Bringing Swan Tile to the Next Level

By: Edward Bartlett and Dean Swan Jr.

Table of Contents

1. Background

2. Current Issues

1. Dearth of Epoxy Jobs

2. Lack of Computer integration

3. Inefficient Accounting and Budgeting

4. Insufficient Labor

3. Recommendations

1. Network more aggressively in Epoxy Markets

2. Integrate computer systems into daily business processes

3. Create structured managerial accounting procedures

4. Attract and retain skilled laborers and mason

4. Questions

Background• In 28 years, Swan Tile has grown from a few thousand dollar company to a

respected operation grossing over $1 Million

• Much of the success can be attributed to the founder’s vision and drive

• Currently the company is in a transition phase

• With this there are “growing pains”

• Plagued by several issues, Swan Tile is holding itself back from growing and becoming one of the largest flooring companies in the Northeast

Current Issues

Epoxy Jobs• In 2006, Swan Tile became nationally certified to install General Polymers

Epoxy

• Since then, Swan Tile has invested close to half a million dollars in equipment

• This, coupled with the experience Swan Tile has, the company should be doing ten times as many jobs

• These jobs should also be the most lucrative contracts in the area

Lack of Computer Integration

• Swan Tile’s grand technological breakthrough occurred in the late 2000s when the company purchased a computer and website

• The main uses for this CPU are eMail and Pandora Radio

• The capabilities for computer integration in the construction industry are mind-blowing

• For both Networking and increasing efficiency

• Without integrating computers into the business, Swan Tile is falling behind competitors and losing possible Market Share

Inefficient Accounting and Budgeting

• Currently, Swan Tile does not know how much it officially profits until tax season

No budgets, balance sheets, running totals, cash flow statements done in-house throughout the year

• Without adequate accounting procedures, the company can overspend and rapidly go over budget without realizing it soon enough

• Could lead to net losses throughout year and even bankruptcy

Insufficient Labor

• The single largest obstacle Swan Tile faces is its insufficient Labor force

• Along with being far too small, many of the part-time laborers and masons lack the motivation and drive that is required

• With the current size, the Swan Tile team is forced to work 60+ hours in order to fulfill the quality and timeliness the company is known for

• In order to expand, it is paramount that Swan Tile builds a large crew of driven and dedicated Masons and Laborers

Recommendations

Epoxy Campaign 2016-2017

• A reinstitution of the Epoxy Campaign of 2015

• Begin with nurturing and improving current Epoxy client connections

• Encourage more Epoxy projects and get documented recommendations

• Work to Actively expand epoxy network

• Modify old campaign letter and send out to all GCs, Developers, Maintenance Companies, etc.

• Meet in person with interested parties and work to build and keep relationships

Integrate Computer in Business

• The 21st century offers innumerable uses of computers in business

• Their use reduces costs, increases efficiency, and gives a competitive edge

• Utilize (and Re-Purchase) the website

• The website is one of the best tools to reach new clients

• Hire a new professional design company to fix and maintain the website and email domain

• Create a LinkedIn for Swan Tile

• LinkedIn is used by hundreds of millions of professionals

• Helps build new connections and create a large network

• Can also be used to find new employees

Create In-House Accounting Processes• Integrate the use of Accounting Spreadsheets in daily Business

• Project Budget

• Profit Tracker

• Balance Sheet

• Cash Flow Statement

• Their usage will allow Swan Tile management to make fully informed decisions

• Will also help the company increase efficiency and decrease costs• This means an increase in PROFIT

Project Budget

Profit Tracker

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Create Externship Program• Externship programs are unpaid opportunities for college students to gain

real-world experience while at school

• In return they gain resume prowess and college credits

• Partner with one of the major Universities in the area (RIT, U of R, Fisher)

• Create a “Corporate Accounting/Finance/Management Externship”

• These “employees” would do office work and help keep your new accounting practices up-to-date

• Can help manage LinkedIn and work on Networking Campaign

Build Labor Connections

• Contact and Build relationships with local trade schools and colleges

• Work closely with Masonry programs and get students interested in Swan TIle

• Work like a college recruiter

• Brochures, info sessions, etc.

• Emphasize the benefits and great environment involved with Swan Tile

• These employees will be career masons, interested in the work, and dedicated/proud of their trade

• They will need more compensation than the average part-time worker, but these employees will be vital to the growth of Swan Tile

Next Steps1. Reinstitute Epoxy Marketing Campaign by September 1, 2016.2. Repurchase swantileofrochester.com domain name and create a corporate LinkedIn by

September 1, 2016.3. Begin using Excel Budgets and profit trackers by September 1, 2016 and Excel Balance Sheet

and Cash Flows Statement by October 1, 2016.4. Contact major universities and organize corporate accounting externship program by October

15, 2016.5. Contact and build relationships with Alfred State, Bocces, MCC, and technical schools to gain a

dedicated workforce by October 15, 2016.

Thank you for your timeAny Questions?

Using Old World Craftsmanship to make the Impossible, Possible.