Strategy & Implementation Summary
Management Summary
Ramon Juarez has been transporting merchandise and personal belongings to and from Michigan to Texas and Mexico as a nonprofit group for the past 14 years. He regularly visits family and friends in Mexico and has gained a good knowledge of driving time, cost, and requirements for transportation of goods. Ramon is a full-time employee as an engineer for Ford Motor Company. It is the intent of the owner to be the key manpower in starting this business. Ramon Juarez will be assisted by one part-time employee.
The complexities and dynamics of international trade are such that Ramon has found it extremely advantageous to obtain the services of a customs broker in order to facilitate the importation of goods. Ramon will also be assisted by Manuel Rodriguez, a U.S. Customs Broker. Mr. Rodriguez's operation transcends Customs, calling for contact with over 40 other government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on meat importation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on vehicle emission standards, or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on product safety. For these reasons, the services of a Customs Broker are highly recommended for Central.
Mr. Rodriguez will act as an agent for Ramon in conducting customs business on his behalf. Mr. Rodriguez will also prepare and file the necessary customs entries, arrange for the payment of duties found due, take steps to the effective release of the goods in customs custody, and represent Ramon in custody matters. Mr. Rodriguez has an excellent understanding of trade requirements and procedures and customs tariff regulations. Furthermore, Mr. Rodriguez will assist Ramon with advice on other transportation options, types of carriers, and shipping routes. Mr. Rodriguez will assist with exchange rates, appraisals, and proper classifications and duties. Mr. Rodriguez is aware of potential problems involving every entry item represented, including cargo handling. This includes all factors affecting appraisement, exchange rates, and many regulations concerning calculation of duties.
Central believes very strongly that relationships should be forthright, work should be structured with enough room for creativity, and pay should commensurate with the amount and quality work completed. No person is better than another except in ability, knowledge, and experience.
Personnel Plan
It is the intent of the owners to operate the business with one full-time employee and one part-time employee. The employees will be proficient in English and Spanish to communicate with Hispanics as well as other ethnic groups. As the business grows, a third employee will be added to conduct sales outside the Livonia area. The personnel plan is included in the following table. It shows the one part-time employee salary for driver/customer service representative and a total of two employees, one being the owner.
| Personnel Plan | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Personnel | |||
| Driver/Customer Service Representative | $6,552 | $6,552 | $6,552 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Payroll | $6,552 | $6,552 | $6,552 |
| Total Headcount | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Payroll Burden | $983 | $983 | $983 |
| Total Payroll Expenditures | $7,535 | $7,535 | $7,535 |
