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Safie Specialty Foods: How Michigan SBDC Helped a Family Business Expand Operations & Exports

July 8, 2026

Meet Mary Safie, president and owner of Safie Specialty Foods Company, Inc., a true go-getter and excellent entrepreneur who’s turning a family legacy into a modern manufacturing powerhouse.

More than just a job, this business is a century-long tradition of Michigan agriculture and pickled perfection. Located in Chesterfield Township, Macomb County, Safie Specialty Foods has expanded from a home-based startup—in the very house Mary’s grandfather began his business during the Great Depression—to a thriving enterprise, focusing on clean, natural, hand-packed specialty pickled vegetables while working with and giving back to the community. Her tenacious spirit and visionary leadership have been the driving forces behind the company’s incredible growth.

As the business grew, Mary and her dedicated team knew they needed strategic support. She relies on the exceptional talents of Chuck Drogosch, who runs Operations, and the incredible efforts of the Human Resources team, including Theresa M. Pavone and Sandra Collias. Their collective expertise and commitment are vital to the company’s success and expansion.

Seeking direction, Mary and her team turned to the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development team, who connected them with the Michigan SBDC and Business Growth Consultant Julie Oldham.

Julie began with a comprehensive assessment, helping Safie’s establish a stronger foundation and answer critical questions about growth, mission, and how the SBDC could help them achieve their goals. Julie’s extensive background in food & beverage, export and strategic analysis was instrumental in several key areas:

  • Financial Analysis: Securing crucial information to conduct a financial analysis to obtain a loan.
  • Export & International Growth: Assisting with export knowledge, connecting the company with the export community, and helping with foreign labeling compliance and landed costs analysis.
  • Market Expansion: Strategizing on gaining new accounts both domestically and internationally.
  • Digital Presence: Enhancing the company’s online visibility with domestic and international Search Engine Optimization (SEO) reporting.

The Safie’s partnership with Julie and the Michigan SBDC has been a game-changer. The result? A significant increase in revenue and staff expansion. Mary purchased necessary equipment, added an entire shift, and successfully branched into a new territory: food service (institutional sales). This division, primarily focused on peppers—an item Mary’s family was the largest U.S. producer of decades ago—is now a major area of growth, with a new dedicated production line being installed.

Julie shared that she has had the wonderful pleasure of being able to work with such a dedicated and talented group of people, including Mary, Chuck, Theresa and Sandra.

Mary extended her deepest gratitude to the Michigan SBDC, stating they were “instrumental in our foundation” and helped Safie’s “to grow and to achieve the success we have had.”

Nevada SBDC Helps The Wine Down’s Joelle Bolton Turn a Dream Into a Destination Bar

June 10, 2026

The concept for The Wine Down was developed around a kitchen table by owner Joelle Bolton, her best friend, and her husband. Having spent years working in nightlife and hospitality, they set out to create a bar aligned with their own preferences—one that was approachable, distinctive, and designed with intention rather than trend.

Bolton’s husband played a leading role in shaping the bar’s design. He proposed several unconventional ideas that challenged more traditional approaches. While some of these concepts initially raised questions, they were ultimately incorporated into the final build. Over time, those design choices became defining characteristics of the space and contributed to its differentiation within the local market.

The process of opening the business proved more complex than expected. Bolton underestimated the scope of the licensing and regulatory requirements involved, later noting that navigating the process was more difficult than purchasing a home. During this period, the business was also managing multiple loans tied to both the bar and her husband’s vineyard management company. In December, her husband passed away, adding further complexity to an already demanding operational and financial situation.

To address these challenges, Bolton worked with the Nevada Small Business Development Center, where advisor Donna Corey provided ongoing guidance. The SBDC assisted with reviewing financial options, placing loans on hold, and later consolidating them into more manageable payments. In addition to technical support, Corey served as a consistent point of contact as Bolton evaluated next steps and navigated operational hurdles.

My SBDC advisor was full of good advice, full of positivity. So my relationship with SBDC is not strictly financial – sometimes you just need a sounding board…‘What do I do next?’ or ‘I’ve run into this hurdle, have you seen this before?’ SBDC had great advice for those questions. It’s okay to dream, do it.

Joelle Bolton, Owner of The Wine Down Tweet

Today, The Wine Down is an established business that continues to attract new and returning customers. Bolton frequently encourages others considering entrepreneurship to pursue their ideas and often refers them to the SBDC as a practical resource. The business reflects both careful planning and the support systems that helped bring it to completion.

More Than Just a Gym: How the Illinois SBDC at Harper College Supported a New Approach to Fitness

April 15, 2026

According to the CDC, 75% of Americans fail to meet the physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Every January, gyms fill with hopefuls chasing fresh-start resolutions. Yet by June, most fail their goals. Research shows that 50% of new gym members quit within six months, and 67% rarely use their memberships consistently. The reasons are familiar: lack of motivation, no clear plan, inconsistent routines, and little to no support. Furthermore, most traditional gyms emphasize intensity but often neglect any attention to restorative care. Without this necessary step, progress can stall and injuries are more likely. Factor in daily work and family responsibilities, and it’s no wonder that building and sustaining a healthy lifestyle often feels overwhelming.

Karlin Soelberg knows first-hand the challenges of maintaining health amidst a demanding career. She envisioned a facility that empowered people to achieve optimal health and vitality, leading her to establish Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The wellness club was conceived to bridge the gap between intense fitness regimens and the often-overlooked importance of recovery. “Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can pursue their fitness goals while receiving the necessary support to recover, rejuvenate, and thrive,” Soelberg explains. Her holistic approach sets a path for success by focusing on three strategic pillars, fitness, nutrition, and accountability, while ensuring consistent support.

The club offers a synergistic blend of high-intensity training and advanced recovery services. The variety of fitness offerings ranges from group Body Pump, semi-private training, and boxing, to corporate, private, and semi-private yoga sessions, and recovery modalities include cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Soelberg is proud of the facility’s ability to cater to their clients’ needs, explaining, “What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a community that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable health and wellness.” To share this fitness philosophy with a global audience, Soelberg coauthored the “Get The Edge” series with Tony Figueroa. The three books in the series are “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Peak Performance”, “Hormone Health for Women”, and “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Teens”, all available on Amazon.

While Soelberg didn’t come from a traditional fitness background, her personal journey in overcoming injuries coupled with a passion for holistic health led her to this venture. What she lacked in formal fitness industry experience, she made up for with vision and drive, but as a first-time entrepreneur, launching a business from the ground up came with real challenges. Soelberg particularly needed guidance with navigating the complexities of financial projections and operations to bring her vision to fruition.

Soelberg worked with two advisors at the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, Margaret Johnsson and Kevin McVearry. Each played a pivotal role at different stages of her entrepreneurial journey.

Before Empowered Fitness & Recovery opened its doors, Johnsson supported Soelberg with promotional strategies for her book. As the focus shifted fully to launching the wellness club, their conversations turned to legal structure and ownership arrangements. Financial concerns such as compensation and commission structures were reviewed. Johnsson used LivePlan to model profitability based on different facility layouts. Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan tailored to the unique blend of fitness and recovery services Soelberg envisioned. While many entrepreneurs find the process of writing a business plan intimidating or tedious, Karlin embraced it as an essential step in bringing clarity and structure to her ideas. Beyond internal planning, the plan was submitted to potential landlords to secure a commercial lease for the space. Interestingly, Empowered opened in a different location than originally planned, proof of the importance of flexibility, foresight, and a solid planning process.

McVearry helped Soelberg fine-tune financial projections, evaluate service offerings, and calculate realistic startup and operational costs. They analyzed staffing requirements, considered pricing structures, and mapped out workflow logistics. McVearry reviewed her business plan and leases as she considered two different locations. He also conducted in-person walk-throughs of potential spaces alongside Soelberg, providing feedback on floor plan options, customer flow, and layout configurations. His advice helped translate vision into functionality, ensuring that the physical space would support both the day-to-day operations and long-term business goals.

Both Johnsson and McVearry continue their role as advisors as the business transitions from launch to growth phase. 

They provided invaluable support in refining our business plan, offering insights into financial projections, and advising on marketing strategies. Their expertise was instrumental in transforming our concept into a tangible, operational business.

Karlin Soelberg Tweet

Soelberg highly recommends the SBDC at Harper College to any entrepreneur, citing their invaluable resources and mentorship. “Their support can significantly impact the trajectory of a small business, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success.”

Soelberg envisions a vibrant future for Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, with plans to expand services and reach a broader audience. She intends to incorporate innovative wellness technologies and build partnerships that reflect the club’s mission and achieve their goal of becoming a leading authority in integrated fitness and recovery solutions. Her approach to entrepreneurship mirrors her philosophy on health – holistic, intentional, and rooted in long-term growth. For Soelberg, running a business isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose.

Asked to share one piece of advice with aspiring business owners, she echoes her wellness mindset: “Embrace the journey with resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but with a clear vision and the willingness to seek support, success is within reach.”

To learn more about the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, visit their website.

To learn more about Empowered Fitness & Recovery, visit their website. 

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network | Excargo Services: From Small Office to Industry Leader

April 1, 2026

Excargo Services Inc. began with a vision to fill a significant gap in the transportation industry. Marcia Faschingbauer, who took over her family’s business, transformed it from a small operation into a logistics powerhouse. Starting with just a small office, Faschingbauer focused on building a company based on safety, communication, and exceptional customer service. Over the years, Excargo has grown into a 195,000-square-foot facility near the Port of Houston, becoming an industry leader in container transport. 

“Excargo started because I saw a real need in the transportation industry. My family’s food business relied on exporting goods, and I experienced firsthand how unreliable container transport could be. I knew there had to be a better way,” Faschingbauer said. 

While expanding, Faschingbauer knew that modernizing operations and scaling the business required the right strategies and resources. This led her to the Houston Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She first connected with SBDC in 2002 to refine the company’s growth strategy and has received continuous support from them ever since. 

“The SBDC helped us navigate SBA funding options, secure financing for expansion, and refine our banking relationships to ensure continued growth—even during challenging times,” Faschingbauer said. 

Charles Capers, Faschingbauer’s SBDC Business Advisor, played an instrumental role in helping Excargo scale strategically, secure financing, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

“Excargo is a powerhouse in the transportation industry, and our role was to help them scale strategically,” Capers said. “We worked with Marcia to navigate financing, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability for the business.”

The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!

Marcia Faschingbauer Tweet

In 2021, Excargo secured $6.3 million in commercial property financing, a move that directly contributed to an increase in revenue by $2.7 million. The company also created 75 new jobs. Faschingbauer credits much of this success to the support and guidance from the SBDC. 

“What sets us apart in the industry is that we’re not just moving cargo—we’re shaping the future of container transport. Safety, reliability, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do,” Faschingbauer said. “With the SBDC’s help, we’ve been able to expand our operations, grow our fleet, and stay ahead of industry trends.” 

As Excargo continues to grow, the focus remains on sustainability and efficiency. Faschingbauer and her team are looking ahead to expanding their reach, improving technology, and staying at the forefront of the logistics industry. 

“We’re continuing to invest in sustainability, efficiency, and smart logistics to keep up with industry demands. The future of transportation is changing, and we plan to be at the forefront,” Faschingbauer said. 

Excargo Services Inc. stands as a perfect example of how determination, strategic partnerships, and the right resources can elevate a small family business into an industry leader.  

“The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!” Faschingbauer concluded.

Watch Marcia’s video testimonial to hear how Excargo’s partnership with the SBDC helped transform a small family business into a leading force in logistics.

Learn more about the Huston Small Business Development Center.