Succession Planning

"There is a new investor in town." Strata Design, Inc., now celebrating its 20th year in business, has been sold. Whew, there it is! ...and now, here is the rest of the story", said Paul Harvey. I feel like this news will be received by different people in different ways. For many collegues and friends this change will be a big surprise. For many others this change of leadership will be understood - correctly - as a timely strengthening of top management as Strata embarks on continuous growth over the next several years, regionally and nationally. This change also represents the midpoint in my succession planning that started three years ago, and will be completed about two years from now. The purchase of Strata Design by a "new generation" local businessperson is great news for our 28 employees, their families, and the Traverse City area economy. Our customers and vendors will also benefit by this change of leadership. Tyler Cerny's resume of talents speak to our employees, customers, and vendors: extensive Manufacturing and Operations experience, strong commitment to "Lean" and "Green", top level General Management experience, and a fine background in Sales. Strata Design will now be looking at business strategies, growth, and investment with a perspective of the next 20 years! Am I "gone"? Nope. I have become Strata's Business Development Manager. That means sales and marketing, with Tyler's able support. Not bad eh?! Tyler and I will be in touch with our Customer and Vendor base over the next few weeks to provide more detail about changes - or lack of changes - at Strata. In the interim, please do not hesitate to contact either of us at XT#22 (Tyler,) or XT#23 (Chuck). Good business to you all!