Kellen Consulting Group LLC

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a retail and manufacturing business. We personalize through embroidery, full color digital printing and laser engraving.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Kellen Consulting Group LLC?

I had the privilege of working with the Kelli through another business growth program. Kelli worked with and challenged me to prepare my business for the growth of 2021. I was able to establish necessary roles and job descriptions for hiring additional staff.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

I was selected to participate in a Business Growth program offered by the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund. I was matched with Kelli through a small interview process. I ranked my top three choices and Kelli was my top choice.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Kelli first visited my store to learn more about what is done here through production and retail sales. From there we worked on the challenges that I have with time management, process documentation, staffing and strategic planning.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

As the owner of the business, I was the only point of contact beyond the initial staff meeting where Kelli met my staff.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

During my time working with Kelli, I was able to identify the areas for hiring more staff, creating accurate job descriptions and the most productive places to advertise the job openings. I did hire another person that has been a very valuable asset to the business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Kelli and I had weekly calls to discuss the wins of each week and follow up on the progress of the projects I was working on. Our conversations really helped me to visualize what the business could and what I wanted it to look like with future growth.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal attention that I received during my time working with Kelli was the most impressive. Her knowledge and resources helped me to achieve the confidence that I needed as a small business owner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

My mentorship with Kelli was unique in that there was a beginning and an end to the time I had through the Startup Shenandoah Valley program. It was such a valuable learning period that I honestly wish it had lasted longer.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a warehousing company that ships for third-party Amazon sellers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Kellen Consulting Group LLC?

My company had grown 80%–90% in just one year — we had a lot of growing pains after doubling down in size. I had always been a solopreneur with an old-fashioned view of business. This was the first time my business became attractive for angel investors and accelerator programs. 

I needed mentorship to have the right mindset in expanding my business. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Kellen Consulting provided me with mentorship services. I spoke with Scott (Co-Founder) over the phone weekly for eight weeks, and he helped me overcome an extremely high-growth period on my company. Scott developed my leadership and management capabilities.  

What is the team composition?

I worked with Scott.

How did you come to work with Kellen Consulting Group LLC?

There was a matchmaking platform in the accelerator program that I participated in, and we found each other there.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from June–August 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Kellen Consulting was a sanity check for me. Scott was extremely helpful in providing feedback about growing my business using his experience and expertise. He gave me useful insight into expanding in a sane and sustainable manner. 

How did Kellen Consulting Group LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

Scott was always on time, prepared, and eager to solve my problems. He was energetic about chasing information on anything that I experienced difficulty with. We only communicated through phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I liked that our values fit. Scott understood my priorities as we found solutions for my problems. I felt that the things that mattered most to me also mattered to him — that enabled a lot more trust in our relationship. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Lean into their expertise — they’ve got all this accumulated experience, so use it. Scott had supply chain expertise from the navy and used to work for big Department of Defense warehouses.