It has been nearly 8 years since the decision was made to create a company that would enable me to go beyond my normal business activities. At the time, I was the owner and operator of several business units related to construction and manufacturing which I began in 1997. I had spent the majority of my career in construction, manufacturing, sales, marketing and product development. For my part, I was the entrepreneur who saw a need and met that need. I recognized other symbiotic opportunities and by 2011, was operating multiple entities.
My nature was to know everything about my business. I knew the products because I development all of them. I knew the systems, processes, chemistry, logistics, supply chain and so on. I was the founder, CEO, CFO, COO and experienced all the challenges of owning and operating small to medium sized businesses. I am an idea guy. There was never a moment that I did not have a new idea for a product, for a system for a sales or marketing strategy. My tendency is to think from the end user backwards. I never wanted to build or sell a product that someone wasn’t already asking for, or that didn’t solve a need that existed within my target market. It paid off.
So, almost 15 years later, lots of ups and downs and wins and losses; I started Adelphoi (2011). We needed a place separate from our operating businesses that would allow me and some crazy talented folks to develop software, marketing collateral, engineer and build new equipment for manufacturing and technology implementation within our other businesses. So what am I going to call it? If you are a business owner, you understand what it is like trying to come up with a company name that checks off all your boxes. For me, I wanted something that was relevant to my mission for the business. I also wanted a name that would be different yet fit well within the tech industry. Adelphoi was perfect, it represented me, my beliefs and my mission. Adelphoi is a Greek word for brothers and sisters, also used to describe community, neighbor and siblings. The word is used approximately 343 times in the Bible. Again, it was perfect.
After a short time, Adelphoi pivoted slightly and we hung out our shingle, so to speak. We moved into a really cool space in old downtown McKinney, just off the square. Our team agreed that we really had something special. We had an artistic and very capable quasi engineer/maker/builder/designer who could build and design almost anything. We had marketing whiz, an amazing software developer/programmer with extra skills, a super organized operations manager along with an outside bench of specific talents that one could only dream of!
The Team decided to pivot slightly and open up to the public for ideation and product development (hard and soft products), digital marketing and SEO, and business consulting. Shortly after the sign went up and the media blasts begun…we were running. It was a blast. It was clear that every single person on the planet, certainly in north Texas, had 2 or more ideas in their heads and were chomping at the bit to get them to market and start making money! Some had visions of the corner office on the 30 floor and some were after mailbox money. Our clients dreams were as different as their ideas, but they all had ideas. I am continually impressed by the inventiveness of most of the people I get to meet.
After being involved in lots of business consulting and coaching over the years, Adelphoi has added Coaching as a key offering moving forward. I have recently published a downloadable book (https://adelphoicoaching.com/#) and have another on the way very soon. We have launched 2 new websites under adelphoicoaching.com and adelphoibusinessacademy.com. The first is for one on one, group and other types of coaching. Our coaching site also offers some FREE training. The latter is an incredible E-Learning membership site that offers an unbelievable amount of information, instruction and “done-for-you” marketing collateral. Find some time and take a tour!
Recently, we were preparing to launch our Adelphoi Advisory Groups program. This is a business owner/manager peer group program and despite our current situation dealing with COVID-19, remain excited about launching soon in a digital environment such as Zoom, Skype, GotoWeb, etc. These peer groups will consist of a minimum of 8 up to 14 business owners and will meet on a regular basis. Due to the virus and the impact it is having on small businesses, we are going to offer a weekly schedule to help owners through this period. Email info@adelphoiadvisorygroups.com if you would like to learn more about this program.
My goal is to help business owners become better versions of themselves! The more you learn, the more you earn. Now is the time to get prepared for the new economy that is coming once the “lockdowns” are over. There will inevitably be more customers available and better pricing from vendors as the supply and demand has been down for so long already. Many businesses will not survive this. Those that do need to be prepared with a plan to be different, to be better and to dominate their markets.
I can help. That’s what I do.
Coach Steve
