A Letter to our Shareholders
To the stakeholders of the operations of the family of businesses managed by Grant Coultrup
Coultrup Designs, a business management firm, passed milestones in the year 2023. Notable among these were 1) proved execution of UAV operations, 2) consistent production of content for the YouTube channel and the “granté” brand, and 3) significant growth in the physical space and inclusion of others in production capability.
Principles
Coultrup Designs exists to provide legal structure and business management to a group of organizations. In this way, success is measured by the level of success experienced by those client organizations. This oversight/management has developed and become much more systematized through 2023.
While strategy varies from business to business, principles and visions stand over all moves. Contributions to the vision come from many of the audiobooks produces as well as other literature. A sum-up of the wide, evolutionary vision can be reviewed in The Great Migrations of the 21st Century.
Documentation and feedback loops continue to be at the heart of all developmental activities. Notably The Vlog, wherein Grant shares thoughts on projects and insight into personal growth. We also continue to invest in systems which assess the practicality in implementing new systems and processes.
“It’s always better with people” is a quiet which Grant has stood by since the beginning and works to optimize the human element of any operation. A useful note, however, is that having the right people is important. Keeping producers and developers involved rather than complainants and pessimists is certainly a key part of the business strategies. A-players love working with other A-players.
Organizational Report
An overview of organizations currently under management:
AMPEL, Inc: this organization, the Additive Manufacturing Prototyping and Experimentation Laboratory, facilitates the development and application of fabrication technology as well as product design in CAD. While additive manufacturing via 3D printing was the initial method of fabrication, it is o longer the sole practice.
Grant Coultrup Productions LLC: This organizations facilities the vast majority of activities involving content creation and publication. Chief among these are activities involving sUAS systems. Grant holds federal licensure and maintains production insurance for operation of this asset to capture UHD video and detailed topographical data for clients.
The YouTube channel also falls under the umbrella of GC Productions, as does related publications in other channels like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Twentynineteen Clothing: this organizations facilitates the production of clothing merchandise and some media content. Twentynineteen also serves as the holding entity for wardrobe and other effects used by Grant Coultrup Productions.
Griffin Enterprises: this organization is operated in partnership with another agent and facilitates activities including media production, enterprise development, and product design. This organization holds a stake in another sub-entity Fabricated System Models.
Overview of orgoanizations currently under advising.
Netrendity Holdings: this consortium facilitates the production of live media and precision data for sporting events. Netrendity holds a minority stake in Grant Coultrup Productions LLC and is one of the primary broadcast clients.
Fabricated System Models: this organization facilitates product development and sale of intellectual property.
While Coultrup Designs is involved with projects across an increasingly diverse scope of product offerings, it must be stated that a danger exists of too much breadth. Well managed, this great diversity provides unique experiences and powerful perspective. Poorly managed, this breadth threatens the effectiveness and mental health of this organization’s officers.
In 2023 the organization had the stated goals of achieving the following, and with respective results:
To utilize feedback loops in strengthening the product across all brands.
The utilization was done OK, but the techniques of feedback loops were perfected.
To enhance communication between officers, actors, and clients in all brands.
Communication was invested in, with meetings set consistently and internal channels established.
As businesses grow, ensure that their structure is legitimate, optimized, and transparent to auditors.
Structure was invested in and defined to great effect.
To continue building relationships and involving qualified partners.
These were invested in to great effect.
In 2024, the organization looks to build on these and previous goals to achieve the following:
To develop a routine of video production capability and schedule of shows.
To recruit and develop personnel into not only fine producers but fine people.
To develop the Twentynineteen Clothing brand with at least one seasonal line.
To optimize cash flows such that distributed equity may be re-purchased and dividends may be distributed.
Revisiting Mindset
In growth of the family of organizations, several mentalities are core to success. A few of the most important are again listed here:
“It’s always better with people”. Mentioned briefly above, the development of a great community is central to the success of any organization. Involving qualified people, the right people, is paramount to the mission.
“Action is everything”. This mindset was expressed in the previous shareholders’ letters and remains key to operations. The stagnation or apathy seen among peers is strictly frowned upon here. Action is everything.
“It’s not your money, it’s just your turn to spend it.” This is a philosophy which Grant brings to his business management style, with a result of high cash flow throughout all organizations. This philosophy is rightly followed up with action, such that cash is consistently put to good use.
Conclusion
Above all we must thank those who have supported the organization in any way whether monetarily, intellectually, or motivationally. This organization is built on the concept of “we” and “us”, rather than “I” or “me”.
Sincerely,
Grant Coultrup
CEO, Coultrup Designs
January 6, 2024.
