Growing Places Case Analysis

Case Analysis #

The challenge for a responsible business is to find ways to ensure that the rewards it seeks are supported by sensible management of the risks that confront it. In today’s demanding corporate environment where companies battle daily for market share and a competitive edge, risks need to be taken. Whether the investment is in research and development, a highly anticipated global marketing campaign or continuing education of a sector of the companies aging workforce, board of directors and executives need to make difficult decisions in order to grow their company’s bottom line. Based on corporate strategy and sound business plans, innovative companies focus on reducing risk in the pursuit of profits. Such is the case with the prominent childcare company Growing Places which realizes that risks create opportunities but they need to be managed. This ability to successfully implement a balanced risk management system will separate the market leaders from the rest. GP finds itself at a critical crossroad and has some crucial leadership decisions to make.

Growing Places is a successful, ten year old service based on-site childcare company located in the Midwest. Its’ flagship facility in Dublin, Ohio, houses the corporate offices. Founded by current chairman, Evan Breyer, the business has seen a major boost in profits in the last four years after an initial stagnation of growth. In the competitive field of childcare with “high accreditation standards”, GP did not stand out until it made a critical and risky change in corporate strategy. This change was instituted primarily by the current CEO Rob Miranda who was brought on by Mr. Breyer and the board to find fresh and innovative ways to generate profitable growth. His first strategic shift was to differentiate Growing Places from the competition by emphasizing on-site child care for client companies as opposed to stand alone “garden variety facilities” that were commonplace at the time. This one...