Eric Lofquist and partner Scott Forster had backgrounds in the recycling industry and shared an entrepreneur’s dream of creating something from nothing. In 2007, the pair purchased a defunct oleochemical plant (manufacturing bases for soap and other products from plants and animal fats) and Magnus International Group was born.
Innovation is intertwined into every aspect of Magnus International Group. Lofquist & Forster did not change their industry as much as they created a sub-sector. No other company does what Magnus does, much less in the way they do it. The company repurposes natural waste products into specifically designed products for its customers. Translation – they buy discarded fats, greases, and other waste stream components, then converts these materials products into ingredients for animal feeds, waxes and alternative fuels.
How big is this business? Lofquist and Forster don’t like to talk numbers, but published accounts show Magnus has grown from $2.6 million in sales in 2007 to more than $70-million in 2011.
Magnus’ repurposing goes beyond turning waste materials into useable products, one of the company’s facilities is powered by methane gas from a nearby landfill. As for continuous innovation, at any given time Magnus is testing three to five different products, some that won’t make it past the lab stage. Forster calls it a kitchen filled with the “most unbelievable pots and pans you can imagine.”
Lofquist and Forster built a company that is family business-minded when it comes to culture and big business visionary when it comes to creating sustainable products. Most employees know the two principals and it is not uncommon for either to stop by during the third shift to check on the well being of their associates.
Read: Cleveland.com / Magnus International Group co-founders see huge opportunity in recycling other companies’ waste / May 14, 2013 – https://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/03/magnus.html
Read: Smart Business / Eric Lofquist, founder, co-owner, president and CEO, Magnus International Group / June 30, 2012 – https://www.sbnonline.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=24124
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
