The Mountain View Story: Building Business Beyond Boundaries

Send us Fan MailEver wondered what it takes to build a thriving, diversified business in the shed industry? Norman Eicher of Mountain View takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to running a multifaceted enterprise that's continuously expanding.Starting with a simple construction company that added shed sales in 2009, Norman has methodically grown his operation to include a truss plant, metal fabrication facility, and a full-scale lumberyard. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into his metal manufacturing innovations, where his team has developed techniques to produce trim pieces every 15 seconds rather than the traditional 30 seconds per piece. This kind of efficiency has allowed his metal business to nearly match his shed sales in revenue generation.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Norman's candid discussion about business relationships and profit margins. "If my employee isn't making me money, why is he here? If I'm not making Sam money, I need to figure out what I'm doing wrong," he shares, highlighting a refreshing perspective on value creation throughout the supply chain. Norman articulates why being upset when others profit from your work represents a problematic mindset that limits growth and cooperation.The episode takes fascinating detours into Norman's background – building rafters at age 12 for $2 an hour in Southern Ontario, his time in Illinois learning the shed business, and finally establishing his Tennessee operation in 2006. His approach to quality, particularly in customer interactions, underscores why superior service trumps price-cutting. "If your price is within 15%, they will buy based on your personality and your way of approaching them," he notes, explaining why one of his salespeople consistently outperforms expectations.Whether you're directly involved in the shed industry or simply interested in business growth strategies, Norman's philosophy that "quality will long outlast quantity" offers timeless wisdom. His predictions about market consolidation and insights on keeping transportation in-house provide food for thought for anyone navigating similar business decisions.Ready to learn more about diversification strategies that can weather market fluctuations? Listen now and discover how innovation, relationship-building, and unwavering quality standards have positioned Mountain View for continued success in an evolving market.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at [email protected] episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Union Grove LumberCardinal ManufacturingCardinal LeasingShed Challenger