New Digs Can Revitalize Your Business

How long have you been operating your business from the same location? For Farmers Insurance agent, Herb Mason, of the south suburbs of Chicago, the answer was 10+ years. Herb recently began considering if his current office space was still appropriate for his needs. When he learned that his current rented space would be changing landlords, he responded to the news by reevaluating his business’ location.

Although he was never blatantly unhappy at his original location, over the years, Herb had found the reality of having an office in an office park a bit challenging. It was off the beaten path and sometimes difficult for customers to find. His preference in location would provide his signage better exposure on a more heavily trafficked thoroughfare. Additionally, the current space was dated and stale which translated to his agency appearing - and feeling - the same. The decision was made: a move was imminent. His search for a new location began in December, 2020.

But where would his agency set up shop anew? The agent took the opportunity to look into investing in a building rather than continuing to rent. Herb says he literally went door to door in desirable business locations asking proprietors if they were interested in selling. There was much to consider in finding an ideal spot. Farmers Insurance, for instance, requires their agents locate no closer than one half mile of one another. Even a location in a busy strip mall next door to, say, an Allstate agent, would prove a little too close for comfort to a competitor. After a couple intensive months of searching, in February, 2021, the Herb Mason Farmers Insurance Agency had found its new home base. It was perfect: a 900 square foot office to house his agency in a building he purchased with another retail space and apartment he could rent out. Perfect location sure, yet there was much to be done before the move could happen.

Fast-forward one year and Herb opened his new office in a neighboring town along a busy street that runs through the middle of town. The workplace is completely refreshed, Herb having procured new furniture and equipment, save his telephone system. He and his three-person team are happy in the downtown neighborhood. The move and the fresh new space represents a complete reset for the business and a new attitude for those working at his agency - including Herb himself.

As happily-ever-after as this account of relocating Herb’s business sounds now on the other side, there are some considerations Herb would like to mention as advice to someone looking to likewise move their business. Among them are:

Assume things will take considerably longer than you think they will. A couple examples of this:

• Rehabbing on the new location began in July, 2021 and the facility was not ready to move into until February, 2022. The contractor cited a heavy schedule and a labor shortage for the slow progress.
• Delivery of the new furniture that was ordered for the office in June took 4-5 months.

Expect things to be more complicated than you think. Although Herb went into the moving process with his eyes wide open, it’s a complex maze of hoops to jump through. He suggests thoroughly researching rules/regulations/ordinances to be followed in order to comply with everyone from your parent company to the federal, state and local governments. Make certain you know who needs to sign off on your new location and that you follow through so that everything goes smoothly with your move. Herb’s new building had to be approved first by Farmers Insurance itself. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that come into play to make a building code-compliant with safety and accessibility regulations prior to habitation. For instance, Herb did need to update the fire system in the building.

Don’t hesitate to seek out the powers-that-be to state your case. Regarding the previous mention of code compliance, Herb was initially concerned. His original understanding was that the bathroom in his new office would need to be updated to reflect ADA (Americans with Disabilities) regulations. First, this would have been a major expense and, secondly, would have cut out a significant portion of office space. In a meeting with the mayor and fire chief of the town, Herb was assured that no such renovation would need to be done so long as the use of the space (as an office) remained the same as that of the last occupant. Furthermore, he learned that so long as renovations didn’t involve tearing out or moving the walls of the current bathroom, it would remain in compliance.

Herb is happy to add there were some happy surprises encountered along the way. He’s enjoying lower utility bills in his new facility, along with lower taxes since the building is being operated as a mixed-use facility.

The Herb Mason Farmers Insurance Agency is open for business and is celebrating a decade of exceptional customer service. They were very clear to point out in their marketing advertisements (sent via USPS on a postcard to grab attention) to new customers concerning the move that they are not a new business but rather a well-established one that is merely moving to a new location. The new location assures established customers that Herb’s not retiring any time soon. Clearly, this move declares that the business is a vital and relevant concern.

Could moving your location revitalize your business?