Background
©Travis Bell Photography.
I’m Darren Green, owner of The Old Wood Company in Asheville, NC. In 2007, I opened our doors with a vision to develop a company that could compete in the marketplace and also be immune to the onslaught of low-cost foreign imports. I wanted to give people options, suggestions, and one-of-a-kind products tailor-made for their homes and businesses. I believe most people really care about and consider the origin of their purchases. It’s not always about who offers the lowest price, but who offers the highest value.
©Travis Bell Photography.
The Challenge
In 2015, we were having difficulty remaining competitive against foreign imports and marketing our product line and custom production capabilities. We learned about SETAAC through a mutual business acquaintance and initiated the qualification process. We were motivated when we received our award, considering that the cost-share funds SETAAC provided would be instrumental in allowing us to deploy a strategic marketing plan. We formed an adjustment plan together and identified our goal — to reach a larger audience and to expand our client base and revenue stream.
©Travis Bell Photography.
The Results
As a result of SETAAC’s assistance, our gross revenues grew by 20% within a year and we were able to hire two additional employees. The assistance enabled us to work with Integritive, an amazing web development and design company, who deployed a state-of-the-art website and implemented a search engine optimization campaign. We were also able to create unique videos and spruce up the design catalog for our website. These efforts have resulted in a significant increase of product inquiries and sales. Overall, SETAAC far exceeded our expectations and we are extremely satisfied in what we were able to achieve.
©Travis Bell Photography.
©Travis Bell Photography.
“A close friend and mentor described sustainability not in terms of products or features, but in the quality of relationships; with employees, suppliers, or in our case, artists, and of course – the customer. It’s those sincere and close-knit connections that have proven to sustain our company through both the good and trying times.” – Darren Green, owner of The Old Wood Company
©Travis Bell Photography.