The Ops Talk Podcast: Transforming Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
Welcome to the Ops Talk podcast, where we explore the intersection of operations, technology, and business excellence with highly accomplished owners and operators. Today, we delve into the world of sustainable chemical manufacturing with James Kitchen, the innovative president of Environize. He is revolutionizing the industry with environmentally safe solutions.
Introduction to Environize
Tom: Welcome to Ops Talk. Here, we interview highly accomplished operators and owners across diverse industries. I'm Tom, and let me introduce you to my co-host, Sahand.
Sahand: Thanks, Tom. Hey everyone, Sahand here. Today, we have James Kitchen with us. He is the president of Environize, a manufacturer of environmentally friendly household chemical solutions like detergents and cleaners. We're super excited to have you, James. Please, introduce yourself and tell us a bit about the history of Environize and how you took over.
James: Sure. I appreciate the kind introduction. I look forward to discussing how I came into the business and where we’re taking Environize and our sister company going forward. To give you some context, my background is in capital markets. I worked for the TSX for several years before transitioning into consulting, focusing on lower mid-market M&A. My career involved working across various industries, including tech, natural resources, and traditional manufacturing, and I had opportunities to work throughout South America and Europe.
Transitioning into Environize
James: I started at Environize during the pandemic, stepping in to support sales and eventually taking over as president. Environize began as a family friend's chemical company, which was incubated alongside a sister company in the food service and retail space. When COVID-19 hit, our chemical solutions became essential, leading to my involvement and eventual leadership of the company.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tom: What was it like to transition from a high-finance world to leading a manufacturing company?
James: Running a business is not very different from acting as an advisor or consultant. It's all about relationship building and selling. We applied our advisory experiences to the operational side, stepping in as acting CFOs or COOs where needed. The key is recognizing the gaps in small to medium-sized businesses and filling those gaps efficiently.
The Impact of COVID-19
Sahand: How did COVID-19 impact your business, and what strategic decisions did you make during that time?
James: The pandemic brought numerous challenges, particularly in supply chain and labor force management. We ran our warehouse and production facility 24/7 to meet the demand for our products. The decision to onshore production and minimize dependency on offshore supplies was crucial. Environize was designed to be self-sufficient, sourcing all inputs within 150 kilometers of our facility in London, Ontario.
Sustainable Practices
Sahand: Tell us more about Environize’s focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly products.
James: We produce hypochlorous acid, an effective and environmentally safe disinfectant made from salt, water, and electricity. Our investment in technology ensures the highest grade of our product. Hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by our bodies to fight infection, and it has been used as an antiseptic since World War I. Our products are biodegradable, have no residual impact on the environment, and are safe for frequent use.
Leveraging Technology
Tom: How are you leveraging technology to enhance your business operations and sales?
James: We’ve made significant investments in modernizing our production systems and improving efficiency. On the sales side, we’ve embraced e-commerce platforms like Amazon to reach a broader audience. We partnered with experts in e-commerce strategies to optimize our online presence. Additionally, we’re exploring AI and CRM systems to expand our sales funnel and improve customer engagement.
Future Prospects
Sahand: What do you see as the challenges and opportunities in North American manufacturing post-COVID-19?
James: The primary challenges include higher labor, input, and technology costs, as well as increased competition. However, these also present opportunities for businesses like ours to become more efficient and competitive. We have not issued a price increase in over a year and a half because our costs have come down due to improved production processes. This positions us favorably against larger competitors who face higher overheads.
Conclusion
Tom: James, it’s been a pleasure discussing these topics with you. How can our listeners connect with you and help support Environize?
James: We run a lean organization focused on making and selling products efficiently. We welcome partnerships to expand into new territories or industries. Leveraging technology for sales and outreach is also crucial. Any assistance in these areas would be greatly appreciated.
Sahand: Thank you, James. It's been a fantastic conversation.
James: Thank you both. I appreciate the opportunity.
For more insights into sustainable chemical manufacturing and innovative business practices, follow Environize on their social media platforms and explore their range of environmentally friendly products. Stay tuned for more episodes of Ops Talk, where we continue to explore the intersection of operations, technology, and business excellence.