Operations

Disagreements are expected in any family dynamic, but when you add business to the mix, things can get even more complicated. Family businesses experience fewer conflicts that non-family businesses, according to the Harvard Business Review. However, when problems such as financial …

To view a PDF of this story, click here. Technology is an ever-changing, ever-advancing piece of your business, your life and the lives of your customers. Think about how quickly our reaction to new technology goes from “wow” to “duh.” …

As a group, the millennial generation of 20- and 30-somethings is often culturally defined as lazy, technology-obsessed and spoiled. However, millennials make up more of today’s workforce than any other generation and, slowly, they’re becoming your target market. Instead of mainly worrying about …

Families all over the globe are taking a closer look at what they put in their bodies. Organic foods and locavore tastes have transformed the standard diet for many families, and that has translated to pets as well. Yet it isn’t …

Independent home improvement retailers are committed to customer service and strong product knowledge. They’re also committed to their associates, who provide that service and knowledge to customers. Westlake Ace Hardware, while never wavering from its commitment to its customers, has …

Promoting “quality of life” benefits can help small businesses stand out among competitors that are vying for employees, according to business owners interviewed for an article from USA Today. Decreasing national unemployment has resulted in fewer applicants for jobs with small businesses, USA Today reports. In …

When Sears Holdings recently announced it has “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue its business, it confirmed the fact that the retailer has many more struggles to face. While Sears was once considered “America’s largest retailer,” its recent problems provide lessons for independent …

To see a full PDF of this story, click here. It was almost a decade ago when Rob Gardiner, owner of Damariscotta Hardware in Damariscotta, Maine, was approached by a local contractor to see if he would be interested in installing solar …