with Mike Metzger, Gilbert, Metzger and Madigan CPAs

Lifespan Center

with Caleb Freeman, Freeman Consulting

with Ann Deters and Chris Swing of Vantage Outsourcing 

with Don Davis

Lifespan Center

Monday was a workday where the students went over each other's marketing plans to suggest ways to improve them. As an icebreaker into the week we reviewed the commercials from this year's Super Bowl and discussed the different target audiences. After many laughs we finally decided that the main target for the majority of the commercials were the Baby Boomers! 

with Sam Fuller

We were delighted to have Sam Fuller, Ian's mother, in to visit the class to discuss her previous business, Two Flowers Restaurant and Catering. Sam emphasized defining the mission and values of the business and making sure you stick with it. Also, students need to make sure the location of their business is appropriate for their target market they are going to serve.  She discussed expectations of the Coles County market that may not be logical, but it can't be ignored. She also mentioned that if you can't train employees to do what you do, and pass the knowledge on, then you can't grow your business.

 

with Brian Titus

Brian Titus at Lorenz Supply Company told us the history of this business that started as a wholesaler. We got Brian's take on his business and how even though their prices are not always the cheapest, they can guarantee the best service. We saw how they try to put the Lorenz name on all of their products and how the name sticks in peoples minds when ever they use those products. Brian also mentioned the growing role that technology has played in making the business more efficient; it helps to dramatically reduce inventory and helps with cashflow. Thanks Brian fo a wonderful tour!

with Dan Corrie

A big thanks to Dan Corrie, of Corrie Appraisal and Consulting Inc., who came in to teach the class about business appraisals and the importance of business location. We learned how traffic counts, corners and parking affect the square footage costs. Different businesses rely on more visibility than others. For example, if your business is a fast-food restaurant, you want a property that has mass exposure so more consumers see your place. For a business like a law firm, it is not as important to have an office in an area with a lot of visibility and you would probably want it near the courthouse.

     

Personal Finance

 

Sherri and Jeff Branson

Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative

Brian and Becky Fogerty

KIMA Management, LLC

Mattoon Precision Manufacturing, Inc.

The First National Bank

Watts Copy Systems

Edward and Paula Zinschlag