Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1224600
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 Results that transform Empowering business leaders to dream bigger and accomplish more — time and again. Audit | Tax | Consulting | Private Wealth wipfli.com/maine Learn more: brunswicklanding.us | 207.798-6512 Home to Centers of Excellence in Aerospace, Life Sciences, Advanced Materials / Composites, Information Technology, Education, and Clean Tech Innovation Starts Here Maine's Center for Innovation Brunswick Landing Ford Reiche Former president / Safe Handling What he is doing today: Safe Handling was sold to a national company in 2010. Since then I have invested in commercial real estate with my wife, and established a nonprofit devoted to historic preservation in Maine. Key lessons learned as a manager: • Be mindful that every bit of your behavior is watched by your employees, and becomes the tone and culture of the company. • Having a great business idea is not enough. To survive and grow, you need to hire and trust people who know how to run a business organiza- tion. Like lots of entrepreneurs, I was a slow learner on this one. • Establish a trusted personal relationship with your banker, and choose someone who will have the seniority and commitment to be effective when you need help. Because at some point you will. Advice to Maine's next generation of business leaders: Don't be shy about asking seasoned business people for advice. Even though it may seem like an imposition, people who have traveled this path before you will be generous with time and valuable advice. Related to this, if I start another company I will have an outside board of advisors from inception. If your company is active and generous in the local community it pays dividends in all sorts of ways. What's next: To keep entertaining our five granddaughters — ages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 — with more grandchildren on the way. Ford Reiche, former president of Safe Handling, has been involved in real estate development in recent years. COURTESY / FORD REICHE Be mindful that every bit of your behavior is watched by your employees, and becomes the tone and culture of the company.– Ford Reiche Learn more: brunswicklanding.us | 207.798-6512 Home to Centers of Excellence in Aerospace, Life Sciences, Advanced Materials / Composites, Information Technology, Education, and Clean Tech Innovation Starts Here Maine's Center for Innovation Brunswick Landing Ford Reiche Former president / Safe Handling What he is doing today: Safe Handling was sold to a national company in 2010. Since then I have invested in commercial real estate with my wife, and established a nonprofit devoted to historic preservation in Maine. Key lessons learned as a manager: • Be mindful that every bit of your behavior is watched by your employees, and becomes the tone and culture of the company. • Having a great business idea is not enough. To survive and grow, you need to hire and trust people who know how to run a business organiza- tion. Like lots of entrepreneurs, I was a slow learner on this one. • Establish a trusted personal relationship with your banker, and choose someone who will have the seniority and commitment to be effective when you need help. Because at some point you will. Advice to Maine's next generation of business leaders: Don't be shy about asking seasoned business people for advice. Even though it may seem like an imposition, people who have traveled this path before you will be generous with time and valuable advice. Related to this, if I start another company I will have an outside board of advisors from inception. If your company is active and generous in the local community it pays dividends in all sorts of ways. What's next: To keep entertaining our five granddaughters — ages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 — with more grandchildren on the way. Ford Reiche, former president of Safe Handling, has been involved in real estate development in recent years. COURTESY / FORD REICHE Be mindful that every bit of your behavior is watched by your employees, and becomes the tone and culture of the company.– Ford Reiche