How the Founder of "Akkerman Furniture" Escaped an Operational Stalemate and Rediscovered the Joy of Business
"You come to work and you don't feel the joy you used to"
Many business owners say this, and it’s the exact state Serhii Akkerman, the founder of "Akkerman Mebel," found himself in. His hands-on management style led to small revenue increases but drained his energy. The company relied on the owner's personal strength and presence, which meant it was capped by the limits of his time and attention.
The Starting Point
Serhii was a one-man show: a supplier, accountant, director, and marketer all at once. The business was growing by only 2–5% annually, which didn't keep up with inflation and led to burnout. He hit a wall, and could only break through with immense personal effort. It was at this moment he realized he needed a system to replace hands-on management and allow the company to grow without his constant involvement.
A Personal and Business Transformation
Serhii candidly shared his initial impressions of the Business Booster program: "Joining Business Booster is no pleasure at all. It’s a very big, titanic effort. But when you get a more-than-equal exchange and see the results for yourself, you're very happy to share it."
The training became a turning point, shifting Serhii's focus from being a "universal soldier" to an owner building a management foundation and delegating responsibility. As he later noted, "After the workshop, you and your company will not be the same. First and foremost, you change as an owner."
Over two years, Serhii completely restructured the company's management model:
- He hired an executive director, which freed up half of his time from operational tasks.
- The team grew significantly—from 15 to 28 people, and monthly revenue increased from $33,000 to $55,000.
- The first year after implementing the changes brought a 35% growth and four record-breaking months in revenue. The second year solidified this momentum with a 45% growth and another four record months.
- Profits were actively reinvested, allowing the company to acquire new equipment worth $110,000 and expand its workshop without taking out loans.
The main outcome was a change in the owner's role. Serhii calls this a transition to "Version 2.0." He now has the freedom to travel to an exhibition 5,000 kilometers away and not worry about daily minutiae. The system handles the routine, allowing the owner to focus on strategy and product.
What This Case Demonstrates
This case confirms a simple idea: growth doesn’t come from the owner's personal energy alone. It relies on rules, structure, and management tools. When these are in place, the company grows faster and more stably. The owner gains time and clarity, the team gets clear guidance and areas of responsibility, and the business becomes predictable and scalable. https://go.bbooster.online/l8ht
