LutherRackleyRulez
11-03-2008, 08:22 AM
Article from Nov. 2nd edition of Cincy Enquirer
featuring Richard Harris.....
Richard owns P3 Secure LLC, a West Chester-based emergency meal and hydration company started in January 2007.
He's turned luck, preparation into thriving business
Richard Harris subscribes to this principle: "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation."
In many ways, the expression has been a foundation that has helped P3 Secure LLC, a West Chester-based emergency meal and hydration company. The company was started in January 2007 and has experienced explosive growth. Sales at the company, which has a distribution center in Springdale, are expected to reach $3.5 million this year, up from slightly more than $100,000 after its first year of operation. A Xavier University basketball star from 1982 through 1986, Harris recently landed deals with federal, state and local government agencies and private companies to help victims suffering from hurricanes in New Orleans and Beaumont, Texas.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU to start the company?
My research findings about two years ago indicated a strong desire for organizations to provide on-site emergency supplies. The research showed those groups needed hot food and water in a crisis or "disruption event" such as a tornado, power outages and hurricanes. I started the company to meet the market demand for those products.
WHAT OTHER FACTORS helped you determine there was a need for your product?
I determined there were few companies across the United States that offered emergency preparedness products and services. Many products used during disruption events were not what victims wanted, including such things as MREs (meals ready to eat). As a result, we developed self-heating products that were attractive, nutritious, great tasting and easy to use. We differentiated our product from the MRE-type meals by using more name-brand snacks such as Pringles potato chips and M&Ms as part of our packaging. We have a wide range of clients that include Shell Oil, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Fed Ex.
WHAT PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE helped you grow your company?
My last three work experiences help me establish a foundation for the company. For instance, when I was looking for creative ways to develop new product distribution as an independent contractor for a national company in the funeral-services business about four years ago, I sold Costco Wholesale Corp. on carrying end-of-life and memorial products for the first time. That experience helped me look at creative ways to access market demand and create products and services that exceeded that demand.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD you give entrepreneurs trying to start up or expand a company?
Establish a vision of what you want your business to be or offer. Develop a plan that provides a service that there is a demand for. Commit the resources required. Be dedicated to your company no matter how hard it might be.
featuring Richard Harris.....
Richard owns P3 Secure LLC, a West Chester-based emergency meal and hydration company started in January 2007.
He's turned luck, preparation into thriving business
Richard Harris subscribes to this principle: "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation."
In many ways, the expression has been a foundation that has helped P3 Secure LLC, a West Chester-based emergency meal and hydration company. The company was started in January 2007 and has experienced explosive growth. Sales at the company, which has a distribution center in Springdale, are expected to reach $3.5 million this year, up from slightly more than $100,000 after its first year of operation. A Xavier University basketball star from 1982 through 1986, Harris recently landed deals with federal, state and local government agencies and private companies to help victims suffering from hurricanes in New Orleans and Beaumont, Texas.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU to start the company?
My research findings about two years ago indicated a strong desire for organizations to provide on-site emergency supplies. The research showed those groups needed hot food and water in a crisis or "disruption event" such as a tornado, power outages and hurricanes. I started the company to meet the market demand for those products.
WHAT OTHER FACTORS helped you determine there was a need for your product?
I determined there were few companies across the United States that offered emergency preparedness products and services. Many products used during disruption events were not what victims wanted, including such things as MREs (meals ready to eat). As a result, we developed self-heating products that were attractive, nutritious, great tasting and easy to use. We differentiated our product from the MRE-type meals by using more name-brand snacks such as Pringles potato chips and M&Ms as part of our packaging. We have a wide range of clients that include Shell Oil, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Fed Ex.
WHAT PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE helped you grow your company?
My last three work experiences help me establish a foundation for the company. For instance, when I was looking for creative ways to develop new product distribution as an independent contractor for a national company in the funeral-services business about four years ago, I sold Costco Wholesale Corp. on carrying end-of-life and memorial products for the first time. That experience helped me look at creative ways to access market demand and create products and services that exceeded that demand.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD you give entrepreneurs trying to start up or expand a company?
Establish a vision of what you want your business to be or offer. Develop a plan that provides a service that there is a demand for. Commit the resources required. Be dedicated to your company no matter how hard it might be.