Competency Areas

Manufacturer of Vinyl and Wood Products for the Construction Industry

Based in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, manufactures and sells products for the construction industry in both the residential and commercial sectors. Employing approximately 70 employees the Company works primarily with the building trades and architects.

The Company has grown rapidly during strong and weak economies. Faced with numerous challenges during the growth phase, the company engaged AMS to assist it to restructure its business processes in order to help it achieve continued profitable growth.

AMS undertook a multi-phased project including (but not limited to):

• Strengthening the income statement and balance sheet with a major focus on operational productivity, quality management systems, and organizational structure
• Development of productivity and management scorecards and dashboards
• Streamlining of business processes
• Implementation of production planning and control systems
• Implementation of a human resources performance management system
• Implementation of an employee involvement program and problem solving training
• Acting as a sounding board to the senior management team
• Development and execution of a strategic plan

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Designer and Distributor of Standup Paddle Boards

Based in Los Angeles, California, the client designs and distributes standup paddleboards and related accessories to dealers, big box retailers, distributors, and sports shops in North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

AMS guided the owners from start-up to current state. Intense competition from large and small industry players made it necessary that the company raise sufficient funds to ensure adequate capitalization and develop a unique competitive advantage so it can compete effectively.

AMS helped the company raise the necessary funds through private investors and traditional financial institutions, structure the company with the required human resources, and implement the necessary strategic initiatives and management tools to ensure success.

An example of the services AMS provided includes (but not limited to):

• Write and present a business plan to private investors
• Develop and implement a strategic plan
• Develop and implement a marketing and sales plan
• Negotiate a deal to insure (factor) receivables
• Develop a model to cost product and determine MSRP
• Strengthen the balance sheet by better managing inventory, payables, and receivables
• Negotiate two licensee agreements
• Draft manufacturers and sales reps/agents agreements as well as distribution agreements
• Work with the company’s legal counsel to draft SH agreements and staff employment contracts
  

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Art Distribution Company

Based in Los Angeles, California, the client imports and distributes oil paintings, prints, frames, and mirrors through a number of channels including framing shops, furniture retailers, and art galleries on the US west coast.

Faced with rapid growth, inefficient marketing and sales systems, as well as dated distribution systems, AMS facilitated the development of a profitable growth strategy focused on sales growth, cost control, streamlined operations, and bottom line improvements.

The services provided by AMS consultants included (but not limited to):

• Key business processes reengineering
• Development and implementation of a continuous improvement program (TQM)
• Facilitation and implementation of a strategic plan
• Development and implementation of a costing system
• Redesign of the inventory management systems and elimination of non-productive lines of products
• Development and implementation of a compensation program for the sales force
• Income statement and balance sheet redesign
• Conducted market research and best practice benchmarking
• Presentation to key lenders to secure new lines of credit
• Implementation of a LEAN program for warehouse and distribution operations

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Manufacturer of Vinyl Doors and Windows

Based in the lower Mainland, this company is a leader in the design and manufacture of vinyl doors and windows for new construction and home renovations. The company employs nearly 100 people including sales, administration, plant, and management. The company works closely with architects and homeowners.

Having been successful for many years, a new reality required that they realign their strategic initiatives to address competitive challenges from existing and new competitors. AMS was asked to assist and help steer the company through this new journey.

The services provided by AMS consultants included (but not limited to):

• Design and implementation of a LEAN program for the plant
• Design and implementation of a Total Quality Management system for the entire company to conform to ISO standards
• Reengineering the work order and quotation processes
• Development of company policies and procedures
• Internal employee satisfaction surveys
• external customer satisfaction surveys
• Development and implementation of production planning and control systems

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Financial Services Institution

This new start-up offers micro loans (<$25,000) to entrepreneurial companies that find it difficult to secure conventional financing. Faced with high delinquency rates, cumbersome regulations, and a difficult economy, the company engaged AMS to help it develop a roadmap for growth and sustainability.

The services provided by AMS consultants included (but not limited to):

• Development of a new strategic plan
• Redesign of the organizational structure and development of new job descriptions
• Development of scorecards to track organizational performance
• Development of a new base and incentive compensation for sales, management, and shareholders
• Facilitated the development a shareholder agreement
• Development of a cash flow model
• Development and execution of a marketing and sales plan

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