Client Stories
From startups to growing companies, our mission at the SBDC is to help business dreams become a reality. Following are small business owners in southwest Minnesota that the SBDC had the opportunity to assist in achieving their dreams.
M & Em Handyman LLC Hardwick MN
Success Story
I have done many different jobs in the past. Through high school I worked various different construction/trade jobs. Right out of high school I joined the Army National Guard and served as a 13B cannon crewmember for 6 years. I became a licensed insurance agent and sold insurance while attending college at Saint Cloud Technical and Community College for Business Management. After that venture, I became a Shipping/Inventory Manager/Customer Service Representative for a small assistive technology company out of Rice, MN. Emily and I moved onto a 62’ River Yacht in Louisville, Kentucky with my assistive technology boss for a year with hopes to complete the America’s Great Loop. Then we moved to Spearfish, SD where I shifted gears back into construction and property maintenance. At the beginning of COVID we moved back to the area I grew up near Luverne, MN. I took a construction job out of the gate as we settled into our new acreage. Not long after, I found another property maintenance job that I was employed at for almost 3 years. During that time, I started picking up some side jobs and realized the demand was greater than I had imagined which is where the idea of M & Em Handyman LLC blossomed!
I recently took my contractors exam class and will be testing to be a licensed general contractor soon. Emily, my fiance, worked as a server and waitress throughout high school. She also went to school for Business Management. She attended Dakota County Technical College and played college volleyball. While in college, she was a waitress, nanny, and a distributor for It Works! Marketing. For the last 8 years, she has been working full-time from home as a direct sales agent for them. In her free time, she loves making cupcakes for other people.
Ruth Ann has been a great help getting this business off the ground and helping it run smoothly. As this was my first LLC, there was so much to learn. We are in the process of setting operations up for growth with easy-to-use systems. In the future, we would like to employ other handymen to further our reach and complete more projects in a timely manner. Currently, our handyman service area covers Rock, Pipestone, Murray, and Nobles counties.
Since then, Ruth Ann has helped start a separate LLC for 2 rental properties that Emily (fiance), Makayla (sister), Mark (brother) and Matthew (myself) have purchased under contract in 2023. Having help analyzing properties with a rental income calculator has been a huge help.
In high school, I was a peer helper, volunteering throughout the community for various tasks. We have volunteered our time to help the city of Hardwick, MN, get its pickleball court nets up and running. We have also joined the Chamber of Commerce in Luverne, MN, and have enjoyed working with them and getting to know the community through that program.
It has been an exciting journey thus far and can’t wait to see what we make of it in the future! We would not be where we are today without the help of our local Economic Development Program and the SBDC with Ruth Ann, along with her network of professionals.
We are young entrepreneurs who saw a need for a service-based business and made a plan to make it happen. M & Em Handyman LLC started as a part-time venture and has endured into a full-time job for myself and a part-time job for Emily. We are excited to make a big impact on our surrounding communities by completing tasks for them that they do not have the time, tools, or skill set to complete.
Since starting the handyman business we have also started another business called Sterrett Properties LLC. Involved in the second LLC is Makayla, Mark, Emily, and I. This has been a great experience as it ties in well with the handyman business. From doing periodic maintenance tasks to completing apartment renovations, M & Em Handyman LLC has the knowledge and equipment to make that possible. It has been fun working with my siblings and fiance on various projects at our rental properties. It is giving us the opportunity to spend more time together, create a successful financial future, and, most importantly, learn together.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at
SBDC@SMSU.edu or
507-537-73860
AutoNation in Redwood Falls, MN
Success Story
Ruben, a certified Automotive Technician with over two decades of experience in auto repair, had a deep passion for automobiles since childhood. Ruben and his wife Wendi decided to establish their own business in the automotive industry, driven by a strong desire to provide exceptional service and expertise to their community. Located in Redwood Falls MN, their business is quickly becoming a go-to destination for vehicle enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Their commitment to quality and personalized service set them apart, earning the trust and loyalty of their customers. With a focus on providing exceptional customer service, Ruben's business consistently exceeded expectations. Ruben's ability to communicate in both English and Spanish further enhances the customer experience, allowing him to assist a broad range of clients with ease. They offer a wide range of services, from engine and transmission repair to complete brake repair, electrical and computer diagnostics, and more. They also recognized a need for custom exhaust systems, lifted and lowered suspension work, lighting, custom wheels, and audio systems in the industry.
Their SBDC consultant, Berny Berger, played a crucial role in their journey. Berny, who has been an SBDC consultant since January of 2017, brought her wealth of experience in business accounting, office management, and finance to the table. She had a keen eye for potential and recognized Ruben's hard work and determination. Berny noted, "I found Ruben to be very hard-working and diligent, with a lot of determination to reach his goal of owning his own auto repair business."
Their dedication to excellence extended to preventive maintenance services, tire sales, exhaust system repair, and everything in between. As their reputation grows, so does their business. Ruben's story is a testament to the power of expertise, passion, and dedication to customer satisfaction in the automotive industry.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
Sunshine and Whiskey in Watson, MN
Success Story
In the heart of rural Minnesota, where the fields stretch far, and neighbors are like family, Autumn Lee, a farm wife turned entrepreneur, has woven a tale of resilience, growth, and community spirit through her business, Sunshine & Whiskey Filling Station.
Autumn's journey began in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a stay-at-home farm wife and mom, she found herself seeking new avenues to contribute to her community. Armed with an agriculture business degree and a vision, she seized the opportunity to purchase the local C-store and liquor store, transforming it into Sunshine & Whiskey Filling Station LLC.
There were hurdles to overcome during the initial transition. Ruth Ann Karty from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played a pivotal role, assisting Autumn with cash flow projections and navigating the complexities of securing loans from the Greater Community Credit Union and the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC). Autumn stated, "Ruth Ann is a wonderful asset steering me toward starting a business! She's amazing, and I can't thank her enough. She set out numbers that, at that time, I could only dream of reaching, and in 2021, we passed those with flying colors."
Autumn's commitment to her small town, Watson, with a population of 200, is palpable. Ruth Ann helped Autumn see the potential for the location and turn that into projections to show the financial institutions. Remodeling and upgrading the gas station, creating an Amazon Hub Delivery partnership, and certifying the kitchen for additional offerings showcased Autumn's adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.
The community-centric approach extended beyond the store's walls. Autumn's involvement in local organizations, such as the Watson Lions Club and 4H Club, demonstrated her dedication to fostering connections and contributing to the town's vibrancy. She's not just a business owner; she's a community role model, as acknowledged by Tesa Siverhus-Maus from the Montevideo Area Chamber of Commerce.
In collaboration with the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), Autumn further expanded her footprint. With a SWIF loan, she added an office and introduced Studio 59 hair salon to the town. These additions enhanced the business and created jobs, demonstrating Autumn's commitment to supporting her community's economic growth.
The pinnacle of Autumn's achievements came with a petroleum infrastructure project in September 2023. Grants from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture enabled Sunshine & Whiskey Filling Station to offer renewable fuels like E-85, E-15, 87, and biodiesel greater than 5%. This not only met the needs of the local farming community but also positioned the business as a forward-thinking contributor to environmental sustainability.
Autumn's story encapsulates the essence of rural entrepreneurship, where challenges are met with creativity, vision, and hard work. As the business evolves, Autumn remains humble, emphasizing the collaborative effort of her dedicated staff, loyal customers, and supportive neighbors.
In the words of Autumn Lee, "None of this would be possible without 'us,' without our team. We take pride in our little town and want to see it succeed. I didn't get into this business to get rich. I did it to keep one little store going in our small town. It's all we have. Our little corner of the world shines because of 'us,' not just me."
Sunshine & Whiskey Filling Station stands not only as a filling station for fuel but as a beacon of community spirit, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a model for small-town success.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
Pink Apron Bakery in Spicer, MN
Success Story
Pink Apron Bakery started on a whim. Like most good things in life, it happened unexpectedly. I have always had a passion for baking, and had a dream as a child that one day I would have my own bake shop. Fast forward to 2021, Pink Apron Bakery was born. I began making sourdough at home in April of that year after making a career shift, and started working at the local bakery in New London. I would work early morning hours, and then go home and experiment with my sourdough starter. Formulating new recipes, working through the failures of sourdough baking, and posting my successful bakes on social media. After a while of doing so, I had a large online outreach of people interested in purchasing some of my bread.
Curious to see if what I was doing could take off, I set out to do my very fist Saturday Pop Up Market. I asked my uncle if I could set my tables up in front of the Lakes Area Review building that he owned. He said “Go for it!” and we were off to the races. I borrowed a tent from a friend, grabbed some garage sale tables and set up for my first Saturday Market, the week of my 27th birthday. I had spent all night baking 12 loaves of bread, some brownies and sourdough cookies. I was a nervous wreck, sleep deprived and anxiously feeling like this would be a total flop, but the community proved me wrong. The bread was gone in an instant and the rest followed suit.
Shortly after, I set out to plan my next pop up event. I tried new flavors, created new products and blasted my social media with announcements for my next appearance on the
corner. It was another small success! Familiar faces showed up to grab a loaf and some goodies, along with some newcomers. More people began asking if I would be on the corner each weekend. Due to my employment schedule, I wasn’t able to do so. So in September of 2021, I made the very scary decision to follow my gut, and quit my job to pursue this “could be” bread business. This was a huge risk, I had little to no income and was unsure of how much this business could grow.
And my how it grew! 2 years later, what was 12 loaves on a table, is now 40+ loaves and a plethora of other baked goodies on 4 tables that sells out in under an hour.
And now I am looking at opening a brick and mortar later this fall. Being the only sourdough focused micro bakery in this area is a privilege. The following, support and sense of community I have gained
from this journey is incredible. The experience I have gained over the past 2 years owning and operating this business, not to mention the experience from years prior, working at Costco Wholesale in the bakery, as well as my brief employment in New London, has aided me in this process to some extent.
However the biggest aid has come from working with Pam and the SBDC. My biggest fear entering into this new realm of my business, and taking on a brick and mortar was not knowing the feasibility of my business, and whether or not I would succeed. Nothing is guaranteed, but what made the fear of the unknown lessen was gaining the confidence and knowledge to run my business through the help and guidance of Pam Lehman. Since our first meeting together on the phone, Pam has backed me and my business 100%. I appreciate her
honesty, encouragement and transparency.
My initial business plan didn’t have a detailed financial report, since most of my business’ financial history was a bit scattered. I knew I needed financial backing from a bank or lender, and in order to receive support they required financial reports and projections. All of
which quite frankly scared me. In my years at Herberger Business School at SCSU, numbers and accounting were not my strengths. With a Bachelors in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, my focus laid more on the creative marketing and management side of
things. That is what I enjoyed. So, I knew I needed some help in the numbers department. Luckily that was Pam’s strength. Over the weeks, Pam and I would meet to review and revise the documents she had created for my business. Finally we were ready to apply for loans. She
directed me through the process, and assisted me when necessary. On august 28th, Pink Apron Bakery successfully closed on two separate loans from the KEDC, and SWIF.
SBDC’s free services made this possible. I was able to purchase the equipment that I needed in order to properly run my facility in accordance with the city and state, as well as gain confidence in knowing what the estimated projections will be for my business in the years to come. Through my work with the SDBC, KEDC, and SWIF, I can confidently say that I have the tools to make my business succeed for many years.
The concept behind this bakery and the products is simple. I want people to have a new appreciation for baked goods. Especially bread. Over the years, bread has been demonized in society as something that isn’t “good” for you. Well, there’s one big exception, and that’s sourdough. The naturally derived yeast culture is one of the best things for your digestion. Boasting numerous health benefits, including pre and probiotics, sourdough works with your body and not against it. So I took the science, and added the simplicity, with ingredients that make sense. At Pink Apron Bakery, I am proud to say that none of our breads
contain preservatives, artificial color enhancers, dough softeners or enhancers, or added rising agents. They are always made by hand, baked fresh and never frozen.
The dream and goal of my business is to make people smile when they taste my product. I wanted to elevate the experience of traditional baked goods, and give people something that they can’t find at another bakery. Products that are unique, handmade and high quality, and made with ingredients you can pronounce. But also, I wanted people to have a great experience while shopping. Through warm interactions, fun and exciting pop ups, and friendly chats I love to build rapport with my customers and always try to put their needs first.
To think that this business started in my home over 2 years ago, and now will be moving into an actual storefront is surreal. This journey has not been easy, especially being a single female owner, but my experience, persistence and the support from my customers is what keeps pushing me forward.
Pink Apron Bakery continues to evolve each month, and diversifies itself through it’s unique and expansive product line, the use of it’s website and online ordering portal, taking part in different unique pop up market events, as well as hosting and organizing events, collaborating and networking with other community entrepreneurs, philanthropy with community events and organizations, and supplying the community and surrounding townships with a new and unique take on what a bakery is and should be.
This is a new season of growth for me and my business, and I am proud of myself for not letting the fear of the unknown stop me from pursuing my dream. My ambition and passion is exercised each day that I put on my pink apron and bake for this community. With out their support, amongst many others, I would not be where I am today. I am excited to start a new chapter this fall with my business, and look forward to what the future has in store.
-Mackenzie Dohmann
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
Beaver Creek Boarding opens in Olivia, MN
Success Story
Beaver Creek Boarding opens in Olivia, MN
With Business Planning Assistance from the Small Business Development Center
OLIVIA, Minn.— Katy Holland recently opened a dog boarding service, Beaver Creek Boarding, on their farm-site at 507-537-7386th Avenue in rural Olivia. The new facility currently has space to board up to 25 dogs, with plans to have 40 kennels available in the future. Dog Day Camp is available Monday through Friday as well. Katy also hopes to offer dog training and grooming in the future. Katy’s stated goal is to “offer a home away from home for customer’s dogs where they can have peace of mind, knowing their dogs are being well taken care of while they are away.”
Beaver Creek Boarding can be reached at 507-537-7386 or www.linktr.ee/beavercreekboarding to schedule your pet boarding needs. Hours of operation are 8:30-10 am and 4:00-6:00 pm
Financing was a regional effort, with Franklin State Bank in Franklin as the primary lender, and included regional economic development lenders – Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, and the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), including the SWIF Microloan program.
Katy stated, “This has been a dream come true! I have always desired to have a career working with animals. I am doing just that and loving it!”
‘The SBDC is pleased to provide the business planning assistance to Katy Holland which enabled her to receive the financing needed to fulfill her dream of opening Beaver Creek Boarding,” said SBDC Regional Director, Christine Fischer.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
5 Family Ranch
Success Story
5 Family Ranch is, as it sounds, a family affair. Thomas Carlson along with his wife Melanie and four of her siblings, have turned their dream into a reality. Built from the ground up, 5 Family Ranch is a Modern-Rustic Event Venue. Located at 2717 County Road 6, on four acres of rural Minnesota prairie just two miles outside of Marshall, 5 Family Ranch boasts breathtaking indoor and outdoor spaces. The 7,900 square foot Barn includes a Bridal Suite & Groom Suite, a stone fireplace & Large Mezzanine. Outside you will find a large patio, beautiful landscaping, pond with water feature, as well as adequate parking for guests.
Thomas and Melanie maneuvered this venture with the help of their Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center Consultant, Pamela Lehmann. “A lot goes into the planning and execution of a venture like this. It was a long and challenging process… but very rewarding” said Thomas. Working together they created a solid business plan and supplemented their personal investment with commercial financing funded by MinnWest Bank in Slayton, Prairieland Economic Development Corporation and Southwest Initiative Foundation.
“Local officials and contractors were great to work with” said Thomas of navigating permitting plans with Lyon County as well as meeting codes, regulations and requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Fire Marshal. Alison Fulton, General Manager, is one of three Full Time, and 12 Part Time staff employed by 5 Family Ranch. “We are excited to host events now that construction is complete” said Thomas as their first event, an August 5th wedding, approached. With 55 weddings and events booked before their grand opening, 5 Family Ranch is off to a very successful start
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
AP Design New Owners
with Business Planning Assistance from the Small Business Development Center
August 2023 marked the 34th year Awards Plus Design has been in business and the first month for the new owners Nick and Jill Schwarz. Jamie and Beth Marcotte opened Awards Plus in 1989. In 1998, Brian and Nancy Kor. purchased the business. In 2006, the Kor’s built a new building in the development on the southwest side of Marshall on Hwy 23 where the business still operates.
Brian and Nancy knew it was time to start stepping away from the busy day to day of running a successful small business and began the search for new owners. While several opportunities arose to transition their company of 25 years, they decided on Nick and Jill Schwarz. Nick and Jill have deep ties to the area as Jill has been a preschool teacher for 25 years and Nick has worked locally also with Schwans and Jonti-Craft.
When the Kor’s purchased AP Design, the banker they worked with recommended they seek guidance from the Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center. Similarly, when the Schwarz’s were looking to purchase AP Design they began their relationship with the SBDC, located on the campus of SMSU. They were connected with consultant Ruth Ann Karty. Nick and Jill already had a depth of business knowledge but this opportunity was a new industry to them. They did a lot of research on their own but many questions still came up and the SBDC was there to help share knowledge, resources and guidance.
They took a deep dive into the financial analysis, risk assessment, prospective management ideas and bank financing relationships and needs. “We were blown away by this service that we didn’t pay for, truly wanting us to succeed. Ruth Ann gave us honest information, she did not sugar coat it. We were challenged to think critically about the business, and were able to produce projections for future operation of the business that we felt confident in.” SBDC Regional Director Christine Fischer “That’s what we are here for. We truly want to help you make sound business decisions and succeed”
AP Designs is located at 501 South Hwy 23 and specializes in awards, branded apparel, promotional items, signs, vehicle wraps and more. They have the ability to handle large quantity custom orders or a single item custom order. Not only will you see Nick and Jill out in the community, you will see AP Design work everywhere.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
Progressive Collision Success Story
with Business Planning Assistance from the Small Business Development Center
For nearly three decades Progressive Collision and Glass Center, Inc. has been a staple on Main Street in Ortonville, MN. Steve and Linda Roggenbuck opened their business in 1995. With a growing family of four little boys, they were determined to make their dream a success. The couple reached out to the Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center and were connected with consultant Ruth Ann Karty.
Steve and Linda met with Ruth Ann and she helped guide them with solid advice and was their go-to source as they learned the ins and outs of being a small business owner. Linda even created a folder titled Questions for Ruth Ann, anytime they had a business question come up it went right into the folder! When Ruth Ann arrived for an in-person visits or via phone call, Linda would pull out the folder and they would go through each one. Ruth Ann even held their newborn son Jordan as Linda learned how to run Quick. This relationship with their SBDC consultant built a solid foundation of knowledge that helped the Roggenbucks weather the ups and downs of being small business owners.
Since opening, Progressive Collision has expanded to another location in Ortonville to keep up with their growing business. With their expansion, their hired local contractors for all the work including electricians, plumbers, carpenters and roofers. In the new location, a Down Draft paint booth was added along with 9 courtesy vehicles for their customers. They have provided jobs to 40 people during their tenure, including a refugee from the Ukraine who had his own body shop before fleeing the country.
Being a part of the community is important to the Roggenbucks, they are active and proud of the town of Ortonville and surrounding area. The local high schools visit Progressive Collision and Steve educates the students on the industry. They have employed several high school students who showed interest in pursing a degree in this vocation. Yearly, Ortonville has Trick or Treat Main Street and Progressive Collision is always a favorite of the kids! They have had a lot of fun getting set up and handing out Hot Wheels cars and candy to over 500 kids. Progressive Collision advertises with the local paper and radio stations and have built a reputation of caring for the area they live and work in. They donate to local charity events, school projects and sports teams, VFW, fire department and the Ortonville Hospital.
Even after decades in business, they know that if they need additional business guidance they can reach out the SBDC and connect with a consultant, free of charge. The Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center is proud to have played a small part in helping this business grow and thrive.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or507-537-7386
The Dance Academy Opens New Studio in Worthington
with Business Planning Assistance from the Small Business Development Center
Kay Williams Prunty decided to move her business, “The Dance Academy” into a larger, newly remodeled building located at 555 Kragness Avenue in Worthington, with the start of fall classes in September 2020. The Dance Academy has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, acrobatics, worship and musical theatre dance in downtown Worthington, since 1996. Kay’s business needed to move with the proposed sale of the building she was in, and the new location offers her an excellent opportunity to grow The Dance Academy and her business.
The Dance Academy will be able to offer more classes and other types of programs with her new location, such as Zumba, Fitness and Ballroom. If interested in finding out more about the programs, Kay can be reached at 507-537-7386 with questions about classes and registration information.
Kay contacted the Southwest Small Business Development Center, hosted and located at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, for assistance in putting together a business plan and financial projections. The Southwest Regional Development Commission of Slayton, and the Worthington Regional Economic Development Commission assisted with the financing of the project.
“I am so thankful for Berny Berger at SBDC, Robin Weis at SRDC, Amy Woitalewicz and Selina Berning at SWIF, and Jason Brisson at WREDC, and Mark Vis at First State Bank Southwest for their support, knowledge, and guidance. They have made my building possible
and allowed me to continue doing what I love. Without them, I don’t know how we would have survived through all the ups and downs of Covid-19. They truly care about us small businesses!”, said Kay Williams Prunty.
“The SBDC is pleased to provide the business planning assistance to Kay Prunty to help with the financing project and relocation of her business,” said SBDC Director, Liz Struve
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
Prairie Meats, Inc. Expands to Olivia, USDA Certified Plant
with Business Planning Assistance from the Small Business Development Center
Tony and Heidi Paskewitz, owners of Prairie Meats, Inc., recently opened their new livestock processing plant and meat market, at 2505 West Lincoln Ave in Olivia. The business will now be able to provide a USDA inspected facility for livestock producers to get animals processed, which allows them to sell to the public. This will also provide local markets with their own specialty meat products. With the increasing consumer interest in locally raised meat, Tony and Heidi recognized a great need for this type of facility in the area, and have had a lot of interest from local producers.
Prairie Meats specializes in processing cattle, sheep, and hogs for local farmers, as well as making their own ring bologna, wieners, summer sausage, brats, jerky, and snack sticks from special private recipes. They can provide beef, pork and lamb in quarters, halves or whole, that are processed at their locker plant. They also offer a full line of fresh or frozen meat cuts and products, including brats, steaks, roasts and ground beef. In addition, Prairie Meats is the place to go for popular Traeger wood pellet grills and supplies. They can be reached at507-537-7386 to schedule meat processing needs, or to inquire about availability of meat products or Traeger grills.
Financing was a regional effort, with Citizen’s Alliance Bank in Sacred Heart as the primary lender, and included local and regional economic development lenders – Renville County EDA, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Mid-Minnesota RDC, and the City of Olivia EDA. In addition, Prairie Meats received an Agri Value-Added Equipment grant from the MN Dept of Agriculture to complete the funding needed.
Tony and Heidi previously worked with the Southwest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Marshall, receiving business planning assistance for their purchase of the Danube Locker in 2017. With the growing demand for their services, and their own experience raising beef cattle, they recognize the opportunity that a USDA certified plant could offer for local producers. When they started researching grant and financing options, they again turned to the Southwest SBDC and Professional Business Consultant, Berny Berger to provide the assistance they needed in preparing a financing package.
“The SBDC is pleased to provide the business planning assistance to Tony and Heidi which enabled them to receive the financing needed to fulfill their dream of opening a USDA inspected meat market,” said SBDC Director, Liz Struve.
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota SBDC and how they can assist your small business, contact us at SBDC@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7386
E&H Piping
Sergio Espinoza
SBA's Minnesota Minority-Owned Business of the Year
In the United States, immigrants are almost twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as those individuals born in the Country. Sergio Espinoza is one of these immigrant entrepreneurs. At age 18, he fled his native country of Guatemala to escape a dictatorship government and the Guatemalan Civil War. He worked various construction jobs and saved money with hopes of owning his own business someday.
Early in 2012, Sergio Espinosa came to the Southwest SBDC with $25,000 in hard earned cash seeking assistance with starting a business.
E & H Piping, LLC was formed. Just six years later, the gross revenues of the business are well above seven figures and climbing.
E & H Piping, Inc. which is named for Sergio’s children, currently employs 12 fulltime staff and eight part-time employees. The Company is in the repair, maintenance and demolition business, often providing service for ethanol plants.
The business has a service area of within a 250-mile radius of Lyon County, Minnesota. Occasionally the business will accept more distant jobs. Most of the employees are Hispanic and are paid between $20 to $30 per hour.
“I tell employees that if they have the desire to work hard, they are welcome and we will work well together,” Espinoza said. “I don't need any scientists to work with me, I just need people with the will to work.”
He reached out for assistance from the Small Business Development Center hosted and located at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. He needed help with business start-up questions, such as determining what kind of insurance was needed and finding training for required certifications.
Espinosa first met with Liz Struve, Regional SBDC Director. He was then referred to Ruth Ann Karty, SBDC Professional Business Consultant. “I contacted the SBDC for small business advice,” Espinoza said. “Ruth Ann counseled me and provided me with information on what to do and what not to do with the business — from where to find training for the business to payroll and bookkeeping needs.”
Barriers to starting a business for Espinoza were discrimination and language issues. While he has overcome those barriers with his vendors and customers, he still deals with those same issues on a routine basis.
Espinoza said customer service is his highest priority. He prefers to complete projects on time or ahead of time. Ninety percent of his business is from satisfied customers making referrals to his company.
Hard work and a little help has paid off for Espinoza. “Nothing has been free and easy for me,” he said. “The only limits we have are those that we set ourselves. When I first started my business, it was very hard and challenging with very little money. People laughed at me and my business idea — they are no longer laughing — they are now working for me.”
Southwest Minnesota State University and the Minnesota SBDC Network is a proud part of the Department of Employment and Economic Development in the State of Minnesota. It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center or call 507.537.7386.