Buildings and Companies

Kudos to our local commercial real estate agent for putting together a great set of site tours. We viewed approximately nine properties today. And we were done around noon. Time for lunch and a de-brief.

Having only skimmed the surface of light industrial real estate that exists within Kitchener-Waterloo, I can nevertheless state that we have some fascinating building configurations in these cities. Many spaces have clearly been cobbled together, one addition or adjustment after another, each meant to suit a purpose at the time, but ultimately resulting in a space that seems suited to a few very specific tasks.

Generally, most spaces are not conducive to operation a year-round, indoor golf training and practice facility!

However, we did see four properties that hold some promise. I could mention that addresses, but that wouldn’t exactly help my negotiating position when it comes time to hammer out a lease.

Everything is a compromise. One building is perfect, but the location is not ideal. Another has a slightly better location, but the building is not quite as good. A third is in an ideal location, but the building needs a lot of work. And the fourth, well, there are several issues to work out there, but aspects of the space are amazing.

By the end of the day, I was left wondering if the buildings form a metaphor for the companies that once occupied them. Just as the buildings, in some cases, have been cobbled together, seemingly with no master plan or grand vision, I wonder if business leaders, from time to time, cobble together companies, each adjustment (an acquisition, divestiture, investment, new product line, etc.) making sense at the time, but perhaps lacking a master plan or grand vision.

Companies that dominate their markets know where they’re going. Staff are inevitably united with a sense of purpose and mission. Each adjustment not only makes sense a the time, but also makes sense vis-à-vis a long term plan or direction.

At Parmasters, we know our mission and purpose, and I am confident that we will dominate our market. Better golf. More fun. Guaranteed.