Weisser Distributing
Bob Weisser, Chairman & Founder
Eric Weisser, CEO
Mike Childers, President
BUSINESS ADVISOR: MIKE RIDDER
BLUEPRINT SERVICES USED: CFO, TRANSITION & STRATEGY
MIKE’S TAKE
My relationship with Weisser Distributing started in 2014, when it was a $7 million business operating out of a small location near the Tea, SD, airport.
The relationship started easy enough. Basically, I met with Bob and Eric Weisser for a “what does a CFO do?” lunch, as the company was interested in improving its financial support.
Read on to hear the relationship unfold in Bob, Eric, and Mike Childers’ own words.
“
The guidance, cheerleading, and strategic mindset is what keeps Mike as a trusted advisor.
– BOB WEISSER, PRESIDENT
Eric
“
We initially engaged Mike Ridder to help us figure out what a good finance person could bring to the company. Very quickly, he helped identify gaps in our advisor team — which included our banker, attorney, CPA, and wealth advisor.
Mike also started working with Bob and me on cash flow forecasting and setting up the right level of bank support through a line of credit. It was a little rough at first — as all change is — but we ended up working with the right banking partners and advisory team.
Bob
“
One of the issues we came across was that I had focused my entire working life on growing Weisser Distributing and little time on setting myself and Kathy up for the future.
Mike, along with my key advisors, worked on setting up an estate plan, target number, and action plan to accomplish our life goals.
A part of that action plan included a gifting strategy for a transition from us to both Eric and my daughter Jill. Getting that plan in motion, along with the appropriate documentation, took a large weight off our shoulders and allowed us to truly focus on the business.
Eric
“
Part of our focus on the business was trying to figure out what our goals were and how we were going to accomplish our growth plans. Mike introduced us to the book Traction, along with a local implementor, to help set up the company for future success.
Mike initially sat in the finance chair, but we collectively realized that with our growth, we needed a full-time CFO to continue the growth. That is a trait that I admire of Mike — he is selfless, with his focus being continually on what is best for the client.
Mike helped to map out that issue and started the recruiting process. We continue to thrive as a leadership team on EOS, and Mike is currently one of our implementors.
Mike C.
“
I joined the company in 2017. My background is strong in operations and finance, having worked in larger companies and consulting firms.
Mike welcomed me and has been a great support in bouncing ideas off of and challenging the thought processes for our growing business. Our Friday morning breakfasts are a combination of mutual coaching and a sounding board — both personally and professionally.
Our mutual respect for each other, with our candid viewpoints and opinions, helps us to continue to grow in the right areas.
Bob
“
Mike’s role has now changed over time to being a trusted advisor, not only for the company, but for the family as well. He meets with both the leadership of the company quarterly and the family semi-annually.
As we continue to evolve and grow as a company and a family, the guidance, cheerleading and strategic mindset is what keeps Mike as a trusted advisor.
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