The Hunt

So, I decided to take the plunge to look for a business to purchase. I was looking for an existing business that had a strong core of customer service and product/service quality. With some background in lean manufacturing and product development, I thought I could add value to a business that was on "auto pilot."

I looked at a lot of sketchy businesses. Just like buying a house, you have to balance the asking price of a business with the value and future prospects. Instead of concentrating on the quality of local schools, neighborhood safety, and the kitchen, I spent a lot of time looking at product line depth, workforce, competition, and that intangible "gut feel."

Dealing with business brokers was an educational experience. I found out that, like most things in life, there are good ones and bad. The bad ones will tout a "piece of crap" as the best thing since Dean Kamen and the personal transporter that would save the world. The good ones end up matching qualified buyers with quality companies priced at reasonable levels.

After looking at over 15 companies, I hadn't found the right one. Then, I went to play poker and everything changed. Stay tuned for what happened next...

After my first post, I got a call from Paul Bieber. He is another blogger for USGlass. He shared many good insights with me about blogging, the industry and how the two can mix with family and personal observations.

So, on a personal note, I am very luck to a fantastic wife. Jean and I have been married for almost 18 years. Jean has always trusted me in my career moves and risks. She rides the highs and lows with me. I have never been one of those macho guys who feel like they have to be the king of the house. Jean is definitly the boss of the house. We have four great kids - Matthew 14, David 12, Katie 9, and Michael 6. She manages our "happy chaos".

Thanks Paul for encouraging me to share a little about myself and my family.

Now What? A Residential Guy Goes Commercial

Hi there. I’m the new guy to the USGlass blog lineup. So, what makes me worthy of reading? Well, here is the “back story” on why I’m posting.

Over the last eight years, I was with GED Integrated Solutions (formerly Glass Equipment Development). They manufacture machinery for the door and window business. As the head of marketing and information technology, I learned a lot about the construction business and what customers wanted and needed. I enjoyed my time at GED and in the residential world. I met a lot of great folks and think we did some good things. I am sure many of you have their equipment.

So, why did I leave? Like many of you, I did pretty well working for a series of companies in several industries. I have been able to support my family and have some fun along the way, but (here comes the “BIG BUT”) I have always wanted to run my own business. I had many of the known American entrepreneurial traits – desire to build something, impatience with corporate cultures and customer-driven thoughts.

For a long time, I had tried to think of the “next big thing” that would propel me into a start up venture. I thought the path for me was to become the next Bill Gates, Thomas Edison or at least Richard James or Stan Honey.

About a year ago, finally came to the realization that I was not an inventor, but better suited to growing an existing business with new products, new markets and improved operations. So, I started to hunt for a business where I could use my background and door and window experience.

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