Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Goad.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started the business in September 1986 with my former business partner Jack Flahive, who has since retired. We worked well together, his focus was on the marketing and sales and mine was on operations and financials. We originally worked for the same nation-wide inventory company prior to ’86, where we both realized that there was a market for a more personal business relationship that customers could only get with a smaller business model while still maintaining all the quality, accuracy and dependability that SIS Inventory has since become known for. As we approached the end of the 1st year in business together, mostly through word of mouth, we had established a growing customer base.
The expansion of the company has always seen steady growth. SIS Inventory services several states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida.
Over the years I have acquired several small inventory companies which not only expanded the business but came with some very valuable employees. Just last year my latest acquisition has been that of a 40+ year old inventory company which had a customer base that blended in very well with SIS Inventory’s current customer base. I’ve also branched off into “Wholesale Distribution Sales” supplying some basic essentials to “C-stores”, gas stations and the like. I’ve not only seen triple growth increase in product sales since managing the route but it also gives the inventory client a chance to purchase product at a more competitive price than traditional suppliers. Today the SIS Inventory website captures leads which allows the business to reach beyond that base.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle for the business has not always been out in the field where the physical inventory takes place, but what happens internally at the office. The forever evolving, forever changing world of technology and its demands to keep software programs and equipment current is always present, but having a great Office/IT staff helps things run smoothly both at the office and out in the field.
Please tell us about Specialized Inventory Service Inc..
SIS Inventory is a full-service retail inventory company. Product items are either counted by a department breakdown or by a scanned audit, Manual counts of inventory on a regular basis can help small businesses keep an eye on their bottom line which can significantly impact profits and growth if not identified and controlled on a regular basis. Customers choose to have an inventory service preform an audit for several different reasons, which can include but not limited to: theft, product control, internal bookkeeping, loss prevention and damage control. Part of SIS Inventory’s success is due to the long tenure of the employees. Customers like to see familiar faces instead of revolving door/seasonal help, it assures them of a great inventory experience which sets us apart from mainstream inventory companies. My brother Jason who is 14 years my junior has 27 years’ experience with the company and my son Ryan, who joined the company as a part-timer during his teenage years has now come aboard full-time, so I’m very hopeful that with their youth and experience they can continue to lead the company into the next generation. The company also has a celebrity among it. Recently while working in a Florida C-store my employee Glenn was filmed counting inventory. The clip was uploaded to “You-Tube” where he was trending #1 with over 3m views. He has since been dubbed “The Amazing Data Guy” and was actually featured on the “Today” show Sunday edition.
Overall, I’m very proud of the customer retention. Maintaining a healthy 30-year relationship both professional and personal. SIS Inventory’s continued success will be dependent upon meeting the current and future needs of our customers on that consistent but personal basis.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up on the far south-side of Chicago in a small town called Hegewisch. My fondest memories of growing up are found there. I attended Henry Clay Elementary School through the 8th grade.
Believe it or not, I met my wife Carey of 30 years there and 3 of my employees also attended that elementary school. In the 7th grade I joined the basketball team where I learned that teamwork, perseverance and hard work does truly pay off. The desire to compete carried over into adulthood and eventually into my business perspective. I’ve never been the type to be satisfied with the status quo. My goal has always been to better my company, my employees and myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9711 Valparaiso Dr. Unit C
- Website: www.sisinventory.net
- Phone: 800-228-3928
- Email: bgoad@sisinventory.net
- Facebook: Specialized Inventory Service Inc
Image Credit:
Jack Flahive
Carey Goad
Fred Glinowiecki
Jason Goad
Glenn Wilson
Jenna Burian
Ryan Goad
Othel Terry
Donna Adkins
Grace Kane
Sharon Ferguson
Ken Short
Bart Flahive
Lenny Flahive
Tom Wainscott
Kim Galbraith
Chuck Goss
and the late Mike Rutledge
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
