Posts by Carrie Ann Green
She’s The Decorating Queen!
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At GPS, we always know when it’s someone’s birthday, as their office will be transformed that morning with streamers, balloons, confetti, party favors, etc.
The woman behind the magic, climbing up desks to hang birthday garland, is none other than our front desk receptionist, Tina. As one of the first people in the office, she’ll have a workspace completely decorated before the phones start ringing or the mail is delivered.
Tina has a couple dedicated storage areas for decorative items. There is a box in the hallway closet as well as a full drawer of her credenza …
GPS Reviews: Shaking Up The Status Quo
Situation
The owners of a commercial flooring company were dealing with a low margin, which resulted in cash flow issues. “Prior to GPS, the cash flow volatility created great stress for me and Joe. We were resigned to the status quo and we did not foresee our company growing, beyond its size, at that time.”
Process
“Upon arriving,” the GPS consultant “evaluated our estimating and accounting processes. The first discovery was that we did not understand the difference between mark-up and margin. He also determined that we had no budget forecasting in place.”
Numerous new procedures, protocols and metrics were …
GPS Supports The Buffalo Grove Police Dept’s Fundraising For The Illinois Special Olympics
The Chief of Police of the Buffalo Grove Police, Steven R. Casstevents, sent GPS a ‘thank you’ letter for our recent $5,000 donation, telling us it will help to “facilitate Special Olympic programs and will encourage the participation of individuals with disabilities.”
When the Buffalo Grove Police Department came asking—we were an easy sell, since we’re aware that the Illinois Special Olympic organization does not charge any fees to participants—all the money raised goes towards making year-round sports training and competition available to these athletes.
We’re proud to support our law enforcement officers (they stage a variety of events to …
GPS Reviews: A Fresh Set Of Eyes
Situation
An industrial recycling company, serving the community for nearly 25 years, hired GPS for a value enhancement and restructuring project, sharing “the decision to begin this project with a fresh set of eyes on our business was difficult and challenging.”
In the beginning, concerns included whether the cost would outweigh the value of the set objectives, but they were put to rest during the first week that the GPS consultants arrived.
“I think all of management felt a sense of ease, almost as if we had partnered with a force of individuals that would help identify and offer solutions …
A Surprise For Lilyanna
Everyone at GPS was excited to meet Lilyanna, Janice’s great niece who has inspired us with her courage.
We think that Lilyanna is a super hero!
Back in May of 2013, Lilyanna was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, so rare that she is the first case that the doctors have ever seen at her age (3 years old). She has since undergone two brain surgeries to remove the malignant brain tumor and is currently (at age 4) undergoing radiation and oral chemo treatment.
Lilyanna is helping to raise funds for children’s cancer research via the 2014 CureSearch …
GPS Reviews: The Benefits Far Outweigh The Costs
Situation
A third generation manufacturing company, started in 1961 by the client’s grandfather, sought GPS’ consulting services for enhancement of the business and sales, as “what worked to get you started, doesn’t necessarily work 50 years later.”
Process
The client found himself immersed in a business boot camp, “my brain has been stretched, scrunched, split, formed and molded into a more usable shape so that I can implement the lifetime of real world business sense that the GPS consultant imparted onto my staff and myself.”
A plan was crafted, along with systems and processes implemented, to take the company to …
Fun & Fabulous Office Décor!
Offices can be too stuffy and formal. Everything in Janice’s office has a bit of whimsy. Even her office’s light switch has been bedazzled with colorful ‘gems.’ She lets her office reflect her personality with many playful touches.
Lamps, Lamps, Lamps!
The desk and the side tables display Janice’s impressive collection of amusing pop art lamps. “I have always been a fan of fun lamps, moving objects and lots of color. My favorite would have to be the lava lamps, as they always change,” shared Janice.
A Bookcase without Books
Convention does not hinder Janice’s tongue-in-check decorating style. She’s …
GPS Reviews: A Wealth of Information
Situation
A general retail business was in need of GPS’ advisory services. “Our business, 58 years old, was lacking in so many areas. We needed help with the staff, job descriptions, policies, present bookkeeping system, sales, management, estate planning and more.”
Process
Their GPS consultant rose to the challenge to address the information management gaps within the organization. “I particularly liked the templates offered for every area and the manual, provided at the end of our training, will be very helpful.”
The client shared that she found her consultant to be extremely knowledgeable, “I felt that he always had an …
Could You Resist These Puppy Dog Eyes?
Grant poses with his dogs, from left to right: Robby, Wally, Sandy and Poppy.
Grant invited his coworkers at GPS to support a fundraiser benefiting the privately funded no-kill animal shelter where three of his four pups were adopted.
“Kris Stephens, who founded the Eyes Of Hope Shelter, works a full time job as well as runs the organization. She is committed to saving lives, one dog at a time. Kris and the Eyes of Hope volunteers hold a special place in our hearts!” shared Grant.
Frankly, we couldn’t resist those puppy dog eyes!
GPS Reviews: Professionals Who Understand Businesses
Situation
A well established commercial and residential electrical services firm, in business for over 80 years, brought GPS in to deal with operational problems which had resulted in reduced profits and negative sales growth. “For several years, I’ve wrestled with problems of employee productivity, material management and how to determine what our real labor cost was as well as the actual overhead burden and how to cover these costs when quoting jobs.”
Process
One of the first issues that the GPS consultant resolved was cash flow. Before, “receivables were high and cash went out as fast as it came in.”…
