How CopperCove Marine Supplies Mapped Out Growth with a Strategy & Planning Freelancer from ZapMyWork

Rethinking the Future: CopperCove Marine Supplies Gets Strategic

CopperCove Marine Supplies, a small but steadily growing provider of marine gear and accessories, had carved out a solid reputation along the East Coast for more than a decade. Founded by a father-son duo with a deep love for boating and a knack for sourcing quality equipment, the company had grown from a modest garage-based operation into a respected name among recreational sailors, fishing charter crews, and dockside vendors.

They didn’t rely on flashy marketing or complex analytics. Instead, they built the business the old-fashioned way—through dependable products, fair pricing, and word-of-mouth. Customers appreciated the simplicity. Orders were filled on time, questions got answered by real people, and returns were rare. It worked. For years, that model helped them grow steadily, even modestly, without needing to change much.

But as online retailers flooded the market with bargain-basement pricing and faster shipping models, the landscape began to shift. More competitors were popping up, often backed by investor money and digital strategies that CopperCove just didn’t have in place. At the same time, their product catalog had ballooned—partly in response to customer requests, and partly from the pressure to keep up with other brands. With more inventory came more complexity, and soon the once straightforward operation started to feel a bit chaotic.

They had a growing team, growing costs, and a growing number of decisions to make every week. And without a clear framework to guide those decisions, things started slipping through the cracks.

The Turning Point: “Where Are We Headed?”

By the time Q4 rolled around last year, the leadership team—still made up of family members and a few long-time staff—were feeling the weight. Their warehouse was bursting at the seams with gear that wasn’t moving as quickly as expected. Sales were still coming in, but margins were slimmer than ever, and some of their longtime customers had started asking why certain products were out of stock or suddenly backordered.

That’s when the big question came up during a weekly team meeting: “Where are we actually going with all this?”

No one had a confident answer. The team knew they had a strong foundation, but it was clear they couldn’t keep operating on gut instinct alone. They needed more than just short-term fixes—they needed direction. A way to stop reacting and start planning.

But they also knew their limitations. Hiring a full-time strategist or bringing on a traditional consulting firm just didn’t make sense for a business their size. What they needed was someone who could step in, assess their situation with fresh eyes, and offer clear, actionable insight without the corporate overhead.

That’s when they turned to ZapMyWork.

After exploring the platform, they realized they didn’t have to tackle this on their own. There were freelancers with real experience in strategy and planning—people who had helped businesses like theirs navigate similar growing pains. Within days, they connected with someone who not only understood the retail and product landscape, but who could also translate big-picture thinking into practical next steps.

It was a game changer.

What They Needed Help With

CopperCove wasn’t interested in downloading a generic business plan template or getting a slick PowerPoint presentation filled with buzzwords. They knew their business too well for that. What they needed was someone who could roll up their sleeves, understand how things were actually running behind the scenes, and give honest, data-backed guidance on how to move forward.

At this point, they didn’t need a dramatic overhaul. What they were after was clarity—the kind of insight that would help them stop second-guessing every decision and start acting with more confidence.

The freelancer they connected with through ZapMyWork didn’t just show up with a framework. They spent time asking the right questions, reviewing past sales data, speaking with team leads, and getting to know the rhythms of the business. Together, they narrowed the focus to a few key areas that needed immediate attention:

Which Markets Are Worth the Effort—and Which Ones Aren’t?

Over the years, CopperCove had expanded into multiple coastal regions, some with strong sales and loyal repeat customers, and others that, frankly, just didn’t convert. The strategist helped them take a hard look at the numbers.

They noticed patterns—regions where customer acquisition costs were high but the lifetime value of those customers wasn’t keeping pace. Others, like a few overlooked inland lake communities, were buying in bulk with fewer returns and better word-of-mouth referrals.

What they did next:

• Pulled back on underperforming ad spend in weaker regions

• Reallocated resources to support better-performing markets

• Created targeted promotions for areas with growing demand

Which Products Should Stay—and Which Ones Are Just Taking Up Shelf Space?

With over 300 SKUs in their inventory, not everything was pulling its weight. Some items sold well but had razor-thin margins. Others hadn’t moved in months, even after discounts. And a few legacy products were being kept around out of sentiment, not strategy.

Together with the freelancer, they built a product matrix to categorize items by profitability, popularity, and turnover rate. It was eye-opening.

Steps they took:

• Phased out low-margin, low-volume products

• Consolidated similar SKUs that created confusion for buyers

• Doubled inventory on top sellers to avoid frequent stockouts

They didn’t lose customers—they gained trust. By simplifying the catalog, buyers had an easier time finding what they needed, and the team could focus on what truly mattered.

What Should Our Supply Chain Look Like in Two Years?

One of CopperCove’s strengths had also become a source of risk: they relied heavily on a handful of suppliers, some of which had recently increased lead times or minimum order quantities. That bottleneck created tension in their fulfillment timelines and limited their ability to respond to demand shifts.

The freelancer helped them develop a supply chain risk assessment and a phased improvement plan.

Key takeaways:

• Identified alternative suppliers for high-risk product categories

• Negotiated better terms with current vendors using order history data

• Started tracking supplier performance on key metrics: delivery time, defect rate, responsiveness

They didn’t rip up contracts—they just started managing those relationships with more intention and foresight.

Is the Team Ready for What’s Next?

Finally, CopperCove took a hard look at how their team was structured. Most employees wore multiple hats, which worked well when the company was smaller—but now it was starting to create blind spots and burnouts.

The freelancer worked with the leadership team to chart out the ideal structure for their size and growth goals, focusing on role clarity and scalable processes.

Adjustments they made:

• Shifted some warehouse staff into logistics-focused roles

• Added part-time administrative support to free up the operations lead

• Created simple documentation for recurring processes like returns and vendor orders

These weren’t massive hires—just small, smart moves that relieved pressure and improved day-to-day flow.

The strategy they walked away with wasn’t theoretical—it was actionable, down-to-earth, and built around the way they did business. It gave them confidence that they were making decisions with purpose, not just reacting to what was happening around them.

Finding the Right Fit on ZapMyWork

Through ZapMyWork, CopperCove was able to connect with a strategist who wasn’t just well-versed in theory—this was someone who had actually walked the walk with product-driven brands. With years of experience supporting niche retailers and inventory-heavy operations, the freelancer brought a practical mindset to the table. They understood what it meant to manage seasonal spikes in demand, deal with inconsistent supplier lead times, and keep products moving without overloading the shelves.

What stood out to CopperCove was that the strategist didn’t try to apply a cookie-cutter solution. Instead, they listened. They asked good questions. They reviewed sales patterns, team workflows, and shipping data before offering any suggestions. Then, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Services Provided: A Closer Look at the Process

Market Positioning Analysis

This wasn’t just about charts and competitor comparisons. The freelancer took a comprehensive look at who CopperCove was actually serving—and who they could be serving better. Using a mix of customer feedback, order data, and third-party research, they helped the team identify regional buying habits that hadn’t been fully explored.

One surprising insight? The southern boating market—particularly in states like Alabama and the Florida Panhandle—was ripe for growth. CopperCove had only made sporadic shipments to that area, but when the data was laid out, it became clear that boaters there were searching for exactly the kinds of durable accessories CopperCove sold.

What came out of it:

• Refined customer personas to reflect new regional trends

• Tailored marketing campaigns for key southern states

• Adjustments in ad spend to focus on proven search behaviors

Operational Efficiency Review

The strategist didn’t just look at the numbers—they spent time observing how orders moved through CopperCove’s warehouse. From how returns were handled to how stock levels were tracked, they evaluated it all with a fresh perspective.

They noticed that staff often overstocked slower-moving items “just in case” while popular products were frequently running low. Supplier agreements were functional, but not optimized—and in some cases, loyalty to long-term vendors was limiting flexibility.

What changed:

• Stocking forecasts were updated using a more accurate rolling average model

• Safety stock levels were recalculated to reduce excess

• Supplier contracts were renegotiated with better reorder terms and clearer delivery expectations

The results weren’t immediate fireworks, but within two months, turnaround times improved, customer complaints dropped, and the team felt less overwhelmed during rush orders.

Three-Year Strategic Roadmap

This wasn’t a document that got printed, filed, and forgotten. The freelancer built a roadmap that CopperCove could actually use. It outlined a realistic, phased approach covering:

• Annual revenue goals based on achievable margins

• Inventory benchmarks by quarter

• Staffing changes tied to forecasted volume

• Plans to gradually expand into three high-potential markets

Instead of cramming in pages of market jargon, the roadmap focused on priorities. What needed to be done now, what could wait six months, and what should be considered twelve months out. It was clear. It was manageable. And most importantly—it felt like it belonged to them, not to a consultant.

Quarterly Goal Setting Framework

To keep everything from slipping back into the “reactive mode” they were trying to move away from, the freelancer introduced a simple but effective tracking system. It was a customized dashboard—built using familiar tools—that helped the team monitor progress on their biggest goals.

Each quarter, they’d check in on:

• Sales performance by region

• Inventory accuracy and stock turnover

• Supplier response times

• Progress on marketing initiatives tied to strategic goals

The beauty of the framework was its flexibility. It didn’t lock them into unrealistic benchmarks—it gave them room to adjust without losing sight of the bigger picture.

By the end of their initial engagement, the CopperCove team felt something they hadn’t felt in a while: in control. They weren’t guessing their way through decisions anymore. They had a strategy, a system for measuring it, and a clearer path ahead.

Real Progress, Not Just Theoretical Wins

Within just three months of rolling out their new strategy, the team at CopperCove began seeing changes that didn’t just look good on paper—they made a real difference in day-to-day operations. It wasn’t about chasing explosive growth or reinventing the wheel. It was about dialing in what was already working, fixing what wasn’t, and creating space to think ahead.

Reduced Inventory Waste

One of the first wins came from cleaning up their product catalog. Previously, CopperCove had taken a “more is more” approach to inventory, stocking dozens of variations of similar items just in case someone might need them. The strategist helped them reframe that mindset.

Using the new demand forecasting model, they were able to spot which SKUs consistently underperformed—and which ones were quietly eating up valuable shelf space and cash flow. With this clarity, they trimmed the fat.

What happened next:

• Outdated or slow-moving items were phased out in a controlled way

• Storage space opened up, making warehouse operations more efficient

• Holding costs dropped significantly—saving the company several thousand dollars within the quarter

The team no longer felt like they were buried in inventory. They were managing it, not the other way around.

Higher Online Sales in New Regions

The deep dive into market positioning led to some eye-opening insights. CopperCove had overlooked several coastal regions where boating culture was strong, but their marketing had never fully reached. With support from the strategist, they developed tailored campaigns for the Southeast—targeting areas like Mobile Bay, Charleston Harbor, and parts of the Florida Panhandle.

This wasn’t about a flashy ad campaign—it was precise and intentional. They adjusted product descriptions, added location-specific shipping promotions, and created a small content series for boating forums in the region.

The result?
A 17% bump in online sales—almost entirely from those newly targeted areas. It wasn’t a spike, either. The increase was steady, week after week, which told the team they were finally talking to the right people in the right places.

Clearer Priorities for Staff

Before the roadmap was in place, team members were constantly switching gears. One day they were fielding supplier calls, the next day they were chasing down orders, all while trying to plan inventory and respond to customer emails. The lack of structure had created burnout and confusion.

The new strategy didn’t just bring clarity—it brought relief.

Each department had a set of goals to focus on, with weekly check-ins to see how things were tracking. The warehouse staff had a cleaner process to follow, the customer service team was looped into upcoming promos, and leadership finally had a rhythm for planning, not just reacting.

Feedback from the team included:

• “I actually know what I’m supposed to be working on each week now.”

• “We’re not playing catch-up all the time—it feels more organized.”

• “It’s easier to prioritize when there’s a real plan behind it.”

Even small shifts, like having scheduled huddles and clearly outlined quarterly targets, made a noticeable difference in morale and communication.

Together, these early results validated the entire process. CopperCove hadn’t just survived a changing market—they’d found a smarter way to operate within it. And with the framework in place, they knew they weren’t just solving this quarter’s problems—they were preparing for what’s next.

Final Thoughts from the CopperCove Team

“We always assumed strategic planning was something big corporations did. But working with a freelancer through ZapMyWork made it accessible and practical. It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about having a plan to back it up,” said Hannah Lowell, Head of Operations at CopperCove.

For years, the CopperCove team thought of strategy as something abstract—important, sure, but a little out of reach for a business their size. Most of their decisions were made on instinct, based on years of experience and a good feel for the industry. And to be fair, that approach had served them well—until it didn’t.

“As we grew, the guesswork started catching up with us,” Hannah continued. “There were too many moving parts, too many new opportunities we weren’t sure how to prioritize. We kept saying, ‘We should probably figure out a plan,’ but it never made it to the top of the list.”

That changed when they discovered ZapMyWork. The ability to hire a freelancer with real-world experience—without the overhead of a large firm—shifted their thinking entirely. It made strategic planning feel less intimidating and far more approachable. Instead of a one-size-fits-all presentation, they got hands-on support tailored to their business, with clear next steps they could implement right away.

“Working with a freelancer through ZapMyWork made it accessible and practical. It was one of the first times we felt like, ‘Oh, this is what it’s like to work on the business instead of just being stuck in it.’”

And while the plan was future-focused, it didn’t feel like wishful thinking.

“It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about having a plan to back it up. We didn’t need inspiration. We needed structure. And that’s exactly what we got.”

For Hannah and her team, the process wasn’t just valuable—it was empowering. It gave them a sense of control and renewed confidence in their decisions, showing that strategic planning doesn’t have to be reserved for Fortune 500 companies. It can start with a single conversation—and the right freelancer.

Why Freelancers Make Strategic Planning More Doable

One of the biggest advantages of working with a freelancer is the fresh perspective they bring—especially when your team is deep in the day-to-day. It’s easy to get stuck inside your own process, running on autopilot or doing things a certain way simply because “that’s how it’s always been.” A freelancer steps in without that baggage. They can spot the gaps, ask the right questions, and offer insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Unlike large agencies or pricey consulting firms, freelancers don’t come with layers of overhead, lengthy onboarding processes, or long-term commitments. You’re not paying for office space, assistants, or layers of approval. Instead, you’re getting straight-to-the-point support from someone who knows how to navigate the real-world challenges small and midsize businesses face.

Platforms like ZapMyWork make that process even easier. You can find someone who fits your specific needs—whether that’s a short-term roadmap or ongoing planning support—without jumping through hoops or blowing your budget.

What You Get When You Hire a Strategy & Planning Freelancer on ZapMyWork

✅ Flexible Collaboration That Fits Your Size

Not every business needs a five-year growth blueprint. Sometimes you just need help organizing priorities, refocusing your product mix, or figuring out why margins are slipping. Freelancers adapt to your pace. Whether you’re running a lean team of five or managing a growing operation with multiple departments, they meet you where you are and build a plan that makes sense for your scale.

✅ No Pressure to “Go Big” Just to Feel Legit

You don’t need to be preparing for an IPO to benefit from strategic support. Freelancers aren’t trying to sell you on a massive transformation. They help you focus on what’s realistic now, with an eye on what’s next. You can start small—maybe just one focused project or a three-month engagement—without the feeling that you need to overhaul your whole business to justify the investment.

✅ Quick Access to Specialized Knowledge

Most freelance strategists have worked with a range of businesses and industries. That means they come equipped with firsthand experience, lessons learned, and practical insights that can save you weeks (or months) of trial and error. And because ZapMyWork vets talent across categories, you’re more likely to find someone who truly understands your space.

✅ Actionable Tools, Not Theoretical Talk

One of the biggest differences people notice when working with freelancers? The tools and frameworks they deliver are designed to be used. You’re not left with a 70-page slide deck that gets buried in a shared folder. Instead, you walk away with:

• Templates you can plug into your workflow

• Dashboards that make tracking progress simple

• Checklists to help your team stay aligned

• Clear, step-by-step plans that guide decision-making

It’s strategy you can actually work with—not just think about.

Hiring a freelance strategist through ZapMyWork doesn’t just help you solve problems—it helps you solve the right problems. You get clarity, direction, and momentum without the corporate overhead or rigid timelines. And if your business has been operating on instinct up to this point, this kind of support could be the smartest next step you take.

When It’s Time for a Fresh Perspective

Every business hits a point where things feel a little stuck. Maybe growth has slowed down, the team is stretched too thin, or decisions are being made without much direction. Sometimes it’s a bunch of small issues piling up, and other times it’s one big, looming question—What’s next?

If your business is at that kind of crossroads, or even just feeling like it's drifting without a clear map, now might be the right time to bring in someone from the outside. Not permanently. Not full-time. Just someone who can take a look, ask the right questions, and help you cut through the noise.

That’s where a strategy and planning freelancer from ZapMyWork can make a real difference.

You don’t need to have a million-dollar budget or a C-suite full of VPs to think strategically. Freelancers make it possible for smaller teams and growing businesses to access the kind of insight and structure that used to be reserved for big corporations. It’s strategy—but scaled to your reality.

Whether You Need To:

• Set long-term goals that aren’t just hopes on a whiteboard

• Clean up systems and operations that are starting to buckle under pressure

• Refocus your product line to better serve your most loyal customers

• Identify new markets worth pursuing

• Or just figure out where your time and money should actually be going

…there’s a freelancer out there who can help you sort it out—without making it complicated.

Skip the Overwhelm. Start with Clarity.

The idea of “strategic planning” might sound heavy. But in the right hands, it’s simply about understanding where you are, where you want to go, and what needs to happen to bridge that gap. No jargon, no massive rebranding campaign, no hiring ten new people you can’t afford.

Just clear thinking, practical steps, and someone who gets how small and mid-sized businesses work.

Through ZapMyWork, you can connect with freelance strategists who’ve helped real businesses, just like yours, take meaningful steps forward. And because it’s a freelance relationship, you stay in control of the scope, the pace, and the budget.

So if you’ve been carrying the weight of “figuring everything out” on your own, maybe it’s time to bring in a second set of eyes. A fresh perspective. A bit of structure. A plan.

Visit ZapMyWork.com today and explore strategy and planning freelancers who can help you turn what’s next into what’s possible.