Success Stories
The Tea Wagon, Steph Baca
Angelo State University students Steph Baca and Gloria Freck sought the assistance of the ASU Small Business Development Center during the beginning phases of their business. Close to graduation, both students worked very hard learning the basics of running a business. When the SBDC offered the Small Business Management Certificate Program, Steph and Gloria were among the first to sign up. After completion of the requirements of the program, they received their certificates as part of the inaugural graduating class. During this same time frame, they also received their bachelor’s degrees from ASU.
Utilizing all the skills learned in their academic programs and in the seminars, Steph and Gloria completed their business plan, gearing it towards a private investor. When the private investor failed to show interest, Steph took the next step, securing a line of credit to facilitate construction of a kiosk, The Tea Wagon, and ordering equipment and tea.
When Gloria’s husband’s job caused her to relocate, Steph was faced with the tough decision whether to proceed on her own. Analyzing all the information, Steph felt she had the knowledge to move forward and did so. The Tea Wagon opened for business in Sunset Mall on Nov. 3, 2008.
Steph is appreciative of all the assistance from the SBDC. “They were extremely helpful in answering all my questions and going over the business plan. All the seminars were interesting and filled with important information that I needed. They helped design my logo and supported ideas with lots of feedback and suggestions to help me finally get started on my dream of starting my own business.”
The kiosk was constructed by Steph and her father. Customers readily approach their kiosk and inquire whether it is a franchise. Something Steph is interested in pursuing in the future!
Angelo Events & Tents, Laura Wall
Laura and her husband John moved to San Angelo from Austin wanting to start their own business. After doing quite a bit of research, they decided to purchase an existing business that suited their expertise and needs. Laura began attending seminars offered by the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. In the true entrepreneurial spirit, Laura wanted to learn and receive as much information as she could on how to start and maintain a successful business. She also wanted the one-on-one advising she could get from the SBDC.
Laura and John met initially with advisor Paul Howard, who assisted in their process of buying an existing business. Paul discussed some of the many things to consider in buying a business. After several meetings and more research, the Walls’ made an offer to the seller. Unfortunately, the sale did not go through. Not to be denied, Laura was as determined as ever and began a new plan to start her own events and tent rental business. She modified her business plan and met with Paul several times for suggestions and comments to improve the plan. Laura said, “The SBDC classes helped give me a good overview of a business plan and provided me with samples, materials and templates to help me create my own plan. My counselor, Paul Howard, then read and reviewed my business plan and gave me feedback. This gave me confidence to meet with my banker and potential investors.”
Laura needed additional help in marketing her business. She said, “The entire SBDC staff met with me for a brainstorming session. By asking the ‘hard’ questions, they encouraged me to look critically at my proposed target market. My counselor, Paul Howard, has provided me with demographics and research data, been consistent in following up to check on me and assisted me with an introduction to a potential big client. Pedro Ramirez has assisted me with some marketing insight and logo design.” She goes on to add, “Most of all, the staff at the SBDC have all been great supporters and very encouraging. Just knowing that they were behind me and were ready to help me with anything gave me great confidence to step out and start my business. I have been sincerely impressed with each one of the staff members as they are all willing to go the extra mile to help a new business owner succeed.”
As a result of Laura and John’s hard work, Angelo Events and Tents started small as a home-based business. They have much bigger plans to expand and have a building with several employees in the very near future.
Serenity Quilts of Many Colors, Joanne Heady
Joanne Heady contacted the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (ASU-SBDC) for assistance with starting a business. An avid quilter, Heady had determined that since the local Wal-Mart was closing its fabric department, she would open a fabric store. Having never owned a business, she began doing some research.
Advisor Peggy Hodges is assigned to the Brady area and assisted Heady with learning the basics of operating a business. Heady commented on the assistance, “By getting to visit with Peggy, she opened my eyes to the process of starting up a new business. She answered questions and helped me find the resources I needed.” Mrs. Heady concluded her remarks by saying “I say ‘thank you ASU’ for this program.”
Heady purchased the building for her business and her clientele travels to Brady from surrounding towns to make purchases.
Serenity Quilts of Many Colors held its Grand Opening and Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Labor Day weekend. The Brady Herald remarked that it had never seen such a large turnout for a grand opening.
Float 404, Emily McMahon
Emily McMahon always loved to throw a good party. During her time in New York City, she continued to do so during her stint as an events coordinator. Upon moving to San Angelo, Emily wanted to continue being involved in the entertainment industry and felt that by starting a new restaurant/bar she could fulfill her ambitions.
In order to carry out her objective, Emily contacted the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (ASU-SBDC) for assistance with starting her new business. With the help of family and friends, the young entrepreneur was able to gather the necessary resources to tackle the difficult task of remodeling and rebranding an old restaurant along the Concho River.
Advisor Pedro Ramirez was asked to help Emily. Together and with the help of family financing, they were able to devise a plan of action to open Float 404, the only restaurant/bar by the river in San Angelo. Although Emily has struggled throughout the process, today she is poised to open her very own bar, employ 21 individuals and continue enhancing the entertainment scene in San Angelo.
Anoushka Decorating, Allison Siglock
Allison Siglock contacted the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (ASU-SBDC) for assistance with starting her decorating consulting business. Allison currently works at Furniture Row in San Angelo and her employer supports her efforts in this business.
Advisor Peggy Hodges assisted Allison with information about the uses for an Employer Identification Number, applying for a sales tax number, and self employment taxes. Hodges also discussed maintaining a mileage log for expenses relating to business travel.
Allison is currently studying Interior Design through distance learning education from Rhodec International located in London, England. Upon completion of her education, she plans to tackle the Texas Board of Architects Interior Design Exam. Successful completion of the exam will allow her to be classified as a certified interior designer.
Allison is appreciative of the assistance of the SBDC. “My first two clients have been a success and I never could have done it without your help.” As Allison’s business grows, she will continue to seek the advice of the SBDC.
Marble Slab, Juan Flores
Juan Flores had heard the same excuse countless times…he was too young and too inexperienced to start his own business. Yet never did Juan deter from the idea of owning a business, specifically a franchise. In order to fulfill his ambitious goal, Juan needed some help and turned to the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (ASU-SBDC) and advisors Paul Howard and Pedro Ramirez for assistance.
Initially, Juan attempted to obtain his financing via the 7(a) Loan Program, but was turned down due to his age and inexperience. Yet, all the hard work putting together his business plan and financial projections finally came to fruition when family members came to his aid. By combining their savings, his parents and two set of aunts and uncles were able to form an investment company to help fund his future endeavors.
Today, Juan owns two Marble Slab franchises in San Angelo and College Station and employs 20 people. In the future, the young entrepreneur plans to expand to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and beyond. In order to do so, Juan has the backing of both his family and the SBDC. One day he hopes to earn enough money to help other young entrepreneurs realize their goals of owning businesses.
Mesquite Bean Café & Catering Co., Pam Granger
An opportunity became available for Pam to open a small sandwich shop in a recently vacated spot in the Cactus Hotel. She had been in the banking industry, but had always wanted her own business. This seemed to be the perfect time. Pam’s husband, Tom, has been in the restaurant business and offered to help, but Pam wanted additional assistance and met with advisor Paul Howard at the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. Paul suggested Pam begin working on a business plan before approaching a lender for financial help. He also recommended Pam attend some of the many seminars available through the SBDC. Pam, with help from her husband, began developing a business plan. She presented it to a lender and was approved for a loan. Pam says, “The SBDC helped me develop a business plan to prepare the financial proposal for the bank.”
Downtown San Angelo now has a new eating establishment and other businesses are looking to open in the area. Mesquite Bean Café & Catering Co. created seven new jobs for the city and shoppers and employees have another place to have lunch.
Seasons Change Designs, Season Neucere
Seasons Change Designs was an idea born from the creative mind of Season Neucere. Using her name as part of the business name was a natural adaptation. As an avid recycler, Season expands the basic recycling concept to include clothing. Her designs are created from clothing that is no longer worn. She creates a single article of clothing by combining different fabric from several clothing pieces. Each completed item is unique and is reflective of her impeccable sense of design.
When Season began to explore the possibility of actually producing saleable items, she approached the ASU Small Business Development Center for assistance. She registered for the newest offering of the SBDC, the Small Business Management Certificate Program. Required courses for the certificate program include Essentials of Starting a New Business, The Business Plan, Marketing, IRS Tax Requirements, Sales Tax Seminar, Financing Options, Understanding Financial Statements and Bookkeeping.
While attending classes, Season found, “The marketing classes were especially helpful and Pedro (Ramirez) created an excellent logo that I’m using for my business. Peggy’s (Hodges) guidance helped me in developing my business name and trademark information and buying my Web site domain.”
Season additionally complimented the SBDC by saying, “Taking all the classes at the SBDC provided me with all the knowledge needed to start my business.”
West Texas Healthcare, Anne Lindley and Janice Douglas
Entrepreneurs Anne Lindley and Janice Douglas started their own health care business. Both were working for other people in the industry when they determined they wanted to work for themselves. They launched West Texas Health Care in September 2008.
Prior to starting their business, Lindley and Douglas approached the ASU Small Business Development Center for assistance. Advisor Peggy Hodges assisted them with their business plan. According to Douglas, Peggy offered “significant help with developing our business plan, giving direction on human resource issues and guidance on business loans.”
Utilizing owner injection, they opened their start-up. West Texas Health Care has begun offering personal assistance service. Currently, Lindley manages the day-to-day operations of 14 employees. West Texas Health Care is seeking to secure its Medicare Certification, which will allow it to offer nursing care and add nursing staff. When the Medicare Certification is secured, Douglas plans to join the company on a full-time basis.
Swa-gito, Simon Cuellar
Simon Cuellar knew that there was something missing from the San Angelo downtown area, but just could not put his finger on it. After sitting down with various members of his family, Cuellar determined a Tejano dance club was the missing element. In order to help fill the void, he organized three other families and together they turned to the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (ASU-SBDC) and advisor Pedro Ramirez for assistance.
The eight-members of the group had never owned their own bar before and tried to educate themselves regarding formal organizational structures, liquor licenses, permits, sales taxes and employee regulations. In addition, Ramirez designed the clients’ logo and helped them select their name, Swa-gito, which is a combination of dancing and the Spanish word, ‘tragito’.
Today, the group has secured its location in the downtown area and is working on the build-out of the facility. The members plan to open the new Tejano dance club in early February and have already begun promoting the new location to the Hispanic community.
