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Barry KlusCheapskates Quality Sporting Goods
My career started in 1972 as a part time employee at McDonald’s Restaurant in North Bay, ON. Within a year and a half my position was upgraded to that of a Part-time Manager. In 1975 my position changed once again to Full-time Manager. I received yet another promotion to Restaurant Manager in 1979. My responsibilities included all day to day operations, working closely with all full-time and part-time staff as well as a team of Managers. During my tenure as Restaurant Manager, a number of McDonald’s corporate awards came my way. These included three Outstanding Restaurant Manager Awards, an Outstanding Restaurant Award, Two Outstanding Operation Awards and an Outstanding Service Award. In 1993 my position escalated once again to Area Supervisor. Six years later, after nearly thirty-three years with McDonald’s I was presented with an opportunity to purchase Cheapskates Quality Sporting Goods from my brother- in-law, Steve Kenzie. Having had a long, successful career, it seemed to be the right time for a change. The chance to take over a family business where my entire family could work together seemed like a nice opportunity. My wife, Rosemary, and I run the business with the assistance of our two children, Mitchell and Becca as well as an amazing staff. We officially took over the business in January of 2007. The challenges we faced initially were dramatic and included recovering from a downward sales trend, the loss of all of our bike lines and the weakening of the Cheapskates brand. Our first priority was to secure new bike lines. Following many e-mails and phone calls we were able to attract two solid bike brands to start off our bike season. Another plan of attack was to increase sales through a re-vitalized service attitude. Our goal was to develop a standard of service that was second to none, from the one on one sales contact, to the time and quality provided by the shop staff. We also had to develop a new strategy for advertising to include not only mainstream media but alternatives such as the internet, Face Book exposure, and local store marketing through the support of events and initiatives in the area. Our first summer season with Cheapskates was coming along nicely when we suffered a major setback. A fire which started around 2:30 am outside the store, quickly made its way into our shop’s ceiling. The smoke damage from the fire resulted in the loss of most of our inventory. We refused to allow this potential catastrophe to impact our business routine. We were able, along with the NBFD, Paul Davis Systems and our insurance rep, Carmen Anello, to take the necessary steps to open our doors at their usual time the following morning. The remaining summer months involved a “Fire Sale” and the repair and redecorating of Cheapskates. The store was reset and ready for the fall, back to school, season. Further challenges included encroachment into our competitive marketplace with new retail openings in the mall, within our trading zone, and the opening of two more bike shops bringing the number of shops in North Bay to five. As we focused on our game plan, we continued to see regular growth. Through an aggressive marketing plan to re-brand Cheapskates and a strong service culture, the results are moving in the expected direction. We also developed an aggressive strategy to enhance and expand each of our brands from clothing to shoes and hard goods. Further growth is expected in 2009 with the integration of Momentum Bikes. With the purchase of their inventory, acquisition of their product lines and benefit of the owner’s vast knowledge and experience, we are looking forward to the continued development of Cheapskates. As we grow, we continue to look for opportunities that will allow us to be the most sought out shop for all aspects of our business. Your CKAT bonus code is Mentorship
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