Planning for Take-Off

HEART OF TEXAS AIRCRAFT ENGINE, INC.
Bruce McWhorter
Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Service 

Brady, TX
SBDC Advisor: Peggy Hodges Rosser

Bruce McWhorter, aircraft engine mechanic, was looking for a town to locate his new business. An aircraft mechanic for many years, Bruce wanted to move from Devine, Texas and open his own shop. In all the cities he visited, Joe Mossier, airport manager for Brady, Texas, offered the most.

With encouragement from Joe, Bruce began to seek funding for his project. He searched the internet for guidance on the process and called the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center. “Before contacting Ms. Hodges, I had no idea what a business plan was. Ms. Hodges supplied me with numerous examples and helped me to put a long term plan together for my business.”

With business plan in hand, Bruce approached the McCullough Economic Development Board. After several meetings, the MEDC awarded Heart of Texas Aircraft Engine, Inc. the investment of an airplane hangar for his business. The $348,000 project was completed in December and Bruce will be open for business January 1, 2011.

The initial impact on the economic base of Brady is one job, and Bruce is confident that he will be hiring employees soon.

“Before contacting Ms. Hodges, I had no idea what a business plan was.  Ms. Hodges supplied me with numerous examples and helped me to put a long term plan together for my business.” - Bruce McWhorter