Sophia Learning: Organizational Behavior Touchstone 1: Create a SWOT Analysis
SCENARIO: Quenchbliss is a craft soda company based in El Paso, Texas. Craft sodas are more expensive, gourmet sodas, usually from small companies—the soft drink equivalent of “microbrews.” Quenchbliss’s primary business is their sodas, with smaller revenue streams from merchandise. They have an owners group of thirty shareholders but are not yet publicly traded. They have a staff of about 80, most of whom work in the warehouse, distribution, and at a store attached to the warehouse.
All operations are at the same location, from research and development, to promotions and sales, to bottling and distribution. Because it began as a small operation and grew quickly, their organizational structure is flat and organic. “Everybody does a little bit of everything,” their founder and CEO says. Indeed, the CEO herself sometimes takes the register at the store or oversees warehouse operations.
Quenchbliss’s claim to fame is unusual flavors, like “Bacon and Eggs,” and seasonal offerings like “Thanksgiving Turkey.” They have to constantly release new flavors since their target market is focused on these new and unique flavors. In fact, one of the company’s biggest sellers is their subscription box, which comes out four times a year and contains a four-pack of their newest flavors and seasonal favorites. The unusual and constantly changing flavors are also what bring people into the store. Quenchbliss does produce traditional flavors like cola and lemon-lime, which they distribute through restaurants and grocery stores.
These bring in reliable revenue, even if they don’t get the attention on social media of their nontraditional flavors. Several months ago, Quenchbliss went international by opening a distribution center in Juarez, Mexico. This market has little competition for craft soda, so their products have become popular. They’ve done so well, in fact, Quenchbliss is considering expanding into other international markets such as Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Kingston, Jamaica.
However, since they have spent time, money, and