Success Stories
World Class Taxidermy, Justin Mathews
When Justin Mathews began his taxidermy business, World Class Taxidermy, five years ago in Sonora, he had hoped that someday he would own his own building. With dedication and hard work, he has broken ground on a new 40’ X 60’ metal building. The building will house both World Class Taxidermy and Mathews Processing.
Angelo State University - Small Business Advisor, Peggy Hodges, first met with Justin to discuss the process to approach a bank for funding and present to the Sonora Economic Development Corporation. “Peggy helped me to refine my business plan, cash flow and (write) my assumptions. Without her help, I truly believe I would still be going in circles!” Justin remarked.
Initially Justin will sell hunting supplies, perform taxidermy work and process meat for private consumption. He has a long term goal of becoming a USDA inspected facility and process meats for sale to the public. Justin retained his job and will hire two more full time employees as well as four part time workers. His building, located on Hwy 277, will become the focal point of hunting in the Sonora area this fall and for years to come!
I Business, Inc., Suzie Marshall
Q’s Printing has been providing printing services to businesses in the Concho Valley and beyond since Suzi Marshall first opened in 1986. The growth of the company can be attributed to their attention to detail. Grow they did and found themselves looking for a larger building to handle their increased volume.
They had a vision for a collaboration of different business owners who all provide services geared towards business needs. This vision received the name I Business, Inc. I Business purchased a building large enough to house the growing Q’s yet plenty of room for other business related services. Currently I Business also includes a web designer, a screen printer, a sign company and a finance business.
Angelo State University Small Business Advisor Peggy Hodges assisted Suzi as she moved through her business plan and subsequent financing. Peggy “helped to create and edit the business plan that resulted in successful funding.” Suzie said. She “helped me think through the process that resulted in a very successful project.”
This project has come to an end, but Suzi says that Peggy Hodges, “continues to advise me in matters of business.”
The project resulted in the retention of six employees but additionally assisted in an expansion for the finance company, created a place for the screen printer, and provided a San Angelo location for a sign business from Midland.
Marquez Consulting Services, Susie Marquez, LPC
Susie has been working as a Licensed Professional Counselor for Shannon Behavior Health Department and decided that she would like to open her own practice. Susie decided to open her office in a facility with other LPCs. Susie had decided that she would like to focus on counseling services for children and families.
Susie started her research to apply to be a Medicaid provider. Susie visited the SBDC for assistance with the Medicaid application process. Cindy Hartin met with Susie and discussed the Medicaid application process along with the application for a National Medicaid Provider Number. Susie said, “I learned the differences between the NPI number and a tax id number, and the purpose behind those numbers.” Susie is excited about her new opportunity to help the community, and she hopes to expand her services to include support groups.
Melissa Davis-Crump Photography
Melissa Davis-Crump was a student looking to pursue her passion…photography. She had been attending Angelo State University and wanted to startup her own photography company to turn her passion into a full-time job.
After considering her options, Melissa decided to seek out the help of the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center and Advisor Pedro Ramirez. The client was guided though the process of starting her business and received details pertaining to obtaining an assumed name, sales tax permit and marketing advice.
“Pedro and the SBDC have helped me start my business and helped me expand into a successful one,” stated Melissa. “I never would have been able to do it by myself. Photography is my passion.”
The project resulted in the creation of two new jobs, but more importantly the creation of a new successful business. Today, Melissa is so busy that she is looking to expand and she’s enjoying every minute of it.
Clownin' Around, Chandra Satterwhite
As a recent high school graduate, Chandra decided that she wanted to start her own business. Chandra had experience making balloon animals and face painting, but she wanted to expand her business to birthday parties and party entertainment.
Chandra came to the SBDC and discussed her business idea with business advisor, Cindy Hartin. Chandra and Cindy discussed the basics of starting a small business including paperwork and permits. Chandra and Cindy brainstormed some marketing ideas to include business cards, web sites, and even the costume Chandra would wear for her business. San Angelo now has a young entrepreneur specializing in theme parties for children and party entertainment.
“The SBDC helped me accomplish a long term goal of mine… becoming an owner of a business and becoming my own boss. Thanks y’all!” - Chandra Satterwhite
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.
Floors Unlimited, Clint Pelzel
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 website 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.”
Dipsticks Tire & Lube, Shane Criswell
If the front end of your vehicle is out of alignment, residents of Mason, Texas and surrounding areas can now have it aligned at Dipsticks Tire & Lube, Mason, Texas. Owner, Shane Criswell, purchased a new front-end alignment machine with the assistance of the Angelo State University - Small Business Development office. Rural Business Advisor, Peggy Hodges, worked with Shane and his wife, Misty, with the loan application process.
Shane tells the story, “I needed an alignment machine and went to the bank for a small business loan. My banker gave me information about a grant (opportunity) from the Federal Home Loan Bank. He put me in contact with the SBDC and they put me in contact with Peggy Hodges. She began to work with us via phone and email. We worked together through the process of building a business plan and later we achieved the goal of our loan (and grant combination).”
With the funding for the front-end alignment machine secured, the equipment was delivered and set up. The use of this machine helped retain three jobs and created a half-time position. All this contributes to the economic base of Mason.
LJ Thomas Consulting, Lori Jo Thomas
Lori Jo had been working in the employee benefits/insurance industry for a number of years and decided that now was the time to open her own consulting practice in San Angelo. Lori Jo believed that she could provide a valuable resource to employers in the area. Lori Jo met with SBDC business advisor, Cindy Hartin to discuss her business idea. Lori Jo and Cindy worked through the details of Lori Jo’s business plan and discussed marketing opportunities.
Lori Jo would send Cindy drafts of her marketing material such as business cards and web site designs, and Cindy would provide feedback and suggestions. Lori Jo was able to use Cindy as a sounding board to clarify her business plan and marketing ideas. Lori Jo opened her offices in the Cactus Hotel and is working on securing contracts with area employers.
“The SBDC was and continues to be, a tremendous sounding board in regards to fine-tuning my business plan and giving me focus and clarity. Because my business is so multi-dimensional, having an independent advisor has been critical to my progress and success.” - Lori Jo Thomas
