America’s SBDC Blog

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Lighting the Way to Business Success

November 13, 2015
PA-success-LuxTechSuccess Story: Pennsylvania
  • Wharton SBDC, Pennsylvania SBDC network
  • Client: LuxTech – SBDC client since 2013
  • SBDC Consultant:  Jacquline Jenkins

“The first start-up I worked at took us 3 years and $3 million investment to reach $1 million revenues. [LuxTech] took 1 year and $15,000 investment to reach $1 million revenues. Which would you rather do?” – Sean Darras, CEO and Founder, LuxTech

Impact of working with the Pennsylvania SBDC: Sean Darras founded LuxTech – which designs, develops and engineers LED modules that enable light fixture manufacturers to enter or expand their offerings. By the beginning of 2014, Darras had validated his business model, raised $700,000 in investment, hired 3 full-time and 2 part-time employees, built a national distribution network, and secured contracts for sales of over $5 million. (more…)

Helping America’s Servicemen and Servicewomen Transition to Business Ownership

November 11, 2015

boots-to-businessHelping America’s servicemen and servicewomen make the move from military service to business ownership is an important mission of the America’s SBDC network, and we are proud that one of our own has been named a “Boots to Business Instructor of the Year.” That honor goes to Robin Stephenson, Business Advisor at the Watertown, New York SBDC.

Robin has been working to help our men and women in uniform transition to civilian life as business owners since before the creation of the Boots to Business program, and when Boots to Business came into being, Robin quickly got the program up and running for the Watertown SBDC at Fort Drum. (more…)

Pennsylvania SBDC Client Wins National, State and Regional Export Awards

November 2, 2015
PA-success-zeigler-bros-exportingSuccess Story: Pennsylvania

“We feel extremely honored and grateful to be recognized for our success in exporting. As a small business, we’ve been fortunate to have had the support of federal agencies such as SBA, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the support of local resources such as the Kutztown Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and World Trade Center of Harrisburg to assist us in our vision to expand globally.” – Matt Zeigler, Vice President of Operations, while accepting the SBA National Exporter of the Year award during World Trade Day in Denver

Impact of working with the Pennsylvania SBDC: Zeigler Bros Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned business specializing in the formulation and manufacture of specialty feeds. A Kutztown University SBDC client for more than 15 years, Zeigler Brothers has seen several years of remarkable growth and has recently been awarded for its achievements. (more…)

The Truth Behind Franchise Ownership

October 28, 2015

frannet-the-truth-behind-franchise-ownershipWhat does it take to own a franchise? In many ways, the responsibilities of a franchise owner align quite similarly with those of a small business owner. Even though they are essentially the same, the franchise owner starts off with a few more advantages.

There are many franchise concepts and some of them offer a type of product or service that connects directly with the customer. Depending on which franchise you choose, you could be very involved with the public on a daily basis. If you don’t have the patience or personality to deal with complaints, demands and the occasional attitude, then you might want to look for a franchise that does not need you on the front lines. Carefully understand the outline of your responsibilities and don’t settle for something you aren’t passionate about.

As an owner you need to make sure you have a strong team of employees, so you need to prepare for effectively training and motivating your team. The franchisee’s training and on-going support will come from the franchisor; however, the franchisee must pass on his or her knowledge and use it to better their individual operation.  (more…)