An entrepreneur and business advisor with over forty years of experience in retail, distribution, and manufacturing in the building products industry. Reid has an extensive background in sales management, business development, finance, and new product development. He is a global business professional who has traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, China, and Taiwan. In this interview, Reid shares his expertise in advising businesses on how to survive and thrive in various economic situations, including the current COVID era. He provides valuable insights into handling financial, employee, manufacturing supplier, and customer issues. Reid also talks about adapting to disruptive trends such as changing interest rates and working remotely. He emphasizes the importance of decision-making and change management for the growth and success of any organization.

What are your areas of expertise?

My background includes being an entrepreneur who has been involved with three startup companies in the building products industry. I have worked in retail, distribution, and manufacturing for over forty years. I have extensive experience in business development, sales management, new product development, and finance. I have traveled globally, including the US, Canada, Mexico, China, and Taiwan for business opportunities.

What's your main motivation for being an advisor?

There are so many areas in business that can lead to success or failure. I would like to help leadership understand how to survive and thrive in all types of economic situations. I can provide insight into what is needed as a startup or a mature organization to grow and go to the next level. I have weathered many economic downturns in my business life and had to completely change my understanding of how to survive, especially during the COVID era.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

I can advise on how to keep your composure during difficult situations with financial, employee, manufacturing suppliers, and customer issues. I can also advise on admitting to yourself that you need help, advice, additional knowledge in certain situations that can significantly hurt or help your company. I can provide insight into how to follow and unfollow (follow your own path) during major economic swings.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

Current interest rate changes have completely changed our recent view of our industry. We must adapt to those changes and leave our company in a position to change paths again whenever the economy changes. It can be done if you plan for those changes. Additionally, employees working from home or from the office can both work well depending on your industry if technology and thought are used in the most efficient way.

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you’ve been involved in as an executive.

Changing executive roles in an organization was a difficult decision, but necessary due to each individual’s talents. Due to those talent differences, it led an organization that was struggling during the COVID pandemic to a successful transition and future unparalleled heights. You must not hesitate if you know that change must happen for the good of your organization.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a knowledgeable and experienced advisor in the building products industry, look no further than Brian Reid. With over four decades of experience in retail, distribution, and manufacturing, Brian has a wealth of knowledge in business development, sales management, new product development, and finance. He has also traveled globally to pursue business opportunities in the US, Canada, Mexico, China, and Taiwan. As an advisor on AdvisoryCloud, Brian can offer unique insights and guidance to help your business grow and succeed. Don't hesitate to reach out to him for advice - his skills and expertise are second to none.