Growing Season for Backyard Products

Precautions put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blow to many businesses. Backyard Landscape Products now Backyard Products has taken this time as an opportunity to rebrand and expand into new markets. Tony and Renae of Backyard Products started working with CU Management Consultant, Marnell Love in January 2020. At that time, they had little in reserves and needed to pay for winter expenses and increase stock.

Tony, Renae and Marnell discussed what they envisioned for the business and finances as well as how to transition their business from a seasonal to a year-round business by expanding the products and services they offered. Together they developed a strategic plan. Then in Mid-March, COVID-19 brought the entire country to a standstill. Their discussions then shifted to keeping the business going during these unprecedented times. Backyard Products applied for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan. They were awarded $3,000 from the EIDL and $13,937 from the PPP.

Instead of waiting to get started on their strategic plan that they developed with Marnell, they charged full steam ahead. Tony and Renae changed the name of their business from Backyard Landscape Products to Backyard Products. They rebranded to reflect their expanded products and services, which now includes outdoor buildings and propane sales. They also plan on adding outdoor furniture and lighting. They updated their website and started focusing on their social media presence featuring products, offering coupons and “Tuesday Tips with Tony.” They hired an independent contractor for deliveries, which has increased sales.

Now they are looking for a second location. Backyard Products has seen a 35% increase in sales as compared to the same time last year as well as almost doubling their sales from buildings for the same time frame. They have paid off their debt from the winter, made payroll and stocked additional inventory. They are continuing to work with Marnell on other aspects of their strategic plan and are excited about the new ways they can grow their business. COVID-19 did not stop Backyard Products because they had a plan and someone they could call on.