A Private Man: Dan Huish

While many successful leaders in the business world live very public lives, Dan Huish, former CEO of Huish Detergents, Inc., prefers to lead his life in the most private way he knows how. This takes form in multiple ways. Dan Huish does not have a Facebook, and nor is he active on any other social networking sites. Because confidentiality is very important to him, Dan Huish prefers to live and travel modestly to avoid drawing attention to himself. Dan Huish also avoids personal publicity whenever possible, choosing to focus any and all public appearances on the dealings of his business, rather than on his personal comings and goings.

Why this particular outlook on publicity? Dan Huish believes that while he may be notable for his business success (he was, after all, featured in Private Label’s Hall of Fame, and was recognized as one of Costco Wholesale’s top vendors), he is simply a hard-working man who managed to carve out success in a number of industries in spite of his humble beginnings. Moreover, Dan Huish doesn’t want to be put in the spotlight when it has really been the success of his companies that has earned him a name in the industrial ledger. Without his dedicated employees and loyal clients, Dan Huish could never have made it to where he is now.

Rather than be lauded for his successes, Dan Huish would rather spend his time either continuing to improve his businesses, or enjoying time with his family. Like any other working professional, Dan Huish likes to be able to draw a line between work and home life, and being a public figure would very much blur that line. In fact, Dan Huish doesn’t even like talking about his professional accomplishments! Dan Huish would much prefer to be considered as a regular family man than be regarded as a highly successful CEO and business owner.

Dan Huish: Why Choose Vertical Integration

From 1985 to 2007, Dan Huish was the CEO of Huish Detergents, Inc. During this time, Dan Huish turned his business into the first true detergent company to tie full vertical integration into all of its manufacturing processes. This included everything from the creation of a new palm-oil based, biodegradable surfactant from in-house label and box printing and bottle and cap manufacturing, and this unique take on detergent production earned Dan Huish significant recognition for his innovative methods. So why might manufacturing businesses seek to pursue vertical integration? Dan Huish provides a few reasons below.

More control over end product. Perhaps the most attractive benefit of vertical integration, businesses who chose this model have more control over the quality of their end product. Because Dan Huish’s company did everything in-house, Huish Detergent’s eyes could be on the product from start to finish. 

Lower cost. Because products do not go through multiple stages of transaction from one producer to the next, production costs can stay lower, requiring a mid-stage business to spend less on products that they would then modify. Dan Huish notes that these savings can then be passed onto the customer or client, who may be more likely to choose a lower-priced product over a competitor’s higher priced alternative. 

Synchronization of supply and demand. When all aspects of a product are produced in house, there is a smaller likelihood of disruption due to lack of supply due to one component, or of oversupply of another. This synchronization of supply and demand at the production level, according to Dan Huish, leads to greater efficiency and better allocation of resources along the entire production line. Similarly, companies are under less risk of a supplier discontinuing a product, being purchased by another company, changing prices, or any other interruption of business as usual.

When to Sell a Business with Dan Huish

When it comes to business, most entrepreneurs are more focused on growing and expanding than thinking about selling. Dan Huish is very skilled, however, in both aspects of business. From 1985 to 2007, Dan Huish spent twenty-two years nurturing Huish Detergents, Inc, from a fledgling business to a company that brought in earnings of over a billion dollars each year and operated a large corporate office and four manufacturing plants in four states. Dan Huish sold Huish Detergents to a private capital company in 2007. So when should you consider selling a business? Dan Huish offers the following advice.

When it’s time to move on. Businesses can be much like children, in that you spend decades helping them to be the best that they can be, and then you encourage them to leave the nest. Dan Huish spent over twenty years as the CEO of Huish Detergents, making considerable innovations in the industry and gaining much recognition for his work. But eventually, Dan Huish wanted to pursue other interests.

When you get an offer you can’t refuse. Occasionally, business owners may be approached with a proposal for an acquisition, merger, or sale, with a purchase price that is simply too good to pass up. While Dan Huish certainly recommends giving it a considerable amount of thought - after all, you have put a large amount of effort into your business, and you may not be ready to give it up - these types of offers are worth taking into account.

When it’s time to cut your losses. Unfortunately, businesses sometimes fail. Rather than folding entirely, Dan Huish recommends seeking a sale instead. If you can find an interested buyer, you may be able to recoup some of your losses, rather than simply eating the cost of everything you invested. And additionally, selling in this case means that you get to watch your business live on.

Dan Huish Enjoys Spending Time in Utah and Wyoming

Although he has lived and worked elsewhere, Dan Huish calls the Western United States home. Having run two businesses out of Salt Lake City, Utah (Huish Detergents and Huish Outdoors) and one out of Pinedale, WY (Wapika Ranch), Dan Huish has extensively enjoyed his time spent in these two states. Here’s why.

More relaxed pace. While many business leaders gravitate towards big cities like New York and Los Angeles, Dan Huish has found that the more laid-back atmosphere of the West has given him a unique perspective on both business and everyday life. Dan Huish thinks that while larger cities do offer significant drive towards innovation and constantly being on the move, smaller cities and rural towns have offered him the opportunity to see things with long-term vision.

Outdoor scenery. The natural wonder of the American West is unlike anything that can be seen in the rest of the country. From the soaring mountains of the Wasatch Range surrounding Salt Lake City to the rolling grassy hills of Wyoming, Dan Huish is thankful for the opportunity to spend time surrounded by land that has been less obviously touched by industrialization. The local geography has also encouraged Dan Huish to spend more time enjoying outdoor recreation.

Diverse opportunities. Utah and Wyoming may not be the most metropolitan of areas, but both states have offered Dan Huish multiple opportunities to branch out into areas of business that he might not have otherwise pursued. The outdoor-recreation focused culture of Utah (home to some of the country’s most popular skiing and hiking destination) encouraged Dan Huish to found Huish Outdoors. Likewise, spending time in Wyoming resulted in Dan Huish purchasing Wapika Ranch and starting a cattle ranching business. Beyond business, both of these states offer residents and visitors a considerable amount of options for recreationand leisure.

Dan Huish: How to Get Involved with Philanthropy

Dan Huish, the former CEO of Huish Detergents, Inc, and the current owner of Huish Outdoors and Wapika Ranch, is deeply invested in helping those in need. One of the ways in which Dan Huish supports philanthropic efforts is by supporting causes and organizations that need the help of donors to continue making positive changes in the world. For those who want to become more involved in charitable giving but don’t know where to start, Dan Huish offers the following tips.

Do Your Research. There are countless causes out there deserving of financial help. In just the past few years, Dan Huish has worked with organizations to improve the lives of veterans and soldiers wounded in the line of duty, ensure that children can access medical care, and find safe and loving homes for pets who have been abandoned and mistreated, among others. Dan Huish recommends thoroughly researching organizations to best understand their needs, and suggests that donors not limit themselves to just one area.

Use Your Business. While individual donors may not be able to make a sizeable contribution on their own, businesses often can. If you own a business, Dan Huish recommends budgeting in a certain amount for yearly contributions. Alternately, offer incentives for employees who pledge a percentage of their paycheck towards charity, or who donate a certain number of volunteer hours each month. Dan Huish reminds business owners that charitable donations often come with free advertisement.

Don’t Forget Receipts. Giving to charity is certainly a noble cause all on its own, and individuals should need no other incentive. That said, Dan Huish understands that tax incentives can help to push both individuals and businesses to make additional donations. Whenever you make a financial contribution, don’t forget to obtain a record of it so that you can deduct your donations come tax time.