$85MM Protein Manufacturer

Situation

• Family owned business operating at a loss, competitors taking share
• Management blames losses on commodity swings
• Lacks reporting & analytical tools to guide decisions
• Lacks product innovation process and capabilities
• Outdated go-to-market processes with static distribution
• Older factories, which are not SQF certified

FortéOne Process

After initial diagnostic phase, FortéOne presented recommendations and detailed 180-Day Action Plan to return the company to profitability. We were hired to implement this Plan.

Establishing a Foundation for Performance

Leadership

• Worked with existing leaders, then assumed CEO and COO roles—hired a new CFO Operations
• Changed production processes, gained SQF certification on both plants
• Developed financial and operational tools, established “culture of accountability” throughout company
• Ensured managers in all positions were “on board” with the change needed

Organization

• Replaced low performers, provided hands-on training and support for managers at all levels, and during all shifts

Product Innovation & Sales

• Introduced multiple “trend positive” products, eliminated low margin SKUs
• Introduced new account communication and product innovation processes to address client specific product innovation needs
• Expanded sales beyond the current region and into new distribution channels; opened up new regions and distribution with Big Box accounts

Financial

• Moved monthly financial close from 8 weeks to 5 days
• Introduced new product pricing process, and “took pricing” on a case by case basis across the product lines