Customer Story

Kevin Cavanagh: Bearscat Bakehouse

Bearscat Bakehouse by the numbers

4-12%

Annual sales growth each year since using LivePlan

Store expansions

Background

Bearscat Bakehouse is a homemade doughnut shop located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The business was purchased in 2006 by Kevin Cavanagh, a business instructor and former corporate manager with experience running various businesses. Tired of making decisions for other people's companies, Kevin decided to venture into entrepreneurship. He chose the unusual name "Bearscat" — an old cowboy term for doughnuts — to set his shop apart and create a memorable brand. The bakery offers a variety of creative doughnut flavors and has since expanded to include four locations.

"We can see the growth that we've had and analyze what's working and what's not working as we go."

Kevin Cavanagh

Owner, Bearscat Bakery

Problem

As an experienced businessman transitioning into owning his own company, Kevin knew he needed a comprehensive way to plan and manage his new venture. He wanted a tool that could help him think through all aspects of his business, as he recognized that even experienced entrepreneurs might overlook crucial areas. And as Bearscat Bakehouse grew, Kevin needed a way to keep track of the company's financials, analyze performance, and plan for new projects like opening additional locations or launching new product lines.

Solution

LivePlan provided Kevin with a step-by-step approach to business planning that allowed him to consider all aspects of his enterprise. The software's user-friendly interface made it simple for him to input information and create a thorough business plan. As his business grew, LivePlan's financial tracking features allowed Kevin to monitor sales, compare performance to previous years, and analyze the success of different initiatives. The cloud-based nature of LivePlan also meant that Kevin could access his business information from anywhere, fitting his busy schedule as both a business owner and a college instructor.

Outcome

Using LivePlan, Kevin was able to organize his business ideas effectively each time he expanded Bearscat Bakehouse. The software helped him compile all the necessary documents when he needed financing for growth initiatives. LivePlan enables Kevin to track his business's financial performance on an ongoing basis, comparing current results to previous years and identifying trends. This data-driven approach allows him to make informed decisions about what's working and what isn't in his business. Kevin credits LivePlan with helping him maintain an evolving business plan that has contributed to his success.