According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. What’s more, Utah has been credited as the most pro-small business state in America, thanks to our state’s pro-business initiatives and support systems. Each month, the Salt Lake Chamber will highlight a small business in Utah to emphasize its importance in our economy and encourage local support.
Wasatch Container is no ordinary packaging manufacturer, and customers can tell because of three unique words featured on their website: “Please challenge us.”
That’s because for this small business’s president, Jerry Frisch, customer satisfaction is his highest priority. Each design his company makes is completely custom-built for the client’s need, and they take pride in being able to conquer any challenge thrown their way.
“Small businesses like us, in order to survive and thrive, have to have a passion for their customers,” Frisch said. “The reason we have grown at all is because our customers have challenged us, and we’ve taken on those challenges and succeeded.”
Wasatch Container was founded in 1995 and specializes in corrugated shipping boxes, retail boxes, point-of-purchase displays, foam fabrication, and wooden crates. Their tagline? “Always thinking outside the box.”
“We’re a family-style business with big goals,” Frisch said. “We have goals on service, on growth, on innovation, on structure. But the way we treat our customers and vendors is family-style. We take care of our people, and they know we care.”
Frisch believes that small businesses are vital to not only the economy but also the community. He explained that the culture of a small business empowers employees to become innovators and team players.
“Small businesses give opportunities to people who deserve opportunities,” said Frisch. “They hire good people with good attitudes and turn them into powerhouses.”
Another benefit of working with small and local businesses is their maneuverability, Frisch explained, or the ability to adapt quickly to any obstacles or last-minute orders.
“It takes an awful lot to move a cruise ship. But we’re a speedboat, and we maneuver very quickly,” he explained. “Most importantly, we do things based on what our customers want, not what will make us the most money.”
Frisch encouraged other small business owners to find like-minded mentors and communities to exchange advice and encouragement. As a part of the Salt Lake Chamber’s Small Business Committee, he understands the value of networking and thoughtful discussions.
“We don’t have all the answers,” Frisch said, “But together we can learn from each other. That’s the real magic.”
Wasatch Container’s mission is a commitment to innovative design, exceptional customer service, and the best manufacturing practices possible. They serve as a packaging problem solver specializing in protecting and promoting products. Click here to support their small business.
