Dan Porter, Baker’s head of sales & marketing and Ted Fleischer, who manages our facilities and customer quote process share an ongoing challenge. They must find new customers and work that match Baker’s strengths, makes economic sense and builds sustainable partnerships. It’s not easy! The process begins with Dan contacting potential clients, responding to inquiries and identifying solid opportunities. “Customers respond to Baker’s mission,” notes Dan. “But they still need a good price, the job done right and on-time.” Customer requirements are documented, work samples are examined and – if the opportunity looks promising – a quote process is begun.
Ted breaks down the work assignment into component parts, establishing a process and a cost to perform the job. “I draw on my experience at Baker over many years to determine what types of work we’ll handle well, and what jobs aren’t a good fit for us,” says Ted. As a non-profit, Baker’s goal is to cover our costs. There’s a fine line between breaking even and losing money, with fewer resources to support our mission.
Dan & Ted do a terrific job creating opportunities that turn into partnerships. Customers often become supporters – employing Baker participants, bringing volunteers on site and donating to our program. It all starts with finding work that fits!
