Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alan Campbell of Fahrt Systems, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fahrt Systems Inc. designs and builds premium cargo management and kitchen systems for off-road, overland, and outdoor adventure vehicles. Our designs can be found in any vehicle, from the weekend camper to global expedition vehicles.
Tell us about yourself
We love what we do! After decades in the oil and gas industry, the owners of Fahrt Systems decided to take their love for outdoor adventures and turn that love into a business. At FSI, we took note of a gap in the marketplace for truly custom solutions. The owners were looking for a solution for their vehicle and could not find what they were looking for, so this was the beginning! After posting our prototype on social media, the brand took off, and we enjoyed every minute of it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being Canadian-based, the us market seemed inaccessible to us in the beginning. Through our marketing efforts, we slowly became known in the USA for quality builds. To grow from a localized business to a true North American business in the first year is one of our proudest moments! We have successfully completed numerous projects for our US client base and, at the same time, have maintained the "local" feeling. We are also very proud that none of our designs/builds have had any issues! We build it right the first time, so you don't have to worry about the proper operation when you're out in the forest or desert.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Plan! Developing a business plan from the root idea is paramount! Keep in mind that what you plan today may not be relevant once you have started to establish your market presence, be flexible but stay close to your founding principles. Always listen carefully to your client base and use their feedback, whether critical or positive, to make changes. Always improve, no matter how small of an improvement it is, do one thing each day to improve your efficiency and quality.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't panic! Not everything goes according to plan, so be nimble and ready for any uncontrolled changes in the market you serve.
- Don't be afraid to think inside a bigger box. I say this as thinking outside of the box is not a relative term when starting a business... you have chosen your box, so expand it, don't jump out of it... be the instrument of change for the better in terms of quality, product offerings, and service... be original.
- Don't be reluctant to bring in outside help when needed. Although cash flow is usually tight in the beginning if you are struggling and have enough capital to bring in experts for the particular issue you are having challenges with.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fahrtsystems.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072200432090
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fahrt_systems/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waya3k/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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