Sierra Structures, Inc. is a Residential and commercial fence, deck, and Screen Porch Company located in Durham, NC. The company was formed in 2010 when two fence and deck companies merged. Since that time, we have done well, meaning that we managed to be profitable every year, we have not really been able to increase the bottom line like we wanted to. We were able to increase revenue, but could never get the increases to be reflected in Gross Margin or Income.

Over the past several years, we have hired several consulting companies and actually paid several of them for a few weeks’ work before dismissing them. None of these engagements resulted in any improvements, and most we considered to be a loss of time and money. The reason for this statement is to stage the arrival of Manuel Trevino, our Guidance Counselor (Project Director). When Manny showed up, I was sure he was a short-term visitor. Gone in one week, I thought.

Day one, he got my attention with his passion and knowledge of practical and simple solutions that made sense. Day Two, he recommended significant organizational changes that solved many of our problems internally. Damn, why did I not think of this years ago? I grew up in large companies, GE, Lockheed Martin, Mattel, and the USAF. I have seen this organizational structure many times. Why did it take Manny to tell me about this?

From there, we focused on Accountability, Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), managing cash, evaluating talent, teamwork, and improving profitability. Getting rid of the bonus structure and moving to profit sharing.

Well, we have spent the money and made the changes. We have some pick and shovel work to complete and will be looking forward to seeing the changes in the bottom line. I am encouraged as I have seen the following so far:

• New energy in the employees
• Communication among employees hat never communicated
• Cooperation among employees who were not previously cooperative
• New energy among the Leadership team
• My son is now fully energized and doing wonderful work as the CFO
• The terminology now includes KPI in almost every business discussion

Manny is the starter fluid that started these changes in our company. He is a tireless worker, is tenacious in everything he does, is very smart, and has wonderful experience. He is a wonderful representative of your company and a wonderful mentor for us as we move forward. We were very lucky to have him as part of our team.

Wonderful experience. Let’s see if our performance is reflected in the bottom line. I think it will be.

Kenneth Meashey
President
Sierra Structures