The success stories below represent a small fraction of the clients we work with. We have, however, tried to present a representative sample across a broad range of business types.
INC 500 Winner
Slowboy Racing – When Mike Huml became unemployed in 2002, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. Working through the IUP SBDC and the IUP Self-Employment Program, Mike got his business, based on his passion for automotive performance, up and running. Apparently, he did it pretty well, as the company made INC Magazine’s list of the fastest 500 privately owned companies in America in 2007.
Manufacturing Businesses
Arcadia Industrial Corporation — Founded with the help of the SBDC in 1999, the company has returned to the SBDC for assistance twice; once when ownership transitioned to a new ownership group and a second time for expansion. Each time, the SBDC delivered a business plan that helped provide a foundation for funding and growth.
Cherryhill Manufacturing — The founders developed a breakthrough concept for floor sanding. The SBDC helped them through the prototype development and refinement process and then through the initial commercialization of the product. The company has added a number of product lines and built a headquarters building.
Smicksburg Community Cheese — When the community-owned cheese plant closed down, the Amish community lost the only viable market for their dairy cows’ milk. A local businessman stepped up and, with the help of the SBDC, got the plant restarted, and milk production in the Mahoning Valley is up significantly.
Cessna Motorsports — Necessity and passion also led to the development of Cessna Motorsports, which builds out racing chassis for dirt tracks, sells racing after-market parts, and services race cars.
Daylen Solutions — Automating existing industries has become a competitive necessity in today’s global markets. Daylen Solutions works to increase productivity in the metal fabrication, steel, and assorted industries targeting their activities to the Tri-State area.
Service Businesses
Pleasant Valley Golf Course — When Zoltan Connor returned to western Pennsylvania, he was dismayed to see the condition of the golf course on which his United High School golf team had played. Yet, he saw a great opportunity. Featuring great views of the Laurel Highlands from every hole, the course is a hidden gem. In Zoltan’s words, “Pleasant Valley is a sleeping giant.”
Lingrow Farm — When Linda Alworth wanted to turn her farm into a venue for weddings and corporate events and an all-occasion meeting facility, the SBDC helped her to develop a financing proposal for the bank.
Deuce Transport — The announcement of the extent of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shales caused Daron Murton to identify an opportunity to establish a business serving the industry. The SBDC helped Daron package his ideas for presentation to lenders and to do financial projections showing the viability of the idea.
Retail/Wholesale Businesses
Arlington Mower — James Fichtner wanted to purchase an existing mower repair business and build its sales based upon his experience in sales and with hydraulic repair. The SBDC helped him through the acquisition process by identifying the information he would need from the seller to develop a plan acceptable to the bank and to refine his projections based upon that information.
Plant-it Earth - Karin Eller had a vision and a dream. She wished to build a business focused on her interests in gardening and on growing heirloom tomatoes and peppers. Not only was the concept a new and unfamiliar one with most potential customers, but her family's land was miles away from the most travelled roads. The SBDC helped Karin realize her vision.
Stonybank Restaurant — The SBDC helped Ron Burkhardt do an initial business plan when he purchased the restaurant in 2005, and the SBDC’s Energy Management and Assistance Program helped Ron qualify for a matching grant to replace his HVAC system that had failed with an energy-efficient new system.
Villa Pub & Grill — Business plan assistance helped the new owners obtain bank financing to refurbish a bar and restaurant near the Chestnut Ridge Golf Course and downtown Blairsville. The reenergized facility has helped create another option for golf course visitors and area residents.
