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February 1, 2010

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JACQUELYN GERNAEY

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Jeff Ehrlich is the President of Fulfillment Plus.
First job…
My first job was as a paper boy when I was 12. Little did I know then that my first experiences with extending credit, collections, time management, and discretionary spending would stay with me for a lifetime.

I started my own business because…
I was given the opportunity to partner with my father in running his product fulfillment center. Leaving corporate consulting for an independently owned business was a huge decision, but the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. Dedicating my 80-hour work week toward growing and managing a small business seemed more rewarding on so many levels. Now, as President of a thriving company, I know it was a wise choice.

When not at work…
When I am not working or spending time with my wife and 3 children, I enjoy adventure sports like sky diving, skiing, zip lining and car racing – though time for such indulgences is sparse.

My favorite customer story or line …
I was in heated price negotiations with the CEO of a direct marketing company, and he said “pigs get slaughtered!” I have great respect for this man and have always kept this phrase in mind. It encourages me to strive for win-win negotiations rather than just focusing on the bottom line.

My role model…
My father, Howard Ehrlich, is my role model. He was my mentor for 10 years in the business, and although he has been retired for over 5 years, I get great comfort in hearing his opinion and approach to different business problems I am confronted with. He taught me what it meant to own a small business and the enormous benefits that accompany it. I am proud of his accomplishments as a businessman and value his support.

What leadership means to me…
If you work hard in all aspects of your business, foster honest and fair relationships with employees, clients and cohorts, and produce/provide quality products and services, you will maintain a leadership position in your industry.

Best business advice I’ve received …
Never let your attorney or accountant run your business. Running a small business can be overwhelming. In addition to your trade, it is essential that you be knowledgeable about the legal and financial matters that affect your bottom line. Since this information is often cumbersome and time-consuming, it is easy to simply let the experts handle it. I was advised early on to stay well-informed, ask my experts lots of questions, and network/consult with other small business owners to obtain practical advice. This way you can best understand the risks, rewards and consequences of your business decisions.

Worst business advice I’ve received …
"Pre-pay him. I know him." Several years ago I was advised to use a high-priced head hunter to obtain a sales person. He worked on an upfront retainer and a close relative vouched for his effectiveness. Of course, once the large retainer fee was paid, the search proved unsuccessful, and the sales position remained vacant.

If I was to start another business…
I would finance a breakfast “joint” in my town. It would be a place where "regulars" came in daily to read the morning paper and talk about current events. The hours would be 6am to 1pm, and I would be there every day at 5am, since that is the usual time I start my day. Then I would leave around 10am and have the rest of the day with my family. It is very different from life now, but it would be an interesting change.

I’m most proud of…
As the President of a successful family business, I am most proud of having maintained the integrity of the business. I believe that I have continued the legacy of honesty, reliability and dedication to customer service that my father began over 25 years ago.

How OPEN helps my business …
American Express OPEN offers many advantages. Two that I find particularly beneficial are 1) the networking opportunities available with other OPEN members and 2) savings/discounts on business expenses.

What do you think?

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Join the conversation ( 2 )

  • JACQUELYN GERNAEY 2 years 3 months and 18 days ago

    JACQUELYN GERNAEY

    Loved your article

  • JASON MARSH 2 years 4 months and 4 days ago

    JASON MARSH

    No question running a small business brings both tremendous challenges and rewards. Since starting our creative and digital agency--marsh8.com--a year and a half ago, the aspect that probably fits both of those descriptions best is bringing in new business. It's perhaps the single most difficult thing we do. And also the most important (outside of doing outstanding work, of course). But we've quickly learned that in any client or new business negotiation it is essential that both parties walk away from the table feeling as though they've won, and engaged in a relationship that will be worth all the time, money and resources spent on both sides. So when you're client said "pigs get slaughtered!" I can appreciate that.

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