With just three employees, EHP Solutions may not seem like a good candidate as a fast growing company.
But EHP Solutions’ revenue grew 208% from 2020 to last year, making it No. 14 on the Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list.
Tim Kim, president of the Sawtelle-based firm, said that it uses up to four third-party companies to handle delivery, installation and service on the multitouch interactive displays, audio systems, projectors and other equipment it provides to schools.
Kim credits the company’s growth to its customer service.
Why has your company grown so quickly?
Customer service matters. We have been providing high-end quality customer service to our clients for many years and when the pandemic came and the schools received massive grants/funds they started to mass order for every school/classroom.
What are your particular challenges of fast growth? Recruiting enough skilled people? The drive to expand supply chains? Acquiring enough space for your expanding needs?
Recruiting enough skilled people: To address this challenge, we’ve implemented targeted recruitment campaigns, collaborating with industry-specific organizations and offering competitive incentives to attract top-tier talent. For instance, we recently partnered with local universities to establish internship programs, providing a pipeline for skilled professionals.
The drive to expand supply chains: Our approach involves forging strategic partnerships with reliable suppliers and exploring diverse sourcing options. For example, we’ve established agreements with multiple suppliers across different regions, allowing us to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and enhance our overall resilience.
Acquiring enough space for our expanding needs: To meet our spatial requirements, we’ve optimized our existing facilities and invested in innovative storage solutions. Additionally, we recently secured a lease for a strategically located warehouse, enabling us to streamline logistics and accommodate the increased volume of products efficiently.
Growing companies often relocate out of California. Do you think that trend will continue? Are you tempted to do so?
Despite the trend of companies relocating, we are committed to staying in California. The favorable weather and abundant resources here align with our business needs. While relocation is a consideration for some, we find that California provides a unique environment conducive to our operations.
There’s been a long-standing prediction of a recession. Do you believe one is coming soon? If so, what have you done to prepare for it? How do you project it will affect you?
We acknowledge the possibility of a recession and have taken proactive steps to prepare. Our approach involves more aggressive marketing, emphasizing our commitment to high-quality customer service, and assuring clients of the durability of our products. This strategy positions us well to weather potential economic challenges.
If you could go back in time, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently at your company?
In hindsight, we would have focused on diversifying our product lines earlier, ensuring a more comprehensive offering. This, coupled with a strategic emphasis on recruiting skilled personnel, would have further fueled our growth.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d offer to another leader whose company is experiencing fast growth?
My advice to fellow leaders navigating rapid growth is to set clear goals and consistently strive for excellence. Establishing precise objectives and maintaining a commitment to excellence will contribute significantly to sustained success.
