Like many engineers, Ian Barford is known to be a detailed thinker who solves hard problems.
Working in the atomic sector as a science and technology lead for positioning, navigation and timing, Barford spent almost 20 years helping the nation’s fleet. With a career at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, a doctorate in engineering management, published technical papers to his name, advisory board service and the use of quantum physics to develop naval technology, Barford decided to make a change.
After a year of putting the wheels in motion, Barford started COVA Consulting in June 2019 to build apps for small businesses aimed to help their businesses run more efficiently.
“We can streamline everything from soup to nuts,” Barford said.
The customizable app targeted to service professionals can help with a variety of functions, including operations, sales and marketing, human resources and administration, inventory and equipment management.
In March of 2020 just as the pandemic began, the Virginia Beach resident determined it was time for him to make the switch to full-time business owner.
“I didn’t want to look back and regret not taking this chance,” he said. “COVID was a good catalyst for that; things were shifting and changing.”
Barford said he listened to the ever-present gnawing thought in the back of his mind coupled with fond memories of the three-stoplight town in Ohio where he grew up — a time and place where small businesses were the norm.
“Growing up lower middle class, summers and breaks were filled with manual labor, self discipline, and a lot of sweat,” Barford says on his website. “Landscaping, flooring, cutting glass, office cleaning and painting were tough yet gave me deep respect for small businesses.”
Today, COVA Consulting focuses on those types of service-oriented businesses to find ways to help them save money and function more smoothly.
“We ask them to give us the high-level things they need to know on a daily basis and we will guarantee you get the info you need in under 10 seconds,” he said.
Other apps exist on the market although the majority are industry-specific, he said, adding his app is created to help each business and its individual needs.
Pricing starts at $350 per month and Barford assures more than double return on investment or there is no charge.
Todd Glaser, one of the owners of East Coast Leisure said COVA Consulting has enabled his business to cut down on communication issues by giving customers a look at their product’s status, keep them abreast of service calls with step-by-step photos and provide easy and quick access to a buyer’s guide.
Glaser said Barford is helping the 38-year-old Virginia Beach-based mom and pop store business look at things differently.
“It’s opening our mind to other things we can do … the smoother the process, the better the customer’s experience of the product,” he said.
John Mackay has worked in the pool industry for 42 years and opened Virginia Beach-based Resort Pools and Fences in 2005. Last year, he received a cold call from Barford and quickly realized how much COVA Consulting could help his business’s needs.
Barford built an app for Mackay that includes a comprehensive list of every single customer, a calendar and an automated time clock for his 12 employees complete with a GPS locator.
“That automation in itself has saved us a lot of time and trouble, but certainly has tightened up our payroll,” Mackay said.
With more than 20 clients serviced to date, Barford continues to see his small business grow.
“I’m not on top of the mountain, but I’m climbing and I’m going forward,” he said.
Settled into his new work and able to spend more time with his wife, Kelly, and two sons, Cade, 11, and Noah, 9, Barford is pleased he made the switch. He wants to teach his boys the valuable lessons of hard work and perseverance.
“I’m so happy I get to do what I love — serve small businesses,” Barford said.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
