CM IT Solutions

I started with what was intended to be a part-time business, helping clients purchase their first computer, setting it up and training them on how to use it. In spring of 2001, I began hiring stay-at-home moms who were knowledgeable in both computers and software to help me with my growing clientele.

This worked well until clients began asking for technical assistance in areas such as computer repairs, virus removals, upgrades and added networks. As my client base grew, I began to realize I needed help in understanding how to run a much larger business than I had originally intended.

I took FastTrac in spring of 2002, which turned out to be the right class at the right time. FastTrac taught me the importance of having a vision and help me to create one as the course of my business began to change. I can now evaluate each opportunity for the long-term impact while at the same time remaining flexible. The information technology field changes very rapidly, and today’s standard can quickly become obsolete as did my original business model.

FastTrac also taught me the value of a business plan, which should be considered a roadmap that continues to guide me towards my vision. It’s not carved in stone; I am repeatedly revising it to reflect the changing environment. It makes me think through my options and base decisions on facts instead of wishful assumptions.

I had not planned on running a business as large as it is today or will be over the next few years. My client base continues to grow, and the insights and skills I learned at FastTrac have helped me thrive in an industry where rapid change is the standard.
The year I took FastTrac, my business grew over 300% from the previous year, and this year should exceed 500% compared to 2002. I’d say that’s a pretty good track record. I would recommend taking FastTrac to anyone wondering how to take the next step for growth.

CM IT Solutions
Shirley Peterson
P.O. Box 185057
Fort Worth, TX 76181
(817) 446-8400
Fax: (817) 446-7751

American Metal Services

The week of September 11, 2001, I started American Metal Services. Attending FastTrac classes in the spring of 2002, my goal was to gain solid understanding of how to grow my business in a market differentiating me from competitors.

Through FastTrac, I recognized the opportunity to capitalize on my strengths, whether personal or company-based. This allowed me to evaluate, establish and develop a professional but personal relationship with my most valued customer, producing trust between both parties. Instead of the customer looking toward other companies for cost- effective pricing, this customer worked with me.

Due to the trust and honesty between both parties, we worked in a “team-like” relationship rather than a vendor/customer relationship. I was able to locate the appropriate resources and negotiate and secure decreased product costs. This allowed me the ability to provide my customer with significant savings resulting in increased company growth, stability and profits for both of us.

After the first year of business (during depressed economical periods) we experienced over 100% growth/profits; between 2003- 04, 60%; and from 2005- present, 33%.

American Metal Services
Marsha Graham
817-413-7446
817-413-0800 Fax
www.amsfw.com

Teresa's Treasures

Readiness for growth requires that I take an objective view of my current operations and recognize any weaknesses that might limit my ability to capitalize on growth opportunities. It means stepping out of my comfort zone of what I really enjoyed doing, which is networking and developing relationships with both clients and community leaders, and taking a holistic approach to understanding how each area of my business works together to achieve the goals I set for profitable growth.

I have analyzed my own strengths and weaknesses and tried to focus on hiring employees whose abilities are complementary and match the needs of my business. FastTrac helped me recognize that no matter how well I performed in one area of my business, another area could be dragging me down and possibly even cancel out any gains.

By focusing on how to align all areas of my business so that each was in sync with the others and my overall objectives, I have become more effective at qualifying opportunities. Some opportunities that look good in the short run may actually cause problems down the road. I have actually declined many offers to franchise or have stores in other cities.

Unless I know I can maintain the high standards customers have come to expect, I don’t want to risk my reputation for excellent quality and customer service through a premature expansion into new markets. Just like all other areas of a business, growth must be managed. I have considerately declined other large projects that would have been busier work rather than profitable opportunities to avoid stressing out employees and using time away from something much more beneficial to achieving my goals.

Since completing FastTrac in spring of 2003, my sales have doubled, but I have also watched my profit margins and bottom line experience healthy growth. Choosing the right opportunities to pursue and managing growth have significantly contributed to the success of my business.

Teresa’s Treasures
Teresa Nelson
Owner/CEO
817-293-6404
www.treasuresbyteresa.com

For more information contact:
Lydia Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272