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Mamacita's Hookah Lounge, Eric Escamilla
Eric Escamilla and his partner knew every bar and restaurant in San Angelo, and felt it was time San Angelo experienced a lounge of a different kind: a hookah lounge. While there was already one in existence, Eric felt San Angelo could use a second one to increase the exposure of this type of establishment to San Angelo natives.
Eric sought the help of Business Advisor Pedro Ramirez from Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center. Throughout the process, Eric established his hookah lounge and opened the doors in the early 2010, but more help was required. After weathering the initial months, Advisor Ramirez continued helping Eric to establish and grow his following. With his help, Eric was able to increase his sales and relocated to a new location. The new business location increased the business’ visibility and clientele quality.
After over six months, the hookah lounge is progressing strongly and Eric is looking to add a salsa club in the future. For now, San Angelo natives can continue enjoying the exotic aromas and tobacco’s offered in Eric’s Mamacita’s Hookah Lounge.
Market Square, Wendy Hudson
If you are visiting the Texas Hill Country, Market Square in Mason is a must see stop! Wendy Hudson has been in business for 19 years. She sells decorator items, furniture, lamps and many other things you did not even know you needed. Wendy appreciates the assistance of the Rural Business Advisor, Peggy Hodges.
“Peggy Hodges came to my store with attitude and information that has made the difference – sink or swim – in my business. We started with credit card debt analysis and have made great strides there,” Wendy said. She continued, “Peggy gave me assistance and hope with the ARC Loan. As expected, it was a lot of work. Peggy guided me through the entire process. She has indeed provided the encouragement I have needed for years.”
Securing the ARC Loan enable Wendy to free up enough cash flow to move her part time employee to full time. Peggy continues to visit Market Square in Mason on each visit to the area.
Hubert Resource Marketing, Leann Hubert
Leann had been a stay at home mom for years but reached a point where she wanted to start her own business. She worked in marketing in the Dallas area and felt it was a good time to start her own marketing resource business. This would still give her the flexibility she needed to take care of her family. Without the knowledge of how to run a business she came to the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center for help.
Leann’s initial meeting was with Advisor Paul Howard who guided her in the steps involved in starting a business. Leann says, “Paul was very helpful and gave me all the information I needed to open my business.” After being in business for about one year, Leann has called upon the Center several times for advice and help with problems relating to her business. “The Center has been very responsive and always able to help me solve the issue or problem,” states Leann. She adds, “As the owner of a small business, the SBDC is a huge asset to my company. Opening a business can be very daunting – especially a sole proprietorship. I know that I can rely on the Center and find help and answers for any aspect of my new business.”
A new business has opened in San Angelo because of a determined entrepreneur who had help from the Small Business Development Center.
Cude Aviation Service, George Cude
George is a certified aviation mechanic and specializes in maintenance and inspection of airplanes. He has been an employee all his life and decided it was time to have his own airplane repair business. George’s wife, Cherrye, came to the Angelo State University - Small Business Development Center and met with Advisor Paul Howard to get assistance in this business venture.
Advisor Howard discussed how to register the business, legal structure and sales tax issues with Cherrye. She said, “Mr. Howard helped on our decision to be sole proprietorship instead of LLC at this time. He explained the pros and cons of each one…Also information on credit card machines and tax numbers.”
The Cude’s found a hangar on a small airstrip that was available near West Texas Boys Ranch. It was very reasonable and a perfect location for planes to land and have their annual inspections performed. Cude Aviation is now in business and it created two jobs for San Angelo.
Fuentes Weekend Lounge, John Fuentes
John Fuentes has always been a conservative entrepreneur, but a very successful one, too. When the recent explosion of interest in the downtown area began taking place, the business owner decided to wait to see if the increased night traffic would continue. After noticing the consistent flow of crowds boosting his even sales, John realized it was time to reap the benefits. He turned to the Angelo State University-Small Business Development Center and Advisor Pedro Ramirez for help.
During the course of the following weeks, John decided to expand his hours of operations and keep his restaurant open on Friday and Saturday nights. He named it the “Fuentes Weekend Lounge.” The new lounge has not only provided an excellent food source for the downtown night life, but it has drawn a new smoke conscience crowd due to its non-smoking policy. It has also created a vibrant new dance space. The change has resulted in the retention of 43 employees and the hiring of 3 additional ones. It has also increased the client’s alcohol and food sales. Now John is keeping his eyes out for potential new expansion opportunities.
