Entrepreneurial Development Center

Kris Koberg used his experience as general manager of J&G Custom Printing and The Cotton Gallery to launch Insync Apparel & Promotions in 1998. In 2003, Insync acquired Sports Image, maker of high school and novelty sportswear sold in retail stores. The companies were combined in a brand new, 15,000-square foot manufacturing facility in Hiawatha, where the latest in screen printing and embroidery advancements and techniques are used to create custom-decorated products and apparel.

When Koberg initially came to the EDC in 2006, his company faced issues resulting from the merger of Insync and Sports Image. "Merging two companies together required us to combine two completely different cultures, staff, and management - which has been very difficult," said Koberg.

Curt Nelson, EDC President and CEO, agrees that merging two companies is not always a straightforward proposition. "In addition to the cultural issues that can come with a merger, they were struggling with sales productivity," said Nelson. "They needed help setting the sales organization structure to better fit their model going forward."

The EDC implemented weekly meetings with Koberg, where new commission and compensation plans were designed to grow with the company. In addition, the EDC worked with Insync to restructure bank relationships - getting the company re-capitalized and poised for growth.

"Curt's perspective and confidence in what we have been doing, and guidance on how to move forward, has given us a solid foundation to work from," said Koberg. "Now we can focus on - and go after - what we need to do to make the company successful. We are forecasting strong double-digit growth trends over the next five years."

Koberg sees the EDC as an "unbelievable resource." He says that most small business owners have to go it alone or pay expensive consultants. "The way that the EDC is set up, it brings a no-nonsense approach on what a business owner needs to work on first, while still keeping the big picture in mind."

Nelson predicts that Insync's growth will bring a new set of challenges. "They will have operations issues because they will be selling more than they have ever sold. As a result, they will need help with things like staffing," said Nelson. "Insync has moved from critical 'stay-alive' needs, to how do we expand and grow needs. They now have a more positive set of problems."

Working with the EDC will help Koberg navigate this growth more easily. "It is uncharted territory for us," said Koberg. "Being able to work with a team that has been there before is comforting. They know the pitfalls - and what speed bumps to plan for and avoid."