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a company, we aren’t. We understand what it takes to slowly chip away at the fresh salsa market share and are taking a slow and steady approach.
We have been contacted by a few leading retailers in our state, but have strategically avoided going into their markets at this time. Although we would love to be on every shelf in every store in the state of Michigan, as well as nationwide, we know if we grow too fast, it will be devastating. We only take on what we believe we can handle at the time. As our process improves, and our team grows, we will add stores to match our abilities.
Focus: What do you recommend to new small businesses that
are experiencing the same kind of growth?
Pillera: Build relationships and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When Dan and I started Olympus Fare we had each other, and neither one of us knew anything about starting or operating a business. We didn’t have a team assembled ready to help us grow our salsa empire or any state of the art training. So I started asking a lot of questions and building relationships.
Also, be patient and stay positive. Bringing awareness and growing a brand takes time. We’ve been at this for almost three years now, and have grown so much, but we’re still far from where we want to be. We have a plan, we remain patient, and most importantly, we do our best to stay positive and ignore the noise. Don’t look at the storm, look at your feet.
Focus: What are your strategies to move into more markets?
Pillera: We have developed a great relationship with Kroger. They’ve been amazingly supportive and helpful. We intend to strategically grow with their organization.
SBAM’s Video and Audio
Programs Give You the Information You Need to Be a Better
Small Business Owner
On SBAM’s twice-monthly Facebook Live video interviews, Michael Rogers talks with small business thought leaders on topics like social media success, attracting talent and boosting sales. Get notifications of shows by following SBAM on Facebook. See the archive of previous programs at sbam.org/Resources/FacebookLiveVideoArchive.
Rogers also produces a wide variety of audio programs. The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Insights each week presents an audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Catch the show at sbam.org, on SBAM’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, or subscribe via iTunes.
Also available is SBAM Shorts, a weekly show that presents quick suggestions on saving money, getting more customers and operating more efficiently. Each program is brief – running 60 seconds or less. It can also be found at sbam.org, on SBAM’s Facebook and Twitter feeds and on iTunes.
SBAM offers three other audio programs that can help you be a successful
small business owner. The weekly Business Next show profiles great Michigan entrepreneurs; This Month in Small Business shares the valuable advice and perspectives of nationally-known small business advocate Chris Holman; and This Month in Small Business Technology covers a wide array of small business tech topics with Linda Daichendt, executive director of the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan. The shows can be found on the Michigan Business Network at michiganbusinessnetwork.com.
Once we’re regional with Kroger, we feel we’ll be better supported as a brand to grow Olympus Fare into other grocery markets.
Focus: How do you maintain balance between your work and personal life?
Pillera: If anyone can tell us how to do that, we’d love to hear from them! Ultimately, we just do the best we can. Knowing we work a lot, we set aside specific family time. Every Friday night is family movie night and we all snuggle up together.
We also try to take family vacations, many of which are short three-day getaways that fit within the framework of our business. Dan coaches all three boys’ baseball teams too. It takes a lot of late nights and odd hours to make it work. But it’s all worth it when I get to volunteer at a classroom party or chaperone a field trip. Those are times you never get back and it’s very important to be there for our children.
Focus: How has being a member of SBAM helped you navigate through the trials of small business ownership?
Pillera: Being a part of SBAM is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m grateful to be a part of something that advocates for small business. SBAM has its finger on the small business pulse and has the right tools and resources available.
What I’ve enjoyed the most, however, is the support from other SBAM small business owners. It’s comforting, inspiring and motivating to be in the company of other small business owners who relate to what we’re going through. My favorite question to ask is, “What’s your story?” I want to hear about what they’ve been through, how they persevered and any advice they have for us. In turn, I love to apply the knowledge I’ve learned to help other small business owners. – SBAM
Bona Van Dis is the editor of Focus.
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