In 2008, they began designing and selling dog-themed apparel at small retail events like charity dog walks and fundraisers in Orange and LA counties.  As they witnessed the popularity and increasing demand for their designs, they broadened their distribution to retail stores.  By the end of 2009, their revenues had nearly quadrupled over that of the previous year.  In 2011 their revenues once again quadrupled and in 2012 they expect to exceed the previous year’s revenues by 40%.

Jon and Gila say their company's success lies in its ability to deliver a simple message in a way that resonates with dog lovers. With clever and poignant sentiments, they remind consumers how great it feels to be with our dogs.  They have also developed a reputation for generously giving back to animal welfare organizations throughout the United States.

They have recently expanded their product offerings to include the “Cat is Good” and “Horse is Good” apparel lines.  The company is currently seeing growth in all 3 distribution channels: direct retail, wholesale and licensing.

David and Pamela spent many months brainstorming, researching and outlining questions on Post-it notes that lined their bedroom wall before the board game became a reality.  They chose to manufacture the game within the U.S. despite the higher production costs.  It was an important marketing decision that has paid off.  In just 3 months of production, they sold 600 games.  Pamela commented, “We are just thrilled.  I would love to get it in as many hands as possible.  Our goal is constitutional literacy.”

The Barrets originally identified their target market as homeschool families looking to incorporate civics into their lessons.  But they’ve also noticed demand coming from other groups including classrooms, grandparents, chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and individuals preparing to take their citizenship exam.

Since launching in 2006, Operations Strategy Consulting has grown and expanded, project by project. Word of her successful projects, with documented savings, profitability and improved operations, spread, and the business grew into a larger regional firm. Operations Strategy has grown from just Megan delivering all the work, to now a team of three, and our client size has increased to include mid-size manufacturers. The company now offers not only services in Lean Manufacturing, but has expanded to include Six Sigma, quality methodologies, supply chain management and ISO and TS compliance training and consulting. Based on the company’s success, Megan has been featured as a speaker at industry conferences, and has had articles published in regional and national publications. Megan has recently been selected as an Instructor in the Indiana University of PA’s Department of Management, and has previously been a guest lecturer for Penn State University, Duquesne University, and Westmoreland Community College.