The Mountain View Story: Building Business Beyond Boundaries

Shed Geek Podcast

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Ever 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.

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This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Union Grove Lumber
Cardinal Manufacturing

Cardinal Leasing

Shed Challenger

Chapters

1. The Mountain View Story: Building Business Beyond Boundaries (00:00:00)

2. Meet Norman Eicher of Mountain View (00:00:08)

3. Metal Manufacturing and Business Expansion (00:04:10)

4. Lumberyard Challenges and Local Competition (00:10:41)

5. The Value Chain and Profit Discussions (00:17:55)

6. Customer Service and Selling Techniques (00:30:25)

7. Norman's Background and Journey (00:38:16)

8. Market Outlook and Business Diversification (00:55:04)

9. In-house Trucking and Dealer Networks (01:02:25)