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BJ Reedy was coming off a two-day, 30-hour shift, after a recent snow storm in the area when he stopped in at the SCORE offices to meet with his mentor. But, as the principle and owner of RDS Paving & Sealcoating, he is accustomed to the trials of a seasonal business that pivots during the winter to care for customer cold weather needs. His family-owned company was established in 1970, and now enjoys a reputation as a proven leader in pavement management, construction, and preventative maintenance throughout Central Pennsylvania.

BJ Reedy is an example of a SCORE Lancaster – Lebanon client that is not a start-up, but an established, successful business, that seeks the support and guidance of a mentor for tackling issues, and gaining expert feedback. He has been working closely with SCORE mentor, Hugh McMaster since the beginning of 2016.

“As a small business owner we have many tasks and there isn't enough time in a day to complete them all.  This can be very overwhelming.  Hugh, my SCORE mentor, has helped me to prioritize, organize and break tasks down into smaller tasks to accomplish things more efficient and effectively.  I also greatly appreciate the wealth of knowledge Hugh brings to the table. There are many business concepts and practices he has suggested I learn more about and possibly implement into our business.”

• BJ Reedy, President/Owner, RDS Paving & Sealcoating

One of the first areas that Hugh and BJ targeted was the critical issue of Human Resources. Asphalt seal coating and line painting is a seasonal business, with a high percentage of employee turnover.  Attracting, selecting, training, and assimilating a large number of new employees is a never-ending task and a critical skill.  Handbooks, training manuals, etc. are vital for new employees to get up to speed quickly. They also looked at the culture of the RDS Paving & Sealcoating workplace, and the profile of the best candidates to fit that culture. Over time they have also examined the importance of reliable monthly P & L and Cash Flow reports to properly manage the enterprise. 

“Probably the most important aspect of working with BJ was a pretty regular meeting just to chat.  It was an opportunity to talk to someone outside the business that could brainstorm and make some suggestions and offer hope, encouragement, and optimism.  Over the course of 12 -15 meetings, I ended up with a new friend that I would never have met other than through SCORE.”

• Hugh McMaster, SCORE Lancaster – Lebanon Mentor

Besides developing a strong working relationship with a SCORE mentor, BJ Reedy has taken advantage of Workshops & Events sponsored regularly by SCORE Lancaster Lebanon. SCORE   Business Roundtables engage members with discussions about business issues and challenges, best practices, and networking opportunities. BJ is a regular member of the Elizabethtown Chamber Roundtable (held on the third Thursday of every month), and the Contractors Roundtable (held on the 4th Tuesday; even numbered months).

“The SCORE Roundtable meetings are a great tool for any professional.  It is a great opportunity to learn from and share successes, mistakes and learning experiences of other professionals and business owners. It is very valuable getting honest feedback from other business people outside of your own business network.  I appreciate the education, feedback, and relationships that I have formed as a result of the Roundtable meetings.”

• BJ Reedy, President/Owner, RDS Paving & Sealcoating

Whether launching a new business or tackling issues in an existing one, SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon has over 60 volunteer mentors to provide expert advice and feedback through our free, confidential, face-to-face mentoring program and workshops. To find a Mentor, or learn more about our Workshops & Roundtables go to: www.lancaster.score.org