Business Seminar Recordings

How to minimize payment problems and what to do when customers don't pay.

Richard E. Shank; Hagerstown, MD                                   Director, Anabaptist Financial; Administrator, AF Advising; President & Director, Christian Light Publications, Inc; Director and advisor of a variety of other businesses. Retired as owner of several retail businesses.

Should you be a sole proprietor, an LLC or an S-corp? Why an LLC may be today's entity of choice. Fundamental financial statements needed for start-up or established businesses.

Lamar O. Hochstetler, Milford, IN                                        LOH Bookkeeping & Tax Service, LLC; Old Order Amish Church

Are you able to read and make knowledgable decisions when reading your financial statements? Do you have the information you need to make important business decisons in today's competitive environment? Are you able to record sales, manage inventory, control labor costs, or detremine job profits using your current bookkeeping method? Attend this session for tips on organizing your company's information to answer today's mangement questions.

Jake Esh; Gordonville, PA                                                            Owner of Esh Computer Center and Eagle Solutions

Leadership and management are two different functions. As others have stated, "Too often organizations are over-managed and under-led." We will look at key characteristics that effective leaders possess. While some characteristics may be more natural, all leaders should work at developing personal strengths to increase their effectiveness.

Bill Mullet; Sugarcreek, OH                                                         President/CEO ProVia Door Inc; Bishop, Bethel Fellowship

Co-op Marketing of Hardwood Furniture, Wholesale and Retail 

All panelists are small business owners and/or general managers who are discovering the benfits of small businesses pooling marketing dollars to promote the hardwood furniture industry. Two organizations, "The Hardwood Builders Guild" and "The Amish Country Furniture Association," were established to include the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, local banks, marketing professionals, related suppliers and service companies. Panelists will share methods on how you can apply marketing tips in your business.

Panel Moderator; Roy Miller

Panelists:

Ray Yoder Jr, Mt. Eaton, OH

L & J Woodworking

Ammon Troyer; Millersburg, OH

Briarwoods Beds, LLC

Roy Weaver; Sugarcreek, OH

Weaver's Furniture

Myron Miller; Millersburg, OH

Country View Woodworking

Customer Service: Delivering it Exceptionally and Consistently

In this session we will explore the dynamic collaboration that is unleashed when loyalty to your clients is built on the principle of adding value. The most effective leaders and managers are those who have discovered this fine art. When properly applied, not only will you find this level of service producing an inescapable financial component to the value of your business, you will also discover this breed of loyalty is reciprocal.

Panel Moderator; James Yoder

Panelists

Weldon Miller, Nappanee, IN

Ayr Custom Cabinet

Jonathan Hochstetler, Nappanee, IN

All Seasons Rental

Mark J. Hochstetler, Nappanee, IN

Honeyville Metal, Inc.

Delbert Schrock, Lagrange, IN

Dutch Country Woodwork

Is a simple will enough, or do I need a trust? What if I am Social Security exempt?

Ellis Y. Miller; Apple Creek, OH                                                 Attorney working in Financial Services and Estate Planning, affiliated with The Hummel Group, Berlin, OH; Member of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church

Are faith and business compatible? Is Christianity an asset or a liability for a business person? Are there practical aspects of Godliness that enhance a business environment?

Amos Kauffman; Lewisburg, PA                                               Director/Loans Committee, Anabaptist Financial; Senior Partner, Yoder Barns (mini-barns); Director, Christian Light Publications

Hiring the ideal job candidates. Educating, training, and developing employees into top performers. Retaining your workforce.

Steve Jones; Topeka, IN                                                          Nishikawa Standard Company of Topeka; Old Order Amish

Practical, easy-to-remember scenarios and ideas to help with stewardship beyond your lifetime.

Ellis Y. Miller; Apple Creek, OH                                                    Attorney working in Financial Services and Estate Planning, affiliated with The Hummel Group, Berlin, OH; Member of Sonnenburg Mennonite Church

Learn to expand creative thinking in your organization. Innovation focuses on end results - rather than the current process. As we innovate in the right direction, it positions us for long-term success and preserves the timeless values we treasure most.

Elam Esh; New Providence, PA                                                     Owner, Country Value Woodworks, LLC; Member of New Providence Amish Church

Making Pro-active Responses in an Economic Downturn

Working your way through a tough time in your business is challenging enough, but navigating through a major recession can really test your staying power and your belief in what you are doing. The most critical ingredient your business needs during this time is leadership that demonstrates confidence and vison as you make changes. We will discuss how different companies are currently working through these issues in their business and how you may apply these ideas in yours.

Panel Moderator; Dwayne Borkholder

Panelists:

Lamar O. Hochstetler, Milford, IN

LOH Bookkeeping & Tax Service, LLC

Andy Hostetler, Warsaw, IN

Ideal Construction

Wilbur L. Miller, Middlebury, IN

A & R Machine Shop

Noah Bontrager, Goshen, IN

The Country Workshop LLC

Managing a Productive Workflow

How can we find, inspire, and maintain a productive workflow that delivers consistently the quality product and service we strive to provide? What are the mechanics that operate behind the scenes that keep our projects running smoothly and efficiently? This panel will examine workflow from sales, design and engineering on to scheduling and production and then finally to delivery and installation. We will also dicover how to effectively deal with schedule changes, material delays, and human error. We will explore scheduling and workflow methods used by a varied scope of service, production, and retail industries.

Panel Moderator; Nathan Martin

Panelists:

Ken Allgyer, East Earl, PA

Hoover Building Specialists

Lamar Martin, Lebanon, PA

Automatic Farm Systems

Bernell Martin, Stevens, PA

John F. Martin's Meats

Clyde Martin, Myerstown, PA

Shank Door Company

Developing and influencing people may be your biggest challenge as a manager. This session will give you principles and practices in how to mange people to grow in character and skills at work. What is the responsiblitiy of an exceptional manager? We'll present ideas that can help you develop as a manager and find fulfillment in managing people.

Doug Ramer; Myerstown, PA                                           Operations Manager, Martin Water Conditioning and Martin Appliance

Can we be aesthetically cultured and still reflect Anabaptist values? How do consumers think? What guides them in choosing our services over our competitors? How can we attract a range of clientele, including people who are not just concerned about cost, and people with larger projects, to consider our company?

Howard Horst; Myerstown, PA                                                Owner of Horst Signs & Truck Lettering

We will discuss different methods of marketing, sales, and advertising. What are key marketing principles to guide your strategy? How do you make sales a success? What type of advertising brings the best results?

Ervin Raber; Shipshewana, IN                                               Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture; Amish Church

It is important to understand how business marketing has changed and why it will continue to change. Changes in business make it necessary to market you goods and services. We will discuss salesmanship and marketing versus order-taking. we will also describe different marketing methods and how they work.

Noah L. Yoder; Charm, OH                                                       General Manager, Keim Lumber Company; Member of Charm South Amish Church         

In the rush of daily operations, financial statements are often neglected. By understanding the purpose of basic financial statements, problems can be identified and timely corrective action taken. Comparing trends can indicate increased efficiency or bottom line erosion. Make your financial statements work for you.

Larry Troyer; Sugarcreek, OH                                                   CFO, ProVia Door Inc; Member of Cherry Ridge Amish Church

Delegating is to authorize another to act on your behalf. This session will teach you how to define tasks clearly so that managers understand the goals and the expected results. We will discuss how to give liberty and empower managers to make decisions on their own and how to build trust with them in order to handle responsibility and take ownership of the work.

David G. Martin, Richland, PA                                       President, Dutch-Way Farm Markets; Director, Christian Light Publications; Administrator, Ebenezer Mennonite Bible School

Warren Zimmerman, Lititz, PA                                               Partner, Paul B. Zimmerman Inc.

This session will provide an overview of current economic conditions and related implications for your business. Learn what helped create the economic downturn, where we are at in the cycle, and where the economy appears to be headed. We will then review considerations for successfully managing the financial and banking needs of your enterprise.

Eddie Steiner; Apple Creek, OH                                   President, CSB Bancorp, Inc; Member of Orville Mennonite Church                     

This topic will demonstrate the principles that reveal the effectiveness of becoming clear and focused on your business values. Business values are essential to your spiritual values. Values guide how we do things. Many businessmen never infuse their businesses with their deeper values because they never did the hard work of focusing and clarifying their values.

David Sauder, Mount Joy, PA                                           Partner, Intrinsics, Inc.; Retired as founder and owner of four businesses

Tradesman Conduct in Customer's Home or Office

Issues, problems and challenges tradesmen face. Good and poor behavior defined. Designed for both supervisors and employees.

Panel Moderator; Richard Shank

Panelists:

Jerry Stoltzfus, Honea Path, SC

Quality Cabinets

Delmas Gehman, Lebanon, PA

Earl Weaver Contractors LLC

Jim Weaver, Lebanon, PA

Self-employed floor installer for Weaver's Carpet and Tile

Clair Lapp, Strasburg, PA

Martin Appliance and Water Treatment

What factors should be considered in deciding how much debt is appropriate for your business? How does the current economic environment affect debt decisions? What does Anabaptist Fiancial look for in its loan review process?

Tim Thomas; Pickens, SC                                                  Financial Officer, Anabaptist Financial; Chairman, AF Loans Committee; President, Ophirian Financial Services.

What really is employee compensation? Dollars per hour is most people's first thought! Yes, this is important, but as Christian employers we need to consider more. How do I discern what the hourly compensation should be? Do I reward key employees? Should I assist my employees in a medical sharing plan/Insurance? What about incentive bonuses? How and when should the slowdown in our economy affect compensation? These are a few of the issues which the panel will discuss.

Panel Moderator; Wayne Wengerd

Panelists:

Doug Ramer, Myerstown, PA

Martin's Water Conditioning

Howard Horst, Myerstown, PA

Horst Signs

Dan Schlabach, Apple Creek, OH

Schlabach Engine

Wayne Wengerd, Dalton, OH

Pioneer Equipment

What is your true cost? What is fair? Some things that will be discussed include: Value pricing, doing the math, the competition factor, discounting, cash discounts, and more.

Richard Shank; Hagerstown, MD                                                Director, Anabaptist Financial; Retired as owner of several retail businesses.

What are the core Kingdom values that you want to have incorporated into the everyday practiecs of your business or organization? How do you communicate these to your employees? How can you align core Kingdom values into the everyday practices of your company or organization? How can you measure the incorporation of core Kingdom values in your activities?

Merle Burkholder; Sioux Lookout, ON                                  Secretary, Anabaptist Financial; Chairman, Institute for Global Opportunities; Board of Reference Member, Asawabic Ministries.

Improve your process flow, efficiency, and quality - the ultimate goals of Lean. This presentation will give participants an introductory glance into the key concepts and tools of the Lean and Six Sigma methodology. Participants will discover that not only do these principles work within manufacturing environments, but also in office and service processes.

Dustin Hostetler; Wooster, OH                                  Business Consultant, Rea & Associates, Inc.

Lean concepts do not need to be complicated. Attendees at this workshop will find out how they can implement simple process improvement techniques to make their processes more effective and efficient through fun, hands-on simulation. Workshop #2 will use a hands-on simulation of building airplanes with Lego blocks, going through a series of demonstrations using traditional manufacturing practices. Traditional methods will be contrasted with lean methods (workshop # 3). For those non-manufacturing attendees, we will translate the airplanes into projects, workflow, invoices, etc.... from the office.

Dustin Hostetler; Wooster, OH                                       Business Consultant, Rea & Associates, Inc.

Lean concepts do not need to be complicated. Attendees at this workshop will find out how they can implement simple process improvement techniques to make their processes more effective and efficient through fun, hands-on simulation. Workshop #3 will use a hands-on simulation of building airplanes with Lego, going through a series of demonstrations using lean manufacturing practices. Lean methods wil be contrasted with traditional methods. For those non-manufacturing attendees, we will translate the airplanes into projects, workflow, invoices, etc...from the office.

Dustin Hostetler; Wooster, OH                                           Business Consultant, Rea & Associates, Inc.

Hear testimonials from businesses that have implemented lean principles. They will describe their lean processes and specific changes that made a difference for them. This session will also engage the audience in a question and answer period.

Panelists:

Daniel Wengerd, Dalton, OH

Pioneer Equipment

Levi Hershberger, Berlin, OH

Berlin Gardens

Vince Mullet, Millersburg, OH

Mullet Cabinet

The financial challenge could be yours or it could be your brother's. Where should we turn for help? When? What are the key steps in helping financial recovery? What are the determining factors that point towards necessary liquidation? Does my brother's condition really affect me? Will financial assistance improve or erode our relationship? The panel will attempt to answer these questions and more on a subject that is often just avoided.

Panel Moderator; Larry Troyer

Panelists:

Jonas Miller, Dundee, OH

Biestand

Richard Shank, Hagerstown, MD

AF Advising Adminstrator

Paul A. Miller, Millersburg, OH

Carter Custom Millworks

Marvin Wengerd, Sugarcreek, OH

Carlisle Press

A panel of women will be sharing on how we as wives can be an asset to our husbands who are leaders in the business world in a Biblical way. The purpose is to bring insight and understanding to the unique challenges for women who manage the affairs of home yet partner with our husbands in business. Some of the topics for discussion will include: How can we contribute a feminine perspective in Christian business environment? How can oneness of husband and wife find a partnering application in the business? How do we prioritize family life and business? Come ready to share your ideas as well.

Panel Moderator; Marcella Wengerd

Panelists:

Mary Hostetler, Sugarcreek, OH

Sweetwater Farm

Rhoda Mullet, Sugarcreek, OH

Gospel Shop

Ruth Wile, Winesburg, OH

Amish Country Campsites

Reta Miller, Sugarcreek, OH

Schlabach Printing

Learn what agents look for in audits. We'll discuss audits of IRS, State Unemployment and Sales and Use Tax, including multi-state issues. Eliminate the fear by enhancing your knowledge of the audit procedures and various pitfalls to avoid.

Galen M. Martin; Myerstown, PA                                                39 years as Public Accountant; Managing Partner, Martin Accounting Services; AF Business Advisor; Deacon, Elm Street Mennonite Church.

Being your own boss is not what entrepreneurship is all about. Atlee will tell his story of growing with his businesses and the significant business lessons he learned. He will describe the process of maturing with the demands of business responsibilities. Maturing in business is about using those same business skills to build real value back into our communities.

Atlee Raber; Berlin, OH                                                           Owner, Berlin Gardens Gazebos; Member Old Order Amish Church

Bill Mullet; Sugarcreek, OH                                                                       President/CEO ProVia Door Inc; Bishop, Bethel Fellowship

Minimizing Consequences of Economic Slowdowns

We'll discuss ideas which you can use to survive economic slowdowns. If you don't make changes in the way you manage, the economy will manage you.

Panel moderator; Dennis Martin

Panelists:

Amos Kauffman, Lewisburg, PA

Managing Partner, Yoder Barns

Gerald Bicher, Bethel, PA

Owner, Blue Mountain Chair Shop

Leonard Martin, Myerstown, PA

Owner, East Evergreen Enterprises

John D. Stoltzfus, Leola, PA

Partner, Groffdale Walls

There may come a time when you need to sell your business to someone other than a family member. What is the proper transitioning process leading up to, during and after a sale to both maximize the value you receive and continue the values you held important? Practical, simple, and sensible steps that will help you give value, get value, and maintain your values when you sell your business.

David Bohlander; Wyalusing, PA                                           Owner, Analytics, Inc. (business appraisal); Principal, Intrinsics, Inc. (acquisitions, value strategy and consulting); Formerly a principal in a real estate investment firm.

You are vulnerable to situations you've possibly never considered. We'll discuss surviving many forms of crises by proper planning and preparation. it usually isn't a case of IF it may happen, but more often WHEN it will occur.

Richard E. Shank; Hagerstown, MD                                           Director, Anabaptist Financial; Administrator, AF Business Advising; President & Director, Christian Light Publications, Inc.; Director and advisor of a variety of other businesses. Retired as owner of several other businesses.

Ellis Y. Miller; Apple Creek, OH

Attorney working in Financial Services and Estate Planning, affiliated with The
Hummel Group, Berlin, OH; Member of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church.
 

The Family and Transitional Processes

Changing leadership in a business requires financial planning, tax planning, and family decisions. This panel will tell how several families developed transitional tools and procedures and implemented the process in a timely manner.

Panel moderator; David Sauder

Panelists:

Athur Shirk and Steve Shirk, Richland, PA

Rigidply Rafters

Marvin Weaver, Linn Weaver and Phil Weaver, East Earl, PA

Shady-Maple

The Value of Business Planning for Financing and Management  

Nearly all small businessmen have some sort of a business plan in their head. But to reproduce a business plan from your head unto paper so others can interact with the plan is easier said than done. This panel will discuss the ingredients of a well built business plan and how to utilize such a plan for management and financing purposes. Panelist will offer tips on verifying numbers, marketing assumptions, sales estimates and business strategy.

Panel moderator; Dennis Martin

Panelists:

Allan Mast; Millersburg,OH

President, M&M Construction

Dan Mast; Millersburg,OH

President,Valley View Oak

Larry Troyer; Sugarcreek,OH

CFO, ProVia Door

Monroe Beachy; Sugarcreek,OH

Treasurer, Amish Helping Fund

This presentation will offer very specific tactics that effectively enable the successful transitioning of a family business. David Sauder and David Bohlander will provide a functional and extremely practical roadmap for navigating the difficult path of handling the keys over to the younger generation.

David Bohlander; Wyalusing, PA

Owner,Analytics, Inc., a business appraisal firm; Principal, Intrinsics, Inc., an
acquisitions, value strategy and consulting practice; Member, Old Order River
Brethren, Lancaster District; Formerly a principal in a real estate investment firm.
 

David Sauder; Mount Joy, PA

Partner, Intrinsics, Inc., Bishop, Old Order River Brethren, Lancaster District;
Retired as founder and owner of four businesses.
 

Jesus’ teaching on The Sermon on the Mount clearly calls his followers to seek Him and his Righteousness first.  “Things” are a real extension of the Kingdom but not the center. As joint heirs with Christ, we participate as co-possessors of both the “Kingdom” and the “Things”. This presentation will create a vision of how to give proper stewardship, value, and care to the “Things” ---while nurturing a heart that seeks first the King.

Ben Stoltzfus, Morgantown, PA

Owner, Ben’s Masonry. Board member, Pequea Christian School

Minister, Pequea Amish Mennonite Church

Board member, Terre Hill Mennonite High School

Learn some practical, easy to understand, simple to administrate estate planning strategies that harmonize with Biblical concepts. Not all estate planning techniques promoted today pass the Biblical test. Minimize income taxes, eliminate federal estate taxes and greatly reduce state inheritance taxes by a few simple steps.

Galen M. Martin, Myerstown, PA

AF Advising Committee
38 years as Public Accountant;
Managing Partner of Martin Accounting Services
Deacon, Elm Street Mennonite Church

What is the relational process and timeline in transferring the family business to the next generation? What kind of involvement should the father retain to utilize his experience? What responsibilities can best develop the leadership skills of the next generation? How can father and sons synchronize their skill sets and interest, thereby creating a synergy of business leadership?

Earl Martin, Mohnton, PA

Farming, Pastoral Advisor for Terre Hill Mennonite High;

Chairman of SMBI board

Bishop, Faith Mennonite Fellowship

What every business owner should ask himself early in his business life. David will offer real stories from his own life that illustrates how to wrestle with the big-picture questions that require strategic thinking and planning. Looking into the future must be based on the realism of whom I am and where I’m at today.

David Sauder, Mount Joy, PA

Partner, Intrinsics, Inc.,

Bishop, Old Order River Brethren, Lancaster District

Retired as founder and owner of four businesses

Receive the wisdom of the Anabaptist business community without adding anyone to your staff. Reduce your management burdens. Avoid the pitfalls into which the unwary fall. Learn how others solve the problems which cause so much grief. Ideas for all size businesses.

Richard Shank, Hagerstown, MD

Director, Anabaptist Financial; Chairman,AF Advising

President & Director, Christian Light Publications, USA and Christian Light Publications, Canada

Retired from ownership of several retail businesses

Panel Moderator: Richard Shank.

We will discuss where to find employees. Tips on supervision, training, motivation, and compensation. Ideas for key employee retention. Comments on corrective methods and dismissal.

Panelists:

Jacob King, Narvon, PA

Scenic-Ridge Construction (commercial) - 35 employees

Leverne Herr, Littlestown, PA

Elite Wood Classics (cabinetry) - 20 employees

David G. Martin, Myerstown, PA

Dutch-Way Farm Markets - 400 employees

Dennis Martin, Myerstown, PA

Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning, Classic Furniture - 150 employees

Ernest Martin, East Earl, PA

Goods Stores (4 locations) - 150 employees

Panel Moderator: Richard Shank.

We will discuss where to find employees. Tips on supervision, training, motivation, and compensation. Ideas for key employee retention. Comments on corrective methods and dismissal.

Panelists:

Jacob King, Narvon, PA

Scenic-Ridge Construction (commercial) - 35 employees

Leverne Herr, Littlestown, PA

Elite Wood Classics (cabinetry) - 20 employees

David G. Martin, Myerstown, PA

Dutch-Way Farm Markets - 400 employees

Dennis Martin, Myerstown, PA

Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning, Classic Furniture - 150 employees

Ernest Martin, East Earl, PA

Goods Stores (4 locations) - 150 employees