Achieving growth by watching the details

摘要

CEO Kirk Merica has led Five Star Gas and Gear. Whittier, Calif., since its doors opened 10 years ago Under his leadership the firm closed out 1999 with sales at 6.5 million dollars while this year it projects nearly 19 million dollars. Today, its 52 employees service a tough territory that spans Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties from five locations. Using 18 company-owned vehicles it distributes industrial and specialty gases, welding and cutting equipment and accessories, filler metals, safety equipment, and industrial tools and supplies. "We mostly pursue small to mid-sized accounts such as fab shops working for the automotive aftermarket and recreational vehicle industries," says Merica. ''and we also maintain a service department for warranty repair for all major brands of welding and cutting equipment." Merica recently agreed to share some of his key concepts for a growth-oriented distributorship.