ”insurance.” Nevermind that he had no record keeping for his inventory. Nevermind that he has a 63-year old woman who has been working in the business for over 40 years who handwrites every sales ticket and invoice. Nevermind that he’s facing all forms of insurance premium increases due to poor recordkeeping in the areas of human resources, inventory control and property improvements.

Sitting behind the desk of the 63-year old were twin safes of probably 1940 or 1950 vintage. He clearly had more invested in today’s dollars in those two safes that he had invested in all of the technology that the company owned (2 personal computers). With any mention of technology he objected by indicating that no software, no operating improvements and no inventory control could give them enough benefit to justify the cost.

”What if we could put inventory management methods and technology in place that reduced inventory by enough to pay for the technology, our fees and the higher insurance premiums you’re expecting?” I asked. ”You can’t,” came the reply, ”I don’t know how much inventory I have, but I’m certain it isn’t enough.”

I was once told you can’t argue with success. I didn’t try, even though I wasn’t sure I would have been arguing with success!