Whether you are in a start-up phase, or are an established floral processor, John Vandergrift can save you money. His years of experience as a high volume floral processor offers a knowledgeable and independent review on:
- a client specified project related to the floral industry
or
- an assessment of your present operation in regards to any or all of the following :
* product flow and internal transportation system
* post-harvest care and handling in a commercial setting
* labor productivity and related management practices
* inventory control and buying practices
* refrigeration standards
The first step is to develop a baseline to determine what is actually occurring in the above areas. This can be accomplished by an on site visit , observing and recording present procedures, asking questions of the people involved, and using various instruments to get accurate measurements. (i.e. cooler performance)
The results of the initial assessment is then measured against my past experience as a high volume fresh floral processor and the developments which have occurred in the past years. The guidelines that will be used are the following; minimum costs, maximum return, maximum productivity. The result will be an assessment which will show the following:
* identify areas were present procedures meet or exceed industry norms
* identify areas were improvement is warranted
* provide prioritized solutions to the identified weak areas and rate these solutions as to cost benefit and the rate of return to be expected should any investment be required. Implications of changes to related areas will also be noted.
* provide a timetable and suggestions as to how and when the changes should be initiated, and provide an insight as to how to minimize the effect of the changes on the employees involved.
All of the above work will be presented in a written report. Assistance can be provided in regard to implementation as well.
FEE
The fee charged for this service can be either on a per diem basis or retainer basis for a specified time. An estimate of the time required will be made before proceeding with any work. It should be noted that half of the fee can be used as a credit towards a major purchase from Posie Packer Corp. However unless a major purchase can conclusively show a rate of return in excess of 50%, no specific major purchase will be recommended. All information gathered will remain the property of the client and strict confidentiality will be maintained.
C.V. of
JOHN C. VANDERGRIFT
CITIZENSHIP:
Canadian, Dutch
LANGUAGES:
English, Dutch
EDUCATION:
M.B.A. McMaster University, 1973
Hamilton, Canada
Marketing, Business Policy
B.A.(Honours) University of Guelph 1970
Guelph,Canada
Politics and Public Administration
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE:
John Vandergrift has been involved for the past twenty-six years
in the development of successful small businesses. This has
involved finding and exploiting niches in established markets,
developing products and processes to strengthen the market
position of the company, and constantly looking for new ways to
increase sales and profitability. This has involved an exposure
to all aspects of starting and maintaining a small business; from
financial planning, to dealing with government programs designed
for small businesses, and to the realization that maintaining an
ongoing research and development function is extremely important
to sustain a competitive edge in the market place. A realization
was also developed that the success of a business is dependent on
how well it reacts to a changing environment, and that to remain
successful it must be susceptible and adaptable to change.
AREAS OF EFFECTIVENESS:
Marketing and Trade
New Product Development
Research and Development
- post harvest storage techniques for cut flowers
- floral processing machinery
Financial Planning
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
President Posie Packer Inc. 1984 to Present
(Floral processing consulting and machinery sales)
President Vandergrift Wholesale Florist 1972-84
President Petals and Plants Ltd. 1974-84
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS:
Wholesale Florists & Florist Suppliers of America Inc.
Society of American Florists
Flowers Canada
EXPERIENCE:
Small Business Development
Vandergrift Wholesale Florist: This company was set up to market fresh floral products to North American supermarkets. The peculiar nature of this growing market segment has involved developing unique machinery for high speed, large volume processing of fresh cut flowers, international travel to find and develop sources of quality cut flowers and the development of floral programs for various supermarkets. During this time the company's sale increased from $35,000 per year to well over 1.8 million.
Petals and Plants: A retail florist operation established in Guelph in 1974. An insight into what was required in running a successful retail operation and in dealing with consumers.