Meet Brad Lupien
Employees: 500-999
Region: Southern California
Industry: Educational services
Success with Vistage
- Doubled gross profits
- Grew to 750 employees serving 100 schools
- Extended services to additional states
- Established a social media presence backed by data analytics
“My case studies are not reading about other peoples’ businesses. My case study is my company every time. So, if I had the choice between going to business school at a tier-one research institution or doing Vistage, I would choose Vistage every time.”
– Brad Lupien, Co-Founder and Co-President, arc
Before Vistage
Working as a teacher and social worker in Boston, Brad Lupien found that access to outdoor activities and education could make a difference in the lives of at-risk young people. He saw a lack of quality after-school programs in Southern California and realized he could build a business while fulfilling his passion for helping young people.
In 2001, Brad co-founded arc and began working in diverse communities to provide after-school activities, experiential learning and leadership development events for all ages. However, Brad’s bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in education did not adequately prepare him for the financial and management responsibilities of running a rapidly-growing business. In 2012, he turned to Vistage.
With Vistage
Working with Vistage, Brad went from an entrepreneur to a true leader for his organization. He learned to read financial statements and came to understand that arc was at a new phase in its business lifecycle.
Brad made major shifts based on the ideas about change management that he heard from Vistage speaker Nick Satchell. The company developed strategic and operational plans for marketing and communication, including establishing a strong social media presence and working with data analytics.
Result
By focusing on data-based management and community outreach, arc experienced tremendous growth. Gross profits doubled in his first five years with Vistage and the company grew to around 750 employees serving 100 schools throughout Southern California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside, and has expanded to Memphis, Tennessee.
Brad plans to maintain a proactive stance in growing the business, keeping a close eye on the key performance indicators and leading indicators that tell him whether it’s time to make a change or stay the course.