Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alicia Cannon, CEO of Apex Filling Systems, located in Michigan City, IN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Apex Filling Systems is a manufacturer of fully integrated inline liquid packaging solutions built on the premise of constant innovation and impeccable service. There are other filling companies that sell similar equipment, but Apex Filling Systems stands out for our commitment to our clients. Our goal is to partner with them to deliver turnkey solutions from project inception through completion and beyond. We are here to help ensure their goals become a reality. Our purpose is to create raving fans both internally and externally.

Our target market is manufacturers and co-packers filling liquids other than carbonated or dairy with line speeds of 120CPM or less in North America who value quality and lifelong relationships. We manufacture the equipment that they need to automate their filling process. Our clients range from startup businesses that have been hand-filling bottles to large companies that are growing and need additional lines to meet their demand. Whether they are hand filling now or need additional lines, the problem we are solving is automation. We design and manufacture equipment to allow them to package their product more efficiently. We listen to what our clients want and need. We care about their feedback, their production, and their success. We are here to help ensure their goals become a reality.

Tell us about yourself

I am a mother of six children. I finished my MBA while raising them. Before getting into the liquid filling, I worked in property management. I have an engineering degree that I had never used. My husband got me interested in the liquid filling business. I absolutely love this business. We design and manufacture solutions for customers that have really cool problems. Our customers come to us because they have more demand than they can support. We design an automation solution for them to get more of their product packaged and out the door. I love learning about our customers and what they do!

As the CEO, I am responsible for setting our vision and purpose and making sure everyone is rowing in the same direction.

Purpose: Create raving fans & lifelong relationships
Niche: Fully integrated inline liquid filling solutions

Our team works in alignment with our core values:
Create Raving fans
· Do the right thing
· Team player
· Do whatever it takes
· Servant Leadership
· Be empathetic

Excellence in all you touch
· Striving for mastery
· Growth-oriented
· Extreme Accountability
· Innovative & Resourceful problem solver
· Finds a better way

Attitude is Everything
· Enthusiasm wins
· Be a joy to be around
· Quality of character matters
· Share positivity, not negativity
· Have fun

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is definitely our team. We have the most amazing leadership team! Through their excellent leadership, we have a wonderful company and staff. Our culture is strong, and we all care about each other. Our team works hard, gets things done right, and always keeps our mission of creating raving fans (internal and external) at the forefront of every decision.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a business owner, you have to always be available for your business. We’ve had to cancel family trips when there were emergencies. As the owner, you are responsible for the business and all of your employees. “Leaders Eat Last” - Simon Sinek.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start by putting together a team. Your leaders should be smarter than you but have excellent humility.
  2. Work on your own emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence leads to success much more directly then intellectual intelligence.
  3. Watch your cash! Once it’s gone, it’s gone. The cash flow statement is more important than a P&L (which is also important). The P&L is a theory, it’s an important theory that helps you make changes where you need to, but it isn’t fact. The cash flow statement is a fact. Learn to read a cash flow statement, a P&L, and a balance sheet. Learn how they all relate to each other.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As a business owner, you can never learn enough. Invest in your education! Along the way, make decisive decisions with the information you have. You will need inner courage. Sometimes you will be clear on what needs to be done, and sometimes you will need to make your best decision with the information available and move forward with confidence. Moving forward, even if you need to course-correct later, will teach you more about what you need to do than just waiting to feel one hundred percent certain before making your first move.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://apexfilling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApexFilling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apex_filling/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3oxJbhu

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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