FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Furry Tails Pet Grooming Benefits from Assistance by FSBDC at UCF in Osceola County

Co-Founders Follow Their Passion
with FSBDC’s Help

January 7, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL –    Making your passion your life’s work sounds like a good plan but often is filled with challenges and obstacles. For Carlos Hernandez and Lesly Miranda, co-founders and owners of Furry Tails Pet Grooming LLC, located in the heart of Poinciana, Florida, that was certainly the case, particularly when they wanted to grow their business.

Established in 2008, Furry Tails Pet Grooming is an independent, full-service grooming salon that caters to all breeds of dogs and cats and emphasizes convenience for the dog owner. The owners started the business after being professionally trained at the Florida Institute of Animal Arts in Winter Park.  They complement their business background with a strong retail, customer service experience, and with membership in the National Dog Groomers Association.  However, as they reflect back in their journey they confessed “it all started with a deep sense of passion towards animals…dogs in particular!  We love animals and thought pet grooming would be an ideal business venture to go into.  It was that simple for us…and family support was key.” But how do you turn a passion for animals into a sustainable business?  There is not an easy answer especially when their unique story is filled with challenges from raising enough capital for running operations, limited square footage space, and gaining pet owner’s trust.

Earlier this year, they decided assistance was needed to expand their pet grooming business in Osceola County.  Fortunately they had heard of the FSBDC at UCF thru a local newspaper.  They met with FSBDC at UCF and started to proactively work with the trials of surviving and thriving in a tough economic climate.  The FSBDC’s Certified Business Analyst Rafael Pratts assisted and guided them to refocus on marketing; redefine their target market, look for complimentary product/services to offer, invest marketing dollars wisely, and helped identify effective ways to keep in touch with current and past customer. Equally important, he provided insights into how to properly secure additional working capital for our business operations! “The key to their success will likely be in continuing to offer exceptional high quality service, paying attention to the overall retail image and in being proactive business owners,” commented Rafael Pratts of the FSBDC at UCF.

With that said, “Furry Tails Pet Grooming expects to reach 20% projected sales growth by end of 2014,” according to the owners. They are more excited than ever about their efforts with the assistance of the FSBDC at UCF to increase overall retail space by 300% and at the same time lowering total retail square footage cost by 30% with new services like washing stations, day care services, and boarding.  “We are very grateful to the FSBDC at UCF because they are helping with the expansion of the business.” Best of all, they will strive to expand their commitment to the local charities in Poinciana in more than one way like providing prizes, gift certificates, and dog food for a wide range of different non-profits.  Together with this, they even help animals find a new home!  Furry Tails Pet Grooming, “where belly rubs are always free.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at Daytona State College Guides Loads of Smiles, LLC to Happy Place

January 2, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – Christine Belz, like many entrepreneurs, identified an underserved market and she wanted to be the one to create the business that would meet its needs. Her challenge was that she had never run her own business, and certainly hadn’t started one from scratch.

Christine had worked in the health care industry and had an extensive background in nursing and healthcare administration.  Christine also had a severely disabled child and realized there was a significant need for daycare for her child and for others with similar disabilities.  This need led to extensive research and her ultimate desire to open a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Facility.

Looking for assistance with realizing her vision, Christine first came to the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF (FSBDC at UCF) sub-center at Daytona State College (FSBDC at DSC) in August of 2012.  She had been referred by SCORE and the local Chamber of Commerce for assistance with the business startup process, the completion of her business plan and the financing her project.    Van Canada, the FSBDC at DSC consultant that worked with Christine by supplying no-cost, one-on-one counseling and advice, recognized Christine’s business potential immediately, and said at the time, “When I first met Christine, it became obvious that her background, personal situation, passion and dedication were going to make this project successful.”

Van worked with Christine on completing her business plan and developing financial projections.  Christine was working with her own bank and the FSBDC at DSC’s Canada also contacted several banks, all of which were interested in funding her business.  Working together, loan packages were submitted, offers were reviewed, a bank was selected and “Loads of Smiles, LLC” was born.

Christine opened in early 2013 with incredible success.  She says that the FSBDC at DSC played a critical role in developing Loads of Smiles, LLC.  “Mr. Canada was instrumental in the development of our business plan and guiding us in arranging financial assistance,” she said.   She further expressed that she is fortunate to now be able to consider expanding Loads of Smiles and looks forward to working with the FSBDC in their future expansions.

Thanks to Christine’s passion, dedication and drive, and to the FSBDC at DSC’s guidance, Loads of Smiles, LLC is meeting the needs of an important market. Her original facility is at capacity and she is now working on a second facility in Flagler County.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF – Palm Coast Assists Bio Shield Tech Build a Growth Strategy

Founder’s Transformation of His Company and His Role Bring Strong Results

December 10, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL –   Like a lot of small business entrepreneurs, Jeff Drucker had his hands full. As the founder and sole proprietor of Bio Shield Tech, a distributor and technology consultant for antimicrobial products, coatings, and equipment, Jeff was what so many small business owners are: the CEO — when that acronym stands for “Chief Everything Officer.”

Being that chief-everything-kind of CEO had Jeff concerned. He was smart enough to know what he didn’t know and had questions about the company’s legal structure, sales growth, and operating costs. To help him address these issues, Jeff visited the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF’s office in Palm Coast in October 2012.

Joe Roy, Area Manager for the FSBDC in Palm Coast recalls meeting Jeff for the first time. Said Roy, “Jeff was an exceptional sales person but there was not enough time in the day for Jeff to be the Sales Executive and the Business CEO”.  After conducting an initial assessment of the challenges facing Bio Shield Tech with Joe, Jeff agreed to develop a strategic plan including sales, marketing, and operating expenses.

In building a growth plan for Bio Shield Tech, and challenging the plan assumptions with his FSBDC consultant, Jeff realized that adding a sales office in California and one in Pennsylvania would allow the company to be more competitive in important markets.  And Jeff went right ahead and recently opened sales offices in California and Pennsylvania, and went a step further by obtaining approval to sell products on the GSA website.

Today, Bio Shield Tech sells products nationally and exports to South Korea, Kuwait, Trinidad, Philippines, India, and Canada.  And Jeff Drucker credits the FSBDC at UCF in Palm Coast for assistance getting there: “The FSBDC has helped us to strategize and focus on what we do best to continue to grow our company at double digit growth rates” said Drucker. “Anyone even remotely thinking about starting or moving a business should consider making the FSBDC their first stop”.

Business results bear out Jeff’s decisions. Comparing 2013 sales through October, Bio Shield Tech is running 42% ahead of 2012 year-end sales. “Jeff has transitioned this year toward becoming a true CEO although his heart is still in sales” said Joe Roy. “I know how difficult this was for him but the results Jeff has achieved are indicative of the supreme effort that he put in”.

Today, you will find the antimicrobial products, coatings, and equipment that Bio Shield Tech  distributes and consultants on being used by ambulance original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), commercial HVAC Systems and Ductwork, Medical Device OEMs, Hospitals, Assisted Living Facilities, Veterinary Practices, and Government Facilities. Customers using these products include JFK International Airport, Bucknell University, the FAA Tracon at McCarron International Airport in Las Vegas, and the Jack Daniels manufacturing facility in Alabama.

And you will also find that Jeff Drucker is no longer the “Chief Everything Officer” at Bio Shield Tech; today he is a true Chief Executive Officer.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

SBDC at UCF Fuels Hernon Manufacturing’s International Expansion

imageFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – Exporting has been part of the business plan at Hernon Manufacturing, a custom formulator of adhesives, sealants, and precision dispensing and curing systems, since 1999. The company’s president, Harry Arnon, has long believed there was unrealized potential in international markets but didn’t have the resources available to test his belief. When presented with a new program focused on exporting offered by the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) however, Mr. Arnon made the decision recently to refocus company efforts and make exporting a top priority for Hernon’s growth strategy.

To find and effectively enter the right foreign markets, Mr. Arnon turned to the SBDC at UCF and was matched with an opportunity to participate in the Export Marketing Plan Services which offered his company assistance with an aggressive international growth strategy. Launched in September 2011, due in large part to the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant that was awarded to Enterprise Florida, Inc. by the U.S. Small Business Administration,  Export Marketing Plan Services  is a partnership between the SBDC at UCF and Enterprise Florida to offer customized export marketing plans to Florida manufacturers and professional service providers.

After meeting with SBDC at UCF’s International Trade Specialist, Nerine Elattar, planning commenced immediately, and soon after the export marketing plan was delivered to Mr. Arnon.  The plan provided the full gamut of necessary information for successful international market entry: a thorough export readiness assessment, an industry analysis, a market analysis with target market recommendations for Hernon’s products, a review of overseas trade opportunities, and an action plan. “The FSBDC export marketing plan has been instrumental in the success of Hernon Manufacturing. Small business has neither the budget nor the experience that the Export Marketing Plan and SBDC can offer. For Hernon Manufacturing the export marketing plan laid out the road map for achieving the best return on investment by concentrating where more business potential is available for our products,” commented Mr. Arnon.

Along with the plan, the company was eligible to receive a grant for a single standalone Gold Key with the U.S. Commercial Service.  The company decided to utilize the Gold Key in Italy and also added France, two recommended markets from the plan, and in early 2013 traveled to those countries for one-on-one meetings with pre-screened, qualified buyers.  The company reported $1.37 million in export sales worldwide as a result of the Gold Key Matching Service.  “The Gold Key offered us opportunities that would not otherwise materialize for Hernon Manufacturing Inc.  We would not have participated without the grant.  We met with 2 companies in France and 6 companies in Italy.  The consulates were immensely helpful in selecting suitable companies that match up well with us and with setting up appointments and simple translation services.  Sales in these 2 countries can increase our production staff significantly,” commented Mr. Arnon.  Hernon anticipates total export sales through the next 24 months to be $3.226 million.  Hernon’s products are now found in over 27 countries worldwide and the company has been recognized for its exporting efforts, most recently winning the 2013 SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year Award and the 2012 Exporter of the Year award by ThinkGlobal, Inc.  Mr. Arnon looks forward to continuing to work with the SBDC at UCF to further expand internationally.

For more information about the SBDC at UCF’s Export Marketing Plan Services, please visitwww.sbdcorlando.com/exportmarketing.

–UCF–

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center (formerly the Disney Entrepreneur Center) now located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF College of Business Administration and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, providing business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to small business owners. The SBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains seven satellite service centers. In 2011, the SBDC at UCF helped entrepreneurs create or retain 1,517 jobs, win contract awards worth $28.9 million, acquire $17.7 million in capital formation, and increase sales by $51.9 million. The SBDC at UCF is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862

sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF Hosts Strategy Workshops for Growing Business

Seminars Focus on Improving Local Businesses’ Sales Strategies and E-Marketing & Social Media

Orlando, FL – Helping local entrepreneurs at businesses large and small obtain better results from their sales efforts and their e-marketing & social media activities are the goals of two workshops being announced by the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF). Both workshops are part of the FSBDC’s Strategic Tools Workshop Series, a comprehensive set of seminars focused on the topics of greatest interest and value to small- and medium-sized business in Central Florida. The Series, sponsored once again by Orange County Government, is in its 11th year.

On Tuesday August 27th, the FSBDC at UCF will present Sales Strategies for Growing Business, a one-day intensive workshop  focusing on proven methods for effective prospecting, the power of the 7-Step Selling Process, advanced techniques in communication, relationship building and more.

Then, on Wednesday September 4th the FSBDC will present E-Marketing & Social Media Strategies for Growing Business, another one-day intensive workshop that will build on past FSBDC e-marketing seminars to acquaint entrepreneurs with best practices in search engine optimization , paid search and metrics, as well as the latest trends  in mobile marketing, social media marketing and additional web-design strategies.

The workshops will be led again this year by the popular Robert Cascio, Ph.D., an academic researcher and adjunct faculty member in the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida. Past workshop classes have universally applauded the quality of his teaching and the many real world applications they left the workshop with. Before returning to work on his Doctorate, Robert worked domestically and internationally in corporate advertising and sales and he is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker, where he applies his sales, e-marketing social media expertise with great success. Robert’s research interests include marketing strategy,  market signaling and sales force effectiveness.

These two workshops have been extremely popular in past years. For the sales strategies workshops, attendees have included CEOs, sales leaders, sales teams and marketing staff as well as solo entrepreneurs who have commented on the value they gained in terms of improving their sales in the immediate future. Participants in past E-Marketing & Social Media workshops have included marketing leaders, and managers, individual entrepreneurs and technologists who have gained new insights into the latest trends in marketing on the web and in social media.

–UCF–

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF College of Business Administration and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, providing business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to small business owners. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains seven satellite service centers. In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF helped entrepreneurs create or retain 2,350 jobs, win contract awards worth $104.6 million, acquire $50.5 million in capital formation, and increase sales by $95.1 million. The FSBDC at UCF is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

 

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862

sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF’s Pauline Davis Recognized as 2013 ASBDC Florida Star of the Year

FSBDCN State Office: The Florida SBDC Network is proud to announce that the Florida Star of the Year, Pauline Davis, was recognized recently at the 2013 Association of Small Business Development Center’s (ASBDC) national conference in Orlando, at a special event honoring winners from each state. Davis, a certified business consultant at the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida, was recognized for her outstanding commitment, performance and contributions to the small business community in the Central Florida region.

“We are proud of Pauline’s accomplishments and her contributions to small business,” said Michael Myhre, State Director (Interim) of the Florida SBDC Network. “Her 14 years of dedicated service to the network are greatly appreciated and highly valued.”

Davis joined the FSBDC at UCF in May of 1999 as a business consultant. As a previous small business owner, Davis understands the challenges and needs of small businesses. She consults with clients on a wide range of topics, including financial statement analysis, loan packaging, business plan analysis, budgeting, cash flow projections and marketing.

Davis’ clients appreciate her wide knowledge base and benefit from her business philosophy: “It’s not enough to start a business; you have to remain in business.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by the ASBDC for doing the work I enjoy so much,” said Davis. “It is a privilege to work with these business owners and help them to recognize their dreams and reach their full potential.”

Throughout her tenure with the FSBDC at UCF, Davis has helped her clients achieve an impressive level of economic impact. From 2000-2012, Davis’ clients have created 676 jobs; retained 309 jobs; started 255 businesses; increased sales by $51,260,785; secured $29,284,800 in capital; and obtained $2,600,000 in government contracts.

About the FSBDC Network 

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. A statewide service network of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. To learn more about the FSBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started.

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

FSBDCN State Office: The Florida SBDC Network is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting a sampling of its successful Hispanic-owned client businesses that are making history.  In 2013, there are a projected 3.16 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. According to a recent study by Geoscape and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, from 2007 to 2013 the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has increased at an average rate of 6.66 percent as compared to non-Hispanic businesses increasing at 3.14 percent. Nationally, Hispanic-owned businesses are projected to bring in $468 billion in sales receipts in 2013.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Hispanic-owned businesses currently make up 22 percent of Florida’s businesses. Geoscape’s study predicts that this number in Florida will have doubled to 52 percent from 2007 to 2013. The Florida SBDC Network is committed to providing these Hispanic-owned businesses with the assistance they need to grow and succeed in their business ventures.

Over the last 10 years, the Florida SBDC Network served 23,935 Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting, training and information, resulting in 14,908 jobs created and retained; $475.9 million in sales revenue growth; $1.1 billion in government contracts awarded; $192 million in capital accessed; and 1,234 new businesses created.

Roberto Torres, Luis Montañez and Christopher Findeisen created Black & Denim Apparel Company with business goals in mind – dressing comfortably, fashionably and manufacturing their products in the USA! With the help of the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Black & Denim reached $100,000 in sales in 2012 with plans to double it by 2014. In the first half of 2013, they secured distribution through 90 Stein Mart stores across Florida, increased their retail outlets to 39 states including New York, Texas and California, are in conversations with high-end retailer Nordstrom, and are negotiating with Macy’s to have their products in 25 stores by spring 2014.

“The SBDC has been instrumental in helping us design a path for growth that is attainable and sustainable. The SBDC allows us to excel in those areas where we are not experts such as marketing and international trade. They have supported us from the beginning,” said Torres.

On August 29, 2013, the trio opened their first retail store in historic Ybor City. Along with Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Chief of Police Jane Castor, they cut a pair of Dungarees signaling the beginning of a new chapter for their business. Watch Video | Read Full Story

 

In 2009, Arnaldo and Yanet Herrero of Kings Service Solutions first approached the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida’s Jill Kaufman with interest in participating in their Advisory Board Council services.

“I felt the FSBDC at UCF was the right organization to pair up with to set our company’s vision on the right course. I wanted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the company and have access to experts’ knowledge and ideas to develop our organization,” said Yanet.

Kings Service Solutions’ (KSS) biggest benefits from the Advisory Board were improved financial management, HR policies, quality control and risk management. When KSS approached the FSBDC at UCF in 2009, they had 6 full-time staff and 37 part-time employees. Three years later, their company had grown to 87 full-time employees and 162 part-time employees and annual revenue jumped 270 percent. Read Full Story

With the help of the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Beatriz and Roberto Cardona followed their dreams and opened a Sign-a-Rama franchise in 2010.  In 2012, they purchased one of their suppliers, increasing their capacity of sign manufacturing and diversifying their customer base. They are now positioned to triple sales in 2013 with a team of 15 dedicated employees.

“Most people aren’t familiar with every aspect associated with operating a new business or growing an existing one, but the SBDC was able to provide this expertise for free,” said Beatriz.

In 2013, their hard work and persistence paid off as they were recognized for their impressive growth at the 27th Annual Pasco Economic Development Council’s Awards Banquet, receiving the 2013 Manufacturing Industry of the Year Award. Read Full Story

About the FSBDC Network 

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. A statewide service network of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by theUniversity of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. To learn more about the FSBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started.

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF Assists Haitian Quality Services Obtain Needed Capital Investment

December 4, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL –    Meeting the needs of your community and building a successful business can sometimes be accomplished simultaneously, especially with assistance from the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF (FSBDC at UCF).

Mr. Jacquelyn Daquin came to the FSBDC at UCF seeking assistance with refinancing the mortgage on his business property.  Mr. Daquin, the owner of Haitian Quality Services, provides a range of fee-based services for residents in the West Orlando community.  Services are provided in French, Creole, and Spanish, and include immigration, bail bond, divorce, document translation, language interpreting, tax preparation, business assistance, college and employment applications etc.

The business began because Mr. Daquin saw a need in the community: residents wanted to better their lives and take advantage of economic opportunities but were struggling with the language barrier and limited education.  Mr. Daquin, who obtained his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and is also a Certified Respiratory Therapist, started offering services in a limited capacity.  The business grew as the company’s reputation soared and his services were sought after.

With this in mind, Mr. Daquin decided to purchase a property to house the business, and use the revenue from the business to renovate and expand the facility.  Unfortunately, before the renovation was completed, he ran out of funds and was forced to accept a very high interest rate mortgage to complete the project.  He paid this mortgage for several years before deciding that, if he could substantially reduce the monthly payments, he could grow the business and possibly hire more people, hence the desire to refinance the mortgage.

Mr. Daquin applied to several banks and was denied. It was then that he was referred to Pauline Davis, a certified business analyst at the FSBDC at UCF.  She reviewed his information and assisted him with preparing a business plan, cash flow projections and accompanying financial documents to complete a revised loan package.  He was referred to the bank and was once again denied the loan.

At that juncture, the FSBDC at UCF’s Davis contacted the banker for an explanation of the denial, and was told Mr. Daquin had credit issues.  A further review of his credit records showed that there were errors and unexplained items on the report, and that he had a better credit history than represented by the report.  With that understood, he was referred to the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) for their specialized loan program.  The FSBDC and BBIF worked with the client to address his credit issues and business needs, and BBIF finally refinance the property.

Mr. Daquin is so grateful for the assistance and states, “There was no way I could have gotten the loan without Pauline Davis at the FSBDC.  I could not understand why I was being denied; she patiently assisted me with the business plan and through the process.  She is truly a “STAR” and my business and the community will be eternally grateful.”  He is very optimistic about his future and growing the business.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Sterling Building Services, Inc.: The American Dream In Progress

FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services at Work

November 26, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – Achieving the “American Dream” demands, in equal measures: hard work, passion, subject matter expertise, patient and caring leadership; characteristics that accurately describe Cesar and Yazmin Bermudez, founders and co-owners of Sterling Building Services, Inc.

Following immigration to the United States in 1989 with a professional background in financial management, Cesar Bermudez earned his stripes as a part time employee of ABM Janitorial Building Services where he rose from building supervisor to Assistant Branch Manager to Branch Manager of Central Florida. He then joined D&A Building Services as Vice President of Operations, transforming an emerging company with $2.5 million in sales and 200 employees to a mature entity with sales ranging exceeding) the $15 to $20 million a year and about 1,100 employees.

Motivated by the goal of sustainable financial independence, Cesar and Yazmin Bermudez leveraged their experience and industry relationships to open Sterling Building Services, Inc. in 2007. The firm provides interior and exterior cleaning and maintenance services to property managers, owners and commercial clients.  As a Minority Owned Enterprise the company achieved 8(a) certification in 2008.

The business gained serious traction in 2011 followed by an impressive 34% growth rate in 2012. The company is on track to double in size in 2013 with sales projected to increase 113%.

Faced with the challenge of rapid growth, Cesar and Yazmin began working with the FSBDC at UCF’s certified business analyst Roger Greenwald to help devise plans to manage and accelerate future growth.

The Growth Acceleration Services offered by the FSBDC at UCF are designed to provide in-depth professional business consulting, at no cost, to qualified emerging and growth businesses in Florida by delivering the counseling, strategies and expertise businesses need to hasten the growth and success of their business. The Growth Acceleration consultant provides an in-depth financial analysis of the business and identifies key performance indicators to monitor performance, as well as identifying strategies for new business development.

In Cesar Bermudez’s words, “We are fortunate to have a growing business, but the challenges that come with growth are sometimes enormous. The advice and counsel we received from the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF’s Growth Acceleration consultant, Roger Greenwald, has been very helpful enabling us to adjust to growth, keeping our cash flow in check, aligning our management structure with strategic goals and assisting in defining our need for and obtaining working capital.”

At the same time, Cesar and Yazmin launched an ambitious business development plan and made three key management assignments. Andrea Vargas was promoted to General Manager, Janitorial and Window Cleaning Divisions. Industry veteran Jerry Garner was named General Manager of the company’s new Facilities Services Division and Sonny Acevedo was hired as Director of Business Development.

This management structure synergy and the new business development initiatives in all three divisions have created a pipeline that will ensure continuation of dramatic growth in 2014 and beyond.

Cesar and Yazmin take pride in their journey to achieve the American Dream, not only for themselves and their family, but for their employees as well. Their dedication to their employees’ success by providing meaningful employment and career opportunities is a central tenet of their business model.

The Florida SBDC’s no-cost Growth Acceleration services are available to companies throughout the state. To qualify for the services, the company must have growth as a goal, be in operation for at least three years, have annual revenues ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and employ five or more workers. Florida SBDC Growth Acceleration consultants are available statewide to provide assistance to qualified emerging and growth business who are looking to advance. Specifically, the SBDC at UCF Growth Acceleration services consultants will provide high level consulting of 50 – 100 hours (fair market value of over $10,000) to help qualified SMEs develop sustainable growth strategies.

For more information about the SBDC’s Growth Acceleration services, contact FSBDC at UCF Regional Director Eunice Choi at 407-420-4850 or echoi@bus.ucf.edu.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

 

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Local Star A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. Prospering With an Assist from FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services

November 13, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, SBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – Ambitious business owners speak regularly about finding ways to take their company “to the next level” of revenue growth, of profitability, of success. A. M. Metal Finishing, Inc.’s owner Rick Hunter had built his company into a respected, multi-product business but wanted to take his success up a notch…a big notch. For assistance, he turned to the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services program.

With over 29 years of experience, A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. is providing premier metal finishing services for companies throughout the state of Florida. A.M. Metal’s dedication to providing the highest level of quality has been recognized by industry leaders and resulted in metal finishing projects in many industries including aerospace, defense and theme parks.  A.M. Metal provided corrosion protection for the platform for Winter the Tailless Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and anodized the bleachers in the “Splash Zone” at Sea World’s Shamu Stadium. A.M. Metal also donated the anodized aluminum panels for the Maderia Beach 911 Memorial and hard-coat anodized the parts on the U.C.F. solar car.

A.M. Metal’s high quality workmanship earned them numerous awards including from the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida as the “Small Manufacturer of the Year” and “Best of Business Award” by the Small Business Commerce Association for its Anodizing (plating) of metals. The company provides an extensive array of metal finishing services including anodizing, powder coating, electro polishing, Teflon coating, laser engraving and many more, enabling it to meet the diverse needs of all its customers.

In November 2012, owner Rick Hunter was eager to leverage the company’s diverse offerings to grow further.  Rick met with FSBDC at UCF Growth Acceleration Consultant, Jill McLaughlin, to discuss strategies to take their business up to the next level of revenue and growth profitability. Jill performed an in-depth business assessment including a detailed financial, sales and marketing analysis.  Jill then recommended specific financial tools and marketing strategies to help grow the business. Hunter said, “Jill McLaughlin has been extremely helpful in providing us information and opportunities that will help our company grow while still meeting our goals and mission statement.  The advice and services she has provided has helped our company set a marketing strategy and sales approach that promise to give us the conversion rate we are looking for.”

As a result of Rick and his team’s dedication to quality and service, in May 2013, A.M. Metal received a distinguished award from one of the premier aerospace manufacturers in the U.S. and they have been voted “Supplier of the Year” by three of their largest customers.  Hunter said, “If you are interested in growing your company then I highly recommend Jill McLaughlin and the FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services Program because she will help you research, set and achieve the success you are looking for.”

Through the Florida SBDC’s no-cost Growth Acceleration Services, companies can develop sustainable growth strategies in key business areas, including marketing and business development, cash flow management, strategic planning, market/industry research, as well as capital access. To qualify for the services the company must have growth as a goal, be operating for at least three years, have annual revenues ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and employ five or more workers. Florida SBDC Growth Acceleration Consultants are readily available statewide to provide assistance to qualified emerging and growth businesses that are looking to advance. For more information about the SBDC’s Growth Acceleration Services, contact SBDC at UCF Regional Director Eunice Choi at 407-420-4850 or echoi@bus.ucf.edu.

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started.

In 2012, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com