Company Description and SWOT Analysis

Company Description and SWOT Analysis

Strategic Management/BUS 599

Create company name and explain significance

I decided to create a low-cost, locally made and sourced product as opposed to having it outsourced. The significance of the company is that it currently offers a product that is not available by any others in the industry and it meets a specified need for the sports enthusiast which is team rivalry.

Mission Statement and rationale for its components

The mission statement is simply, we will provide handmade, high quality 100% oak products to our east and west fans at a cost that won’t break the bank. DSI vision statement is to provide the best products for sports fans in the area. We take pride in using locally sourced materials that does not harm the environment and supports other businesses in the area. At the core of DSI like the values of hard work, honesty, growth and learning. And to quote one of the greatest coaches of all time Nick XXX, “This is not the end. This is only the beginning”. These are words to live by and words that are followed everyday by DSI.

Describe trends in the sports industry

The products fit in well with the existing trends in the retail market for sporting items. Everyone loves their favorite teams and will always show their pride, whether it’s a key chain, a hat or a DSI lawn letter in the yard. One trend in the industry is sports teams all over the world

are trying to grow their fan base in an effort to increase revenue streams. Another trend in the industry is that teams are using technology and social platforms to increase awareness about their teams and what they can offer. For me the most important trend is creating owned events. Sports Planning Guide (SPG) states that, “award-winning E-sports in places like Tulsa, to “Boarder War” high school showdowns, to college football games at NASCAR tracks, created events are becoming more common. Creating “owned” properties is something CVBs and sports commissions rarely tried to tackle in years past” . All of these trends are something that DSI can ride to success on and the only thing needed would be the fans and the exposure.

Justify at least three (3) reasons why you have chosen this type of product

DSI justifies its choice to enter into the area of the market based on; wanting to provide a new way to show team pride (sense of unity), wanting to fulfill a gap in the retail market (product need) and using locally sourced materials has a positive effect on other local businesses and city morale. Doug Whyte writes, “The simple fact is that people are looking for ways to identify with something, to feel a sense of belonging-ness with a group of like-minded individuals”. Other reasons I chose this type of product to market is because there are currently no products like it on the market and

EAST/WEST fans are very competitive and this product can take that competitive edge to the next level. WSI’s plan to grow the business is as follows:

1. First year – 2017 DSI will build a strong customer base which will increase sales hopefully by 90% – 100%. This will enable is to hire one employee to assist with generating business and product assembly.

2. Second year – 2018 DSI plans to increase product sales by 70% over what the company did in 2017. These sales would create the need for one additional employee to handle deliveries, take

orders and product assembly. This takes into account West minimum wage of $9.86 and a cost of living increase of 1.5%.

3. Third year – 2019 DSI will expand its market to include other college teams in Florida, Georgia and Mississippi and ramp up its on-line presence to accommodate orders and increase company exposure. If projected sales go according to plan then an increase in profits will be about 25%. This will create the need for a bigger production facility and additional employees.

One (1) strategic position from the course text

DSI knows that the best strategy for the company will be focusing on the market segment. If the customer is happy with the product then they will provide positive feedback. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will play a major role reaching the market segment. DSI’s objective is to make a solid product that can evolve and become part of the serious sports fan arsenal year-round and to be the leading motion activated, talking lawn letter provider in the western area. To achieve this goal, we have developed and implemented a strategic position that emphasizes:

1. Products are made locally and from locally sourced materials

2. Individuals can customize each product

DSI’s sports enthusiast and craftsman created a strategic position of convenience based on evaluating the following factors:

A. Industry Trends

B. Our Target Market

C. The Product Environment

Our target is the consumer looking for a unique product that shows their team loyalty. This is a strong market that is growing and changing fast. This is also a market that is looking for that unique item that shows team pride but is like no other. Our target customers often try the latest items available and since this item can be customized would be a great addition to a loyal fans yard, sidewalk or entryway.

Describe your company’s plan to mitigate such risk

To mitigate these risks DSI could obtain yearly price lock guarantees from its suppliers. Another way would be to increase on-line sales with discounts, promotions, and loyalty rewards so that DSI can stay competitive. Product materials could also be ordered in bulk and the savings could be passed on to the customer (last resort option).

SWOT Analysis

The United States has a huge love affair with sports and everything else that comes with it like clothing, stickers and other sports accessories. Steven Kutz writes, “ Over the past year, Americans spent a whopping $100 billion on sports and sporting accessories” . Fan loyalty plays a big part in the success of the sporting industry. The sporting industry is expected to reach $73.5 billion by 2019 and was last worth $60.5 billion in 2014. More specific to what DSI offers would be the merchandising information.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

1. Unique products that is handmade and NOT manufactured

2. Locally owned/operated which keeps overhead costs low

3. Customer friendly and knowledgeable staff

Weaknesses:

1. Little to no brand exposure that currently competitors have

2. No marketing budget to develop brand awareness

3. Our variety of products is limited

4. Competing with Dicks Sporting Goods and Academy Sports

5. Amount of available capital

Opportunities:

1. Low barriers to entry/low capital investment

2. East/West games (vendor space)

3. Chance to increase profits with exposure as markets grow

4. Offering a variety of products can expand customer base and profits

Threats:

1. Competition (Academy Sports/Dicks)

2. Increases in raw material prices (oak)

3. Slow economy reduces customers’ cash flow

References

Abrams, R. (2014). Successful Business Plan Secrets & Strategies. Palo Alto: Planning Shop.

Heither, D. (2015, Oct 19). Sports Industry To Reach $73.5 Billion By 2019. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2015/10/19/sports-industry-to-reach-73-5-billion-by-2019/#25bef8811b4b

Kutz, S. (2017, Sept 12). $100billion – that’s how much Americans spent on sports over the past 12 months. Retrieved from MarketWatch: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-how-much-americans-spend-on-sports-in-one-chart-2017-09-11

Labor Law Center Inc. (2018). State Minimum Wage Rates. Retrieved from Labor Law Center: https://www.laborlawcenter.com/state-minimum-wage-rates/

Premier Travel Media. (2017). 10 Sports Industry Trends for 2018. Retrieved from Sports Planning Guide: http://sportsplanningguide.com/10-sports-industry-trends-2018/

Scarborough, A. (2016, Aug 31). The Speech that launched the Alabama dynasty. Retrieved from ESPN: http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17427220/nick-saban-speech-launched-alabama-crimson-tide-dynasty

Whyte, D. (2017, March 29). Why Being A Sports Fan Makes You Happy. Retrieved from The Cusp.: http://thecusp.com.au/sports-fan-makes-happier/154