Episode 198: Ledge Lounger's New AUTOGRAPH, ECHO, and LAZE Collections with Chris Anderson
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Episode Summary
Today, we speak with returning guest Christ Anderson, Founder, and CEO of Ledge Lounger.
The company went from concept to five consecutive years on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America and four years on Houston Business Journal's 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Greater Houston.
Chris recounts the many developments that Ledge Lounger underwent (and is currently undergoing) since his last appearance on the podcast, with a particular focus on how he and his team navigated the pandemic.
He speaks on strategies his team has adopted to improve customer transparency over the past couple of turbulent years, which include decreasing lead time and proactive communication. He adds that training a product management team that is prepared for unforeseen changes in the market has been a huge boon for the business.
Chris goes on to share Ledge Lounger’s secret to thriving in the new normal, staying innovative, and maintaining and even continuing to build on customer trust. Last but not least Chris jumps into 3 new lines of products that you do not want to miss!
Topics Discussed
01:03 - Navigating the pandemic and recounting recent successes
04:17 - Moving into a new facility
08:49 - Offering a product that creates great memories
11:18 - Dealing with the supply chain over the past couple of years
13:39 - Improving customer transparency
20:13 - Keeping up with demand
24:46 - Setting standards for dealers
26:55 - Updating Ledge Lounger’s resources
31:27 - Letting pool builders guide the design and installation process for Ledge Lounger
37:49 - Designing the Autograph Collection
42:43 - Echo Collection
43:24 - Laze Pillows
53:24 - Ledge Lounger’s dedication to customer wants and needs
56:01 - Staying on the cutting edge as a company
Key Quotes From Episode
My biggest fear is monotony—not driving forward and innovating. I believe that every business should strive for greatness year after year after year.
You have to create a space for [customers] to be able to communicate with you easily and freely.
It’s better to be prepared for much more than you think you’re going to sell so that you can take advantage of growth, as opposed to being in the opposite position where you can’t keep up with sales.
We know we’re the best. We know we can be the best. But we have to take a step back and always think about how we can be better.