Mt. Lebanon Awning has been a successful business through two generations, but it was time to take our company to the next level financially and professionally for the third generation of ownership. We also needed some guidance as we transition ownership to the next generation.
We were hesitant to let a third-party consulting company privy to our business practices, but we knew it was the only way to make impactful and lasting changes for the better. Cogent Analytics came in and gave us a sweeping overview of what our business could be. The changes were things that could be viewed as simple, everyday adjustments if we took the time to put the processes in place. Cogent was patient and understanding of the nature of our unique business, and quickly came with solutions for increasing revenues and updating our business practices.
Our Cogent Project Director John assisted us in understanding our Cash Management System, Labor Utilization, and Sales Trend Analysis, among other tools for measuring our business’ successes and opportunities. We are in the process of implementing QuickBooks in our office to help consolidate and modernize our office bookkeeping. He was also able to bring new ideas to the table for transitioning the business to the third generation, and creating a lasting legacy for our company for years to come.
Many of these things would not have been possible if we hadn’t taken the chance to let Cogent into our business and really challenge how we have always done things. I am reminded of the quote “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got”. Allowing Cogent to show us how we can improve was an eye-opening process and we will be forever changed because of it.
We would highly recommend Cogent Analytics to other small businesses who are looking to take their business to the next level of success, or pass the legacy of their business on to the next generation of prosperous and strong business ownership.
