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Chairmen’s RoundTable Client Profile – EcoCaters

Chairmen’s RoundTable Client Profile – EcoCaters

by | Jun 22, 2018 | Client Profiles

Each year CRT helps dozens of San Diego businesses to grow by providing free advice and resources they never had access to before. Here’s the story of one client who took advantage of all CRT had to offer:

CRT CLIENT: www.ecocaters.com

WHAT THEY DO: Ecologically-minded weddings, corporate events, private events, event planning, on-site catering, corporate lunch catering

RECENT SUCCESS: Handled season-long catering for the 2018 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals

OBJECTIVES: Be a leader of environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry:

  • Currently in three cities, expand operations to five major cities in five years
  • Quintuple gross sales in five years
  • Provide more work/life balance for employees and management team

CHALLENGES: After four years of dramatic growth, owner Nick Brune began debating options for:

  • Additional financing
  • How to get more bang for the buck from his marketing
  • Geographical expansion
  • Upgraded processes and systems to support growth

His internal discussions led to a recognition that an outside perspective could reveal better strategies and answers that were probably hidden in front of his eyes.

CRT RECOMMENDATIONS: CRT provided two mentors for six months of one-on-one discussions, culminating in a presentation before the full board of 45 current and retired CEOs in a wide range of industries and corporate disciplines. These suggestions were made to Nick and his team:

  • Clarify the marketing message, highlighting the Unique Selling Proposition
  • Expand use of social media, blogging to build the community of followers
  • Revisions and updates for the website
  • Tie company objectives to support Nick’s personal goals
  • Rebuild operations, systems, and financial structure to sustain planned growth
  • Identify others to handle day-to-day operations and free Nick to be the creative force driving the kitchen
  • Explore established operations for growth opportunities, rather than building from scratch

RESULTS: EcoCaters is currently implementing CRT’s recommendations and expects to be in six cities (more than originally anticipated) by 2023.

CEO NICK BRUNE SAYS: “Working with Chairmen’s RoundTable was an amazing experience, and one of the smartest moves I could have made for taking my business where I want it to go.”