In our Growth Studio Spotlight series, CO— aims to connect budding entrepreneurs with business owners who have been there, providing advice that can help bridge the gap between a business idea and successful execution. In this edition, we consult Kari Rihm, president and CEO of Rihm Family Companies, a St. Paul, Minn.-based Kenworth truck dealership, to share her entrepreneurial experiences — from finding great employees to successfully marketing a small business. The company has been in business for 87 years and has 360 employees.
Here's how Rihm describes her company: Rihm Family Companies, Inc. is a 4th generation family-owned and operated business focused on providing exceptional service in the heavy-duty truck industry.
Offer value
Rihm Family Companies finds great employees by offering benefits tailored to employees' long-term future and core values. For more highly sought-after benefits, read more here.
If you had additional capital, how would you invest it in your business?
Access to capital can be difficult for women-owned businesses. They don’t always get the same response from lenders that men do. For a privately-held company under a franchise agreement like ours, we need to grow organically, and strategically reinvest profit dollars.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in the past year?
I had no idea of how demanding our growth would be on cash and personnel. In the past 2 years, we’ve opened 4 new dealerships. The idea of “scaling up” did not seem difficult to me until we were in the midst of it, drinking out of a fire hose.
We are looking at an employee’s long-term future with us, not just what we initially hire them for.
Kari Rihm, CEO & President, Rihm Family Companies
How do you find great employees?
We have adapted the mindset that we’re not hiring the next technician, we’re hiring the next service writer or trainer, etc. – meaning we are looking at an employee’s long-term future with us, not just what we initially hire them for. We also hire according to our core values. Many of our greatest employees sought us out because we are differentiating ourselves from the market by making investments in our people and our overall business.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.