Client Success Stories

Bakers Buzzin’

bakers-buzzin.com Rock Hill Area SBDC Client -

Andrew Fisher is passionate about his business, Bakers Buzzin’, an amazingly fun children’s cooking studio in the heart of Fort Mill and Tega Cay. Before opening his unique venue, Fisher was a compliance manager at Wells Fargo. But his dream was calling. Industry: Children’s Cooking School “I wanted to use cooking to teach children teamwork, Challenge: The client initially requested assistance with building a business plan and applying for funding. self-expression and life skills,” Fisher said. “We are not a culinary institute, but we do show children that cooking is fun, interesting and exciting.” Approach: Reviewed business plans, financial projections and ensured that everything was in order to apply for funding. Provided marketing strategies that were designed to generate awareness for this innovative idea. In 2013, when Fisher needed to create a business plan and apply for funding, he visited the Rock Hill Area SBDC, where business consultant Forrest Norman helped him assemble a lending packet and secure his first loan.

Results:

• Total Annual Sales: $175,000 • Capital Formation: $130,000 • Jobs Created: 7 part-time • Sales Increase: $175,000 Once the business was launched, the SC SBDC continued to follow-up with Fisher to monitor his progress and to make recommendations on social media platforms, marketing and other forms of advertising. Fisher, likewise, contacted the SC SBDC whenever he considered new growth avenues for Bakers Buzzin’.

Over the next several years, Bakers Buzzin’ grew tremendously, posting a 60 percent increase in sales.

Services Provided:

> Business Plan Preparation “Bakers Buzzin’ attracts enthusiastic customers because it is a > Financial Projections unique concept and adapts to changing marketplace dynamics,” > Loan Application Preparation said Eduardo Venegas, a consultant with the Rock Hill Area SBDC who joined Forrest Norman in assisting Fisher. > Social Media/Online Marketing > Access to Resources So, how do you top a business that has been highly successful for six years? You open a new location. And that is precisely what Fisher is doing. Fisher also is working with his consultant to determine other growth strategies.

“I see this business being very successful as they continue to expand their product offerings,” Venegas said.

Fisher is justifiably proud of his accomplishments. “Since 2013, we have been encouraging children to be excited about cooking. We love teaching these skills because they will stay with a child for a lifetime.”

“We have been working with the SBDC at Winthrop University since 2013, before we even opened for business. They were extremely helpful in reviewing our business plan, making suggestions and educating us on financing options and the small business loan process.”

Andrew Fisher, Owner/Operatior Bakers Buzzin’

A sixteen percent profit margin increase is an impressive figure for any small business in today’s economy. What makes this figure even more impressive is that it took Richard Van Bortel, owner of Amazing Event Rentals, only six months to accomplish this feat.

Van Bortel, a 22-year veteran and former Marine Corps First Sergeant, purchased the event rental store in June 2018 from its former owner. Van Bortel had been the company’s general manager since its inception nine years earlier overseeing day-to-day activities. “I had first-hand knowledge to run the company, the only thing standing in my way was finding the money to make

Industry: Party Supply Rentals the purchase,” Van Bortel said.

Challenge: The client wanted to purchase the company for which he had served as the general After being turned down by two banks, manager for nine years. He possessed the knowledge to run the company but lacked the resources to purchase it. Van Bortel contacted Martin Goodman, a consultant with the Beaufort Area SBDC. “I had worked with Martin for a brief time in

Approach: Helped the client prepare financial 2002 and my impression was that he had projections, a business plan and suggested he apply for an SBA loan—which he received. the knowledge, contacts and determination to help make things happen for me,” said

Results: Van Bortel. • Jobs Retained: 44 full-time • Annual Sales Increase: $2.5 million • Sales Increase Percentage: 16% • Capital Funding: $2,835,000 “I helped Richard with his business plan, financial projections and suggested he apply for an SBA loan,” Goodman said.

Their diligence paid-off when Van Bortel was awarded an SBA loan for $2.5 million through Ameris Bank. This left a $160,000 shortfall which Van Bortel was able to raise through combining personal savings with generous gifts of family and friends. Van Bortel is grateful for Goodman’s assistance. “If not for Martin, I probably would still be tangling with banks trying to find a lender. Instead, I run a dynamic company that employees 44 local residents and is targeted to post a 24 percent increase in profits by the end of 2019.”

Services Provided:

> Business Plan Preparation > Financial Projections > Loan Applications > Strategic Planning > Access to Resources

Beaufort Area SBDC Client - amazingeventrentals.com

amazing event rentals

“If not for Martin, I probably would still be tangling with banks trying to find a lender. Instead, I run a dynamic company that employees 44 local residents and is targeted to post a 24 percent increase in profits by the end of 2019.”

Richard Van Bortel, Owner Amazing Event Rentals

Chief Services & Security Solutions, Inc.

chiefservicesandsecuritycompany.com Columbia Area SBDC Client -

A Company Grounded by Enthusiasm, Loyalty and Success.

After spending 20 years as a security professional, Tammy Mikels decided that it was time for a new adventure. The result is Chief Services and Security Solutions, Inc., a woman-owned security business she and co-owner Tracy Lamb established in 2016 to provide unarmed/armed security, investigations, security training, video

Industry: Security, Investigative Services, Janitorial analytics and cyber security.

Challenge: The client needed assistance entering the government contracting arena, obtaining minority and woman-owned business certifications, marketing her business and fortifying company finances.

Approach: Explained the government contracting system to the client, helped her solidify all documents required to bid on government contracts and walked-her through the process of obtaining certifications.

Results:

• Capital Formation: $250,000 • Jobs Created: 194 full-time • Annual Changes in Sales: $1,500,000 • Government Awards: $2,500,000 “I read a lot about minority and womanowned businesses and all the government contracting opportunities available to them,” Mikels said. “I didn’t know for sure if I could do it, but I felt it was worth pursuing.” So Mikels contacted the Columbia Area SBDC where she met PTAC program manager and business consultant Scott Bellows.

“Scott sat me down and asked, ‘What makes Chief Services & Security Solutions unique?’ I’m grateful he helped me address that,” Mikels said.

With the support she received from Bellows, Mikels survived the audits required to become a minority business owner and was positioned to begin bidding on state and federal contracts. > Marketing

Mikels then turned her attention to cash flow management and streamlining her accounting systems. For assistance in those disciplines, Bellows referred Mikels to fellow SBDC consultant Earl Gregorich.

“When I first started working with Tammy, her primary objectives were obtaining capital and refinancing her debt,” Gregorich said. The financial analysis and review of accounting systems Gregorich performed enabled Mikels to gain a more detailed

Services Provided:

> Strategic Positioning > Government Contracting understanding of the numbers behind her business.

> Certifications > Accounting

The assistance Mikels received from both consultants has enabled her to expand from a two-person operation to a company with more than 194 employees, earnings exceeding $2.4 million and contracts with court rooms, manufacturing facilities, event centers, libraries, football stadiums and other venues.

“No matter how tired you are, you’ve got to get out there and keep your boots on the ground.”

Tammy Mikels, President Chief Services and Security Solutions

Boyd Johnson, a former competitive cyclist, founded Boyd Bikes in 2009 with a mission of producing and selling quality bike products to avid riders in the Greenville area.

Industry: Bicycle Wheel and Parts Manufacturing Three months into the operation, Boyd

Challenge: The client currently exports to 50 countries and is looking to extend their presence Bikes began growing dramatically, so Boyd’s wife, Nicole, joined the business. in the international marketplace.

Approach: Helped the client create a global expansion plan based on a strategy of selling to three key targets: consumers, local bike shops Boyd Bikes initially offered wheels, bike frames, handlebars and other accessories, but the Johnsons realized and distributors. that their competitive advantage was their

Results: • Capital Formation: $312,000 (since 2014) handcrafted wheels made out of carbon fiber and alloy. So in 2011, Boyd and Nicole • SCRA Investment: $200,000 began specializing in bike wheels only. • Jobs Created: 8 full-time, 1 part-time • Annual Sales Percentage Increase: 25% In addition to shifting their focus, the Boyd’s wanted to expand their business, so they reached out to the Spartanburg Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where they met Area Manager and Business Consultant Beth Smith.

Services Provided:

“Beth helped us develop marketing and funding strategies and > Strategic Planningalso connected us with the International Trade Administration so we could investigate exporting opportunities.” > Go-to-Market Strategy > Business Expansion In total, Smith devoted more than 91 counseling hours to > Market Research helping the Johnsons launch and grow Boyd Cycling. “Boyd and Nicole are a prime example of how a leap of faith, coupled > Exporting with hard work, can pay off,” she said.

Today Boyd Cycling exports to 50 countries and has received national media coverage, excellent customer reviews and numerous awards. In both 2017 and 2019 the Southeast Region of the SBA recognized Boyd Cycling as the South Carolina Small Business Exporter of the Year. Capitol Hill also has taken notice. In the spring of 2019, the United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship honored the company for its contributions to the local economy and named it the Senate Small Business of the Week.

“Beth Smith is an amazing woman who exudes energy and excitement. We have had the good fortune to work with her for over 10 years and along the way she has used her wealth of knowledge to help us determine and execute our global sales strategy.”

Nicole Johnson, Co-Founder Boyd Cycling

Spartanburg Area SBDC Client - boydcycling.com

Boyd Cycling

oak road brewery

oakroadbrewery.com Charleston Area SBDC Client -

Friends Ben Bankey, Brian Cox and Brad Mallet founded Oak Road Brewery with a simple love of German-style beer in mind. Officially opened in 2015, Oak Road Brewery was Summerville’s first brewery specializing in micro-batch brews.

By March 2017, business was booming, so the partners decided to expand. However, after unsuccessfully seeking funding from several lenders, they contacted Darrell Jones, UofSC Region Director for the SC SBDC and a Business Consultant with the North Charleston Area SBDC.

Industry: Brewery Challenge: The client needed to secure capital to expand his business, however his previous loan requests had been denied. Approach: Helped the client develop a solid business plan, updated the owner’s personal financial statements and ran through scenarios likely to be encountered with the loan officer. Suggested the client approach expansion in two phases.

Results:

• Jobs Created: 4 part-time • Annual Sales Increase: $120,000 • Capital Funding: $140,000 Jones reviewed their business plan, loan package and personal financial statements.

Over the course of 25 meetings, the team decided to divide the expansion into two parts and restructure the loan request.

“In June, Ben informed me that he had received a letter of commitment from the Bank of South Carolina for the entire amount requested,” said Jones. “That was a great day. It took us three months, but we finally got the needed funding.” The loan was primarily used to purchase additional equipment and to remodel the facility.

Thanks to these enhancements, Oak Road Brewery is seeing an increase in customers and tap room revenue. Their brews have even been recognized in multiple beer competitions and the brewery itself was ranked No. 3 on a list of 2018’s 50 fastest-growing breweries in the U.S.—no other Services Provided: South Carolina brewery made the list. > Business Plan Preparation

> Financial Projections Bankey sees a second phase of expansion in Oak Road’s future.

> Financial Planning

“We will be adding more fermenters and canning our beers this spring,” he said. “In the long term, we hope to secure a production facility.” > Strategic Planning > Business Expansion

Bankey offered advice to anyone wanting to start a business.

“Business owners can save themselves years of struggling by simply engaging with the SBDC as soon as they have an idea to start a business.”

“Darrell played a huge role in guiding us through securing funding for our expansion. When we wanted to expand, he encouraged us to go for the ‘base hit’ instead of the ‘home run.’ This approach worked great for us.”

Benjamin Bankey, CEO Oak Road Brewery

PTAC program assists Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business prepare for Government Contracts

In September 2014, Larry Broadnax started Elite Properties of Charleston, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business. Located in Goose Creek, SC, the company currently has nine employees and offers various janitorial services from business offices to rental condos, customizing the exact needs for cleaning or maintaining a property. Industry: Facilities Support Services; Custodial Services “The proper upkeep of your business or Challenge: Client wanted to bid for government contracts but was unfamiliar with the process or home is a necessity that keeps your clients and staff comfortable in a safe, clean requirements. environment,” said Broadnax.

Approach: Described the government contracting process to the client, ensured the client obtained requisite 8(a) certifications and helped the client develop a proposal for bidding on a contract.

Results:

• Jobs Created: 4 part-time; 1 full-time • Government Contracts: 2 Awards Totaling $33,000 Elite Properties of Charleston has clients throughout the Carolinas including GenPak, Milliken and Active Day Daycare Centers. One client recently endorsed the work of Broadnax’s staff and services. “I have been using Elite Properties for over a year now and they consistently do a great job for our multi-purpose business.”

Broadnax has grown his business because of the help he received from SBDC Procurement Consultant Linda Blanton during the last two years. With Blanton’s assistance, Broadnax was able to secure two government contracts for a total award of $33,000. Blanton provided consultation with Broadnax on 8a certification, designing a business card, obtaining SDVOSB certification, developing a capability statement and securing government contracts.

Broadnax says that his mission is to provide his clients with the best possible service. “Our team consists of hardworking, trained professionals. We take pride in surpassing the expectations of our customers,” he said.

“PTAC helped me immensely,” Broadnax said. “Linda Blanton provided me with guidance in many ways to help me grow my business and how to bid on contracts.”

Services Provided:

> Access to Government Contracts > Reviewed Capabilities Statement > Assisted with 8(a) Certification > Access to Resources > Proposal Package Development

“PTAC helped me immensely. Linda Blanton provided me with guidance on how to grow my business and bid on contracts.”

Larry Broadnax, President and CEO Elite Properties of Charleston

Charleston Area SBDC Client

Elite properties of charleston

Wireless Helpers Inc.

Florence Area SBDC Client

Merrick Harris is an entrepreneur. And a very successful one, at that. But Harris wasn’t always a thriving businessman. Born and reared in Portland, Jamaica, Harris emigrated Industry: Wireless Telecommunications Retailer to the United States in 1990, but found the transition to be daunting. Challenge: Client was looking to expand his business and needed a loan. “My first six months in the US were a nightmare,” Harris Approach: Initially assisted the said. “I had no car, no job and no friends. It was hard client with his loan application. As the for people to understand what I was saying and equally business began to thrive, we worked hard for me to understand what they were saying.” with the client on expansion strategies and marketing tactics. In 1992, when Harris could not find employment, he Results: began researching how to open his own business. • Jobs Created: 17 full-time “I learned about the SC SBDC at the library,” said • Annual Sales Increase: $2,000,000 Harris. “So I went to the Florence Area Center and met business consultants Eddie Watson and Mike Bell.”

Thanks to the support Harris received from the SBDC, he was awarded a loan for $13,000 which he used to launch his business. Then, in 2014, he decided to transition into the burgeoning wireless telecommunications industry and opened two stores, one in Lancaster, SC, and the other in Southern Pines, NC. Services Provided: Eventually, Merrick wanted to do business closer to his home in > Access to Capital Florence, so he rented two spaces at the nearby Magnolia Mall. With a desire to further expand his business, Harris revisited the > Loan Applications Florence Area SBDC, and with their assistance soon received > Financial Projections a $177,000 loan which he used to win a contract with Cricket > Cash Flow Management Wireless. By 2015, Harris had opened a store in Rockingham, NC, increased sales by $123,000, and employed six workers. > Trend Line Analysis

This success inspired Harris to seek another expansion loan, which he received in the amount of $60,000. Thanks to the various loans Harris had received since first launching his business, his company was growing and thriving. In 2017 alone, he posted an $800,000 increase in sales enabling him to augment his staff by 18 employees.

Watson describes Harris as a true entrepreneur. “Merrick Harris succeeded against the odds. He had to learn English when he came to the United States and take a risk to start his own enterprise. He is a self-motivated guy who will do well.”

“When people ask what do I need to do to start a successful business, I always tell them, you need to go to the SBDC and set an appointment to talk to them about your business needs.”

Merrick Harris, President and CEO Wireless Helpers Inc.

For Karli Stone, baking started as a hobby, turned into a passion and is now her career.

While an undergrad student at USC Aiken, Stone took an entrepreneurship class taught by Professor Brent Hoover, a business consultant with the Aiken Area SBDC. Stone, a North Augusta native, had to create a business plan for her final class project and decided to base her plan on the purchasing of a Smallcakes franchise, the business where she was currently working.

Industry: Bakery Franchise Two years later, when the owner of Smallcakes Challenge: Karli needed assistance refining her business plan and obtaining a loan to purchase the local Smallcakes where she used to work as in North Augusta wanted to sell her business, Stone dusted off her business plan and turned to the Aiken Area SBDC for help. Consultant an employee. Brent Hoover helped Stone polish her business plan, forecast future sales and build a cash flow Approach: The consultant helped the client buy pro forma. With this assistance, Stone secured the business via a commercial loan. a bank loan and shortly thereafter became the Results: owner of Smallcakes in North Augusta. • Business Purchased • Total Annual Sales: $53,213 • Sales Increase: $53,213 • Jobs Created: 1 full-time (5 jobs retained) Hoover said it’s been great witnessing a former student achieve such success. “It is amazing to witness Karli’s journey from student to successful business owner. Her ambition, intelligence and sheer determination make her an excellent client,” said Hoover.

Though it happened relatively quickly, Stone’s journey from graduate student to business owner has not been without its challenges. “This has been a long, emotional process. It has not been easy working full time, attending graduate school, and preparing this business venture.”

seeing her business thrive is her first goal.

Services Provided:

> Business Licenses > Bookkeeping > Cash-Flow Management When asked about her plans for the future, Stone said that

> Supplemental Marketing Materials > Business Loan Preparation

“I am always brainstorming ways to expand my business,” she said. “I have been given an amazing opportunity and cannot wait to see where it will take me.”

Stone said the best part about owning a business is seeing customers’ faces when they pick up their order. “It makes it all worth it,” she said.

“Brent Hoover not only was my business consultant, he was my entrepreneurship professor during my undergraduate studies. In both roles, he taught me the necessary tools for developing a small business. Professor Hoover not only encouraged me to move forward with my goals, but he was dedicated to helping

me every step of the way.”` Karli Stone, Owner/Operator Smallcakes of North Augusta

Aiken Area SBDC Client

smallcakes of north augusta