Fernley & Fernley, located in Philadelphia, has been in business for over 100 years as a successful association management firm.
Fernley & Fernley manages more than 50 associations, including the American Brush Manufacturers Association, the National Welding Supply Association, the Resistance Welder Manufacturers Association and the Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association.
Established by T. James Fernley in 1886, Fernley & Fernley knows the ins and outs of running a family business inside and out—not only because they are a family-owned business, but also because many of the companies that comprise their client associations are family-owned.
They credit their success to their ability to bring the latest ideas and innovations to their clients. Those innovations include the Internet.
They were aware of what was happening in their broader business ecosystem. However, they didn’t notice the winds of change blowing and decide to dig their heels in and work obsolete processes more efficiently. They evolved. They found ways to do business unusually and make it work.
The reason for creating the site was simply to keep abreast of the competition. They worked to develop a fairly basic informational web site that would eventually grow and develop into their current site.
Every aspect of the business is represented on the site, from Publishing, to Event Management, Financial Services and Leadership Development. It stands to reason that a firm like Fernley & Fernley, which offers such a broad variety of professional services, would embrace the Internet as the most effective medium for displaying their varied talents.
We asked Taylor Fernley, president and CEO of Fernley & Fernley, if his current objectives for the web site are the same or different from his initial objectives.
"Years later, Fernley & Fernley has taken several twists and turns with their objectives. We currently use our site to attract both potential new clients and new associates.
We’ve talked about the folly of over-analysis and the idea that the perfect moment for the perfect solution never comes. If your company can think, you’re better off moving on a good plan, as opposed to a perfect plan. Moving toward the ideal solution, a step at a time, with your eyes open can be much better than waiting for every contingency to be covered. Smart organizations can minimize or reduce exposure when they take considered risks.
"Years later, Fernley & Fernley has taken several twists and turns with their objectives. We currently use our site to attract both potential new clients and new associates.
We’ve talked about the folly of over-analysis and the idea that the perfect moment for the perfect solution never comes. If your company can think, you’re better off moving on a good plan, as opposed to a perfect plan. Moving toward the ideal solution, a step at a time, with your eyes open can be much better than waiting for every contingency to be covered. Smart organizations can minimize or reduce exposure when they take considered risks.
