Vision, Passion, and Profit: How Two Founders Mastered the Art of Scaling Up
Posted on 20th December 2024 at 14:03
In the world of entrepreneurship, some stories stand out for their ingenuity and perseverance. Jeremy Stern, founder of PromoVeritas, and Stephnie Gribble, founder of Canine Collection, exemplify what it takes to scale a business successfully. Their journeys showcase the importance of a clear business strategy, strong leadership development, and a focus on sustainable growth.
For those looking to dive deeper, we’ve also created an AI-generated podcast episode summarising the key lessons from their interviews. Tune in to hear the actionable takeaways and comparisons discussed in this blog.
Filling a Niche with Strategic Vision
A strong value proposition and well-defined business vision are critical for success.
Jeremy Stern: PromoVeritas identified a gap in promotional compliance, ensuring brands run competitions fairly and legally. “I’m like the real Willy Wonka… we literally make the special eggs with golden tickets and secretly place them in stores. Nobody else does what we do,” says Stern, highlighting the unique niche PromoVeritas occupies.
Stephnie Gribble: Canine Collection caters to eco-conscious dog owners, offering sustainable products like harnesses made from recycled plastic bottles. “We are very big on eco, and we’re conscious of what we’re doing to the planet. From the toys we sell to our packaging, everything has sustainability at its core,” explains Gribble.
Overcoming Challenges with Execution and Accountability
Challenges in scaling often stem from the complexities of business execution and team building.
Stern overcame market ignorance about promotional compliance through education and relationship-building—key aspects of his sales techniques. “I had to educate clients about why promotional compliance matters. Once they understood, we became an essential partner,” Stern recalls.
Gribble’s success lies in her ability to build strong supplier relationships and manage cash flow effectively. “Controlling spending was a big challenge at the start, but I learned that building strong relationships with suppliers is just as important as managing costs,” she shares.
Adapting for Profitable Growth
Adaptability is a hallmark of successful businesses.
Stern transitioned PromoVeritas to a digital-first model, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to performance feedback and evolving market needs. “We’ve gone from handling paper-based entries to managing millions of digital interactions. Staying ahead of technology has been crucial,” he notes.
Gribble, meanwhile, expanded her product range and embraced in-person events, reinforcing her commitment to profitable growth. “It’s all about putting my face out there and being the trustworthy brand that people come to for quality and sustainability,” Gribble emphasises.
Both entrepreneurs highlight the need for flexibility in 90-day planning and long-term business planning, ensuring consistent growth without losing sight of their core goals.
Building Teams and Fostering Connections
Strong hiring strategies and personal connections are critical for business growth.
Stern’s investment in a robust leadership team and meeting management processes has helped him focus on strategic growth. “Delegation was hard at first, but it’s what allowed me to step back and focus on scaling the business,” says Stern.
Gribble’s community-driven approach, including using brand reps and attending events, fosters trust and loyalty while building her brand. “I’ve found that real engagement with customers—not just transactions—creates long-lasting loyalty,” Gribble shares.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
Focus on the Bigger Picture: Clear KPIs and structured team building enable businesses to execute their strategies effectively.
Invest in Leadership: Gribble and Stern’s approaches demonstrate the importance of empowering teams for sustainable growth.
Plan Strategically: Whether it’s profit maximization or creating a unique value proposition, careful planning is crucial.
These lessons are just the beginning. Scaling a business requires not just insight but the tools and support to put those insights into action. That’s where BizSmart comes in. Whether you’re seeking expert advice, peer support, or practical strategies, we have the resources to help you scale up with confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
ScaleUp Radio: Our podcast connects you with real stories and expert advice from leaders who’ve successfully scaled businesses. Episodes like David’s and Jaipal’s provide practical steps and insights you can apply directly to your own business.
SmartBoards® and Smart90®: Our programs offer strategic clarity, accountability, and a supportive community of peers who understand the scale-up journey. Through structured 90-day planning and ongoing coaching, we help you achieve sustainable, profitable growth.
Kevin Brent's Book, The Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System: Dive into Kevin’s step-by-step guide, drawing on BizSmart's extensive experience with hundreds of owner-managers. The book is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to build a business that supports long-term freedom and growth.
AI-Generated Podcast Episode: For those looking to dive deeper, we’ve created an AI-generated podcast episode summarising the key lessons from Jeremy and Stephnie’s interviews. Tune in to hear actionable takeaways and comparisons discussed in this blog.
Book a Discovery Call with Kevin Brent: Interested in exploring how BizSmart can support your business? Schedule a one-on-one discovery call with Kevin Brent to discuss your unique challenges and goals. Kevin’s expertise will provide actionable next steps to start scaling with confidence.
If you're looking for insights on scaling, tune into ScaleUp Radio for inspiring conversations, practical advice, and fresh perspectives. Apply to be a guest and share your story, or explore BizSmart’s offerings to empower your growth journey.
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