Cover Story
Why one modern student of business wants to spruce up an old-world industry
Dan Miller is building Mulberrys Garment Care, a toxin-free dry cleaning business, not only to be the type of place where he wanted to bring his clothes when he was wearing suits for management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. He also believes he can transform the industry in the same way that Starbucks transformed the cup of coffee - especially if he can attract venture capital to invest in new technology. This student of business said he learned hard lessons when he decided to strike out on his own. Continue reading →
Letter From the Editor
Ready to grow?
Upsize magazine is excited to roll out the Upsize Growth Challenge 2012, presented by Winthrop & Weinstine, in which two winning business owners receive advice from experts about reaching their business goals, and coverage of their efforts in two editions of the magazine. Continue reading →
Business Builders
Five measures help smaller companies stop the fraudsters
As a business owner, manager or investor, you may be aware of fraud as a significant threat to organizations with fewer than 100 employees.
What you may not know is that the median loss for smaller organizations is estimated at $150,000, as identified by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 2010 Report to the Nations. Continue reading →
How to tell if your new hire has the ‘it’ factor
It's called "cultural fit," and more and more employers today are interested in whether job candidates have it.
The thinking goes like this: If companies can identify professionals most likely to blend easily into the prevailing corporate culture, they can minimize costly hiring mistakes that could undermine workforce productivity and morale. Continue reading →
Small Business Globalization
The year was 1986. One does not walk into Asia, particularly China, with any real idea what it will take to succeed in business. It would take many trips, over several years, and a good deal of pain, to reach a feeling of accomplishment for my company. There is much to learn. Continue reading →
Beware of suitors bearing gifts of high offers
Imagine you are a company owner, with, say, $10 million in annual revenue. You started it 30 years ago; you persevered through lean times, built a loyal staff and a satisfied customer base. Your hard work and risk-taking have paid off and you're now turning a decent profit. Continue reading →
Plan ahead to comply with hot-button tax issues this year
Everyone is looking for more income, including Uncle Sam. In each budget cycle since 2003, the Minnesota Legislature has included money to hire additional auditors and has assigned collections targets for those auditors. In 2011, these additional audit compliance efforts in Minnesota provided the state with $12.5 million beyond its expected target of $26.8 million. Continue reading →
