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Sudden CEO: Inherited my late father's machinery import business with no experience. Need a 90-day plan.
r/Entrepreneur
6/28/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks | Not specified | Accounting | Used for import/export management with spreadsheets |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Sudden responsibility with no industry experience
- Emotional burden and pressure to maintain father's legacy
- Business is stable but stagnant
- Lack of technical knowledge about machinery and processes
- Need to manage suppliers, shipping, customs, inventory
- Uncertainty about priorities (finances vs sales)
- Need to identify key metrics/KPIs
- Need essential software for import/distribution
Problems to Solve:
- Quickly learn technical aspects of machinery import business
- Determine immediate priorities to stabilize business
- Identify and track key performance indicators
- Find suitable software tools for operations
- Maintain supplier and customer relationships during transition
- Ensure financial stability and cash flow
Potential Solutions:
- Consult with existing employees/staff for knowledge transfer
- Hire business coach or consultant for guidance
- Build relationships with suppliers and customers
- Use AI tools (like ChatGPT) for generic technical questions
- Implement accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks)
- Create advisory board or join entrepreneur networks
- Attend industry trade shows for learning and networking
- Focus on small, incremental process improvements
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Building strong supplier relationships as foundation for B2B trust
- Adding value to both suppliers and customers in middleman role
- Small, systematic process improvements (e.g. 5S method)
- Creating advisory boards for expertise
- Attending industry trade shows for trends and contacts
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging existing brand reputation and customer loyalty
- Personal introductions to maintain customer relationships
- Networking at trade shows for new vendor/customer opportunities
Monetization & Product:
- Commission-based revenue model on machinery sales
- Focus on high-value, irregular import items
- Potential for new revenue streams through expanded customer base
User Engagement:
- Transparent communication with customers during leadership transition
- Employee engagement through quality circles and 1:1 meetings
- Promoting trusted staff to key roles (e.g. COO) for stability
- Community building through entrepreneur networks and mentorship