Gotham Breads

Background

When Gotham Breads first met with us, they were a small artisan bread company that wanted to increase their production, improve and enhance their image, create core processes and build a stronger team.

Gotham was a thirty five year old company that needed to revamp their processes and their team if they were going to remain competitive. The owner of the company spent half his year abroad and half at Gotham Breads and recently hired a new President and VP of Production. They needed to hire a few more key members for their senior management team. They recognized that they needed outside professional advice if they were going to prosper and grow the way they envisioned.

Project Overview

A2X was brought in to:

  • develop a company strategy and help execute it
  • create core processes, including manufacturing efficiencies and measurements
  • develop goals and objectives for each department and staff member
  • implement a performance management system
  • provide ongoing evaluation of the team
  • change plan or organization to meet the vision and goals
A2X was hired for a one year project. Our criterion for success included:
  • clearly defined goals and objectives per department and per team member
  • development and execution of core strategy
  • assembly of a solid senior leadership team
  • implementing a metrics program
  • improved operational efficiencies and measurements
  • revenue and sales goals

Metrics were tied to each criterion so we could evaluate success. Gotham and A2X met weekly to review progress. Payment was tied to achieving the agreed upon goals.

The Process

Senior management and A2X, working collaboratively, launched a growth initiative. The steps in the initiative were:

  • survey staff to understand their view of working at Gotham
  • present findings to principals, and then senior managers
  • implement programs to address key findings
  • establish senior management team to implement growth plan
  • establish company strategy including mission, vision and values
  • create objectives per department, per staff member
  • translate strategy to action via performance management
The Results
  • the company tripled sales and revenue; enhanced their image in the marketplace
  • through defining clear goals and objectives, management and staff were successfully aligned
  • teamwork and morale significantly improved
  • doubled their client base and expanded into the highly competitive par-bake/frozen bread market
  • the company gained skill in excellence and performance management that continues to benefit them.