Mainebiz

V O L . X X I X N O. X X V O C T O B E R 3 0 , 2 0 2 3 22 FA M I LY - OW N E D B U S I N E S S F O C U S MB: How does Geiger keep a publication like the Farmer's Almanac 'fresh' and in demand? JL: e Farmers' Almanac may be a small part of our business, but it's a big part of our culture. e Farmers' Almanac editorial team is constantly analyzing what's hitting with audiences to stay ahead of the trends. MB: How would you describe Geiger's acquisition strategy and how do you maintain a cohesive corporate culture as you expand your geographic footprint? JL: Fit and function. How the people, business styles and customer profiles align with, or complement, our current business structure is crucial to our acqui- sition strategy. Customer service and social responsibility are key similarities in our recent acquisitions. MB: What are some of the pluses and pitfalls of running a family-owned business as a non-family member? JL: Being part of the Geiger family business involves navigating the balance between the privilege and responsibility of shaping decisions that impact future generations. With 145 years in busi- ness, it's an incredible legacy to protect. For me, it has always been a privilege to have been trusted with this role. is role goes beyond pleasing unknown shareholders, focusing instead on doing right by the Geiger family — and that family extends far beyond those with the Geiger name; it encompasses all our associates, sales partners, and suppliers. MB: What leadership advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career? JL: Short-term success is based on results; long-term success is based on relationships. Hüga Heat owners aim for better separation between business, personal lives Mainebiz: How's business this year and what's your outlook for 2024? Colin Greig: Business has been great so far this year, but it's the next three months that really drive our results. We've been busy all summer building inventory in preparation for the holiday rush. In 2024, we are expecting to scale to a whole new level, reaching more cus- tomers outside of Maine and targeting sports fans in addition to restaurants, breweries and outdoor enthusiasts. MB: Any additional manufacturers you're now working with? Jocelyn Olsen: We've started work- ing with independent stitchers who are sewing our cushions in their own shops. It's so important to us to support other Maine entrepreneurs, and we're thrilled to have found two talented folks who sew out of their homes. We were also so lucky to have found Pieceworks, a contract manufacturer in Montville, which is stuffing the cushions for us. ey developed a streamlined way to get the work done so I could focus on growing the business instead of stuff- ing cushions every night. MB: What can you share about your partnerships with high schools and sports teams? CG: We're excited to be partnering with local high schools and teams to fund- raise for the boosters or scholarship pro- grams. For every custom Hüga we sell in their team colors with their logo on top, we're donating $20. It's a great way to support the community while keeping folks warm at those cold fall and spring games, as well as in the hockey rinks. So far, we've partnered with Yarmouth, North Yarmouth Academy, Casco Bay Hockey and a few others, but we're open to working with any teams that are interested. MB: What's next for Hüga Heat and the heated cushion business? JO: We have a new product in the works that we are hoping to release before Black Friday, which we're most excited about. We'll also be traveling to cold- weather outdoor events across the coun- try to do pop-ups. And we're planning to expand into Canada with support from the Maine International Trade Center. It's going to be a busy winter. MB: What are some of the pluses and minuses of running a business with your life partner? CG: Working together every day is an adventure. It's a good thing we make comfy cushions because sometimes it's a pain in the ... But seriously, a huge bene- fit is that we knew each other's strengths and have complementary skill sets, so it's been easy to split responsibilities. JO: It's also been easy to shift tasks back and forth depending on what the other one has going on in their day job. When I quit to focus on Hüga last year, it was easy to pick up more of the produc- tion and shipping so Colin could focus on real estate. We also know how each Crane Services • Millwright Machinery Moving • T rucking • W arehousing Cranes up to 300 T on Capacity • Tip Height 61 ' VOLK PAXIT Leading the Way in Contract Packaging RE-PACK | FULFILLMENT | ASSEMBLY | 3PL SOLUTIONS DONE PACK SHIP ASSEMBLE FULFILL Volk Paxit - your business solution for Ecommerce, 3PL, and labor needs. Scan the QR code to learn more about how Volk Paxit can help your business. www.volkpaxit.com » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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