Busting At The Seams.

Growing Pains Case Study May 2011

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When the decision to build was made, owner Jim Kickertz started researching his options. In addition to traditional lenders Mr. Kickertz looked to see what government programs and incentives were available for small businesses. Based on his research, Kickertz decided

A Trusted Partner

After more than 13 years in the same location, custom millwork manufacturer K & J Woodworks had more than outgrown the location that served them well for more than a decade. With supplies scattered across storage facilities and demand for the work continually increasing, K & J Woodworks knew that the best way to meet both current and future demand was to custom build a facility that would meet their needs today and for years to come. Ready to move, K & J sold their existing property so they could free up capital to use as a down payment on a new location—and started looking for a trustworthy partner that could help them get the financing they needed to keep growing. Moving On

“Building from the ground up was the only way to keep the business alive.”

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5th Gear Consulting

K & J Woodworks

K & J Woodworks is a down to earth millwork company operating on collaborative customer synergies, excellent craftsmanship skills and twenty-one years of millwork experience servicing some of the most progressive companies in America. Specializing in retail store fixtures, K & J Woodworks builds custom pieces for new store prototypes, high profile remodels, brand flagship stores, and other needs with speed, quality and innovation, delivered on time and on budget.

In addition to retail items, K & J develops traditional, contemporary, and cutting edge designs for grocery, restaurant & specialty, and audiovisual needs. Their specialty designs have appeared in such notable stores as the Whole Foods flagship store that opened in downtown Austin in 2005.

To learn more about K & J Woodworks visit

www.kjwoodworks.com.

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“It turned out better than expected!”

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that the 504 “SBA loan was the clear choice—the numbers were simply the best, available way to go.” This is because the 504 program allowed him to take some of the risk off of his lender while still securing a solid rate and preserve working capital for his growing business. Ready to move forward, Mr. Kickertz spoke to his business banker at Chase to learn more about the process of applying for an SBA loan—specifically, had it improved from his last experience. After meeting with Mr. Kickertz, his lender suggested that he speak to Helena Hauk of 5th Gear Consulting. Mr. Kickertz did not object, despite having a less than stellar experience with the SBA loan process in the past. “The previous SBA loans I had gotten were very slow. It was never clear if it was the banker’s fault or the packager.” Still, his business needs couldn’t wait, so Mr.Kickertz decided to take a chance on Helena and her firm. Immediately Helena’s team started pulling together the necessary items to start the loan process. “They established clear timelines from the beginning and stuck with them,” says Mr. Kickertz. Helena and her team managed the entire loan process, making it manageable for Mr. Kickertz to continue to run his growing business while also overseeing the development of his new facility. Says Mr. Kickertz, “Their part was very smooth and without a hiccup.” As far as the whole process went, “I couldn’t have expected better.” With the necessary funds ready to go K & J Woodworks broke ground on their new facility in Uhland Texas in 2010. Six months later they moved into their new facility and got rid of their hodgepodge assortment of storage units and workspaces. When asked what he thought of his new space, Mr. Kickertz responded by saying, “It turned out better than I expected. We have a great facility!”

5th Gear Consulting

5th Gear Consulting is the premier business consulting firm specializing in SBA loans, strategic planning, and economic development. Founded by Helena Hauk, the San Antonio SBA District’s Financial Services Champion for 2011, 5th Gear Consulting is a champion for small businesses in Central Texas and throughout the United States. In addition to their in-house services, 5th Gear Consulting regularly teaches workshops and writes articles on all things related to business finance and development for such outlets as the San Antonio Business Journal, Sharp Skirts, Commercial Real Estate Women, Up and Running, and more.

5th Gear Consulting Putting Your Business in Overdrive

Visit www.5thgearconsulting.com to learn more!

This Case Study Prepared By:

Brass Knuckles Media

An uncensored PR & Marketing firm catering to innovative and socially conscious experts and businesses.

www.brassknucklesmedia.com

512-551-4023

From left to right: Lore Goodson, Terry Balster, Krystal Loyd, and President Helena Hauk