Our experience operating six kiosks in Stone Mountain Park has provided extensive experience and insight that will improve our likelihood of success, including customer service, ideal employee profiles, product knowledge, competition, and ideal decorum. In addition, we have key individuals who will be the driving force.

A. Key Corporate Management

There are two individuals who will be the driving force in the start-up and operation of Widgee World's transition from mall kiosks to retail outlets.

• John Doe—John is President and founder. His background includes:

  • Graduate of Central High School, 1996

  • Ownership, management, and operational experience (9 years) in the retail industry

  • Senior Sales Manager for a telecommunications firm; quarterly regional sales awards

  • Store Manager for three years at ABA Retail

  • Developed growth strategy and retail concept, which include an experienced management team to implement expansion

  • Active volunteer in local charitable organizations

• Joe Doe is Chief Financial Officer and Accountant. His background includes:

  • BBA from Central State University

  • Passed the CPA Exam in 1995

  • Staff Accountant for an international accounting firm, 1990–1995

  • Started a CPA practice in 2005 with 600 percent and 150 percent growth in 2006 and 2007 respectively

  • Volunteer, local hospital relief program

B. Personnel

Each location will be staffed with a store manager and 6–10 employees at any one time. The financial assumptions in Section VII (Financial Analysis) detail the compensation and benefits expenses associated with management and staffing.

C. Staffing—Job Descriptions

Well-trained and friendly employees flourishing in an environment of teamwork will be critical to our success. The job descriptions for each position are as follows:

• Store Manager—Responsible for the management of operations, which includes:

  • Managing staff and creating a positive work environment

  • Opening and closing of store

  • Responsible for cash on hand and safe procedures

  • Responsible for store maintenance

  • Responsible for creating positive company exposure and PR

  • Weekly store inventory and payroll

  • Ensure store and merchandise layouts are consistent with optimum traffic flow

• Assistant Store Manager—Responsible for the management of operations, which includes:

  • Managing staff and creating a positive work environment

  • Opening and closing of store

  • Responsible for training of staff

  • Responsible for cash on hand and safe procedures

  • Responsible for creating positive company exposure and PR

  • Responsible for all salesperson activities in absence of the store manager

  • Ensure that all merchandise is replenished and fronted

• Salesperson—Responsible for the following:

  • Consistently excellent customer service and follow up

  • Knowledge of use of all merchandise

  • Accountable for cash control and register drawers

  • Stock merchandise shelves, counters, and displays as needed

D. Office Facilities

At the outset, ownership foresees no reason to establish a corporate headquarters outside of a home office setting. Until such time as that need arises, all activities associated with a headquarters will be conducted at the residence of Mr. John Doe.

E. Store Facilities

1. Interiors

All merchandise will be stocked on shelves in predetermined locations. Shelving units will run in a pattern that optimizes exposure of all merchandise to the customer. Product display units will be implemented for end caps at the end of each aisle. The checkout register will be strategically located near the entrance of the store to adequately serve traffic flow and allow sales staff to observe any potential shoplifting. The floor will be a dark hardwood laminate, consistent with the nature of the merchandise sold. The store's office will be situated at the rear, away from the entrance, enhancing security of the store safe and cash on hand.

2. Exteriors

We intend for the exterior to be very attractive, yet consistent with the nature of the surrounding commercial outlets. Exterior décor will be limited by the policies and codes of the real-estate management firm and local building codes. Exterior signage will be positioned so as to stand out from surrounding retail outlets.

3. Hours of Operation

We will maintain hours of operation that are considered ideal to promote our merchandise. As a contingency, hours of operations will be adjusted according to local foot traffic, observations of surrounding retail outlets, and seasonal events, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

Hours of operation on Friday night and the weekends are established due to the sales trends noted by the National Widget Association.

4. Locations

Widgee World projects the opening of three storefront operations in each of the first three years of operation. All will be located in the greater metropolitan area, and in locations near middle- and upper-income communities and high retail foot traffic. We rely on economic census data to help target the three storefront locations.