2008 Exhibiting Clients

Exhibiting clients at the 2008 SBDC Client Expo come from across the Commonwealth. To find an exhibiting client from your area click on the regional icons below.

 

Brookville Equipment Corporation
Jefferson County
www.brookvilleequipment.com

In February 2008, Brookville Equipment Corporation (BEC) celebrated 90 years of continuous operation as a premiere manufacturer of custom trains and underground mining equipment. For 20 of its 90 years, BEC has utilized the services of the Clarion University SBDC for a wide variety of business concerns. BEC began working with the Clarion SBDC in 1987 to complete a business plan and prepare financial projections, helping the company to secure several million dollars in loans. Over the years the SBDC has continued to assist BEC as it sought to expand, helping the company pursue government contracts and address export issues for Iraq, China, Canada, and India. Since it began working with the SBDC, BEC has seen a 160 percent increase in export sales and a 198 percent increase in total production. In 2007, the company posted record sales of $26.6 million and is projecting sales of nearly $50 million for 2008.
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Engineered Plastics, Inc.
Erie County
www.engineeredplastics.com

Engineered Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is a custom plastic injection molding company headquartered in Lake City. The company’s two facilities in Lake City and Erie produce a wide variety of materials for medical use, toys, sports, and consumer products. Kurt Duska, President of EPI, realized that a large amount of potentially recyclable materials were instead being incinerated or sent to landfills. Duska sought to harness these source materials for EPI products and contacted the Gannon University SBDC to help him evaluate the feasibility of a project to recycle these wasted materials. The SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program served as an intermediary between EPI and various Pennsylvania regulating agencies, guiding Duska through restrictions, permits, grant applications and contracts. Through their joint efforts EPI is quickly becoming an outlet for products that are difficult to recycle and is helping to reduce the environmental impact of the plastics industry while expanding their business and creating new jobs in Erie.

Infinite Power & Design
Erie County
www.ipoweranddesign.com

Infinite Power & Design designs and manufactures products for the diesel engine industry. The company manufactures products such as custom exhausts, large-scale generation systems, and power modules. Renee Vaught, President of Infinite Power & Design, approached the Gannon University SBDC in 2006 for help with issues related to her business startup including market research, intellectual property protection, product development, and financial projections. The SBDC also assisted the company, formerly known as Performance Engineering, in changing their business name and logo to broaden their market and create global appeal. Vaught also received assistance from the SBDC in submitting an application for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Big Idea business plan contest. Infinite Power & Design won the seventh annual competition and netted the $25,000 grand prize. The company reported $1 million in sales for 2007, a clear indicator that Infinite Power & Design is driving on the path to success.

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Cherryhill Manufacturing, Inc.
Indiana County
www.cherryhillmfg.com

Cherryhill Manufacturing began working with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania SBDC in 1998 when the company invited the SBDC to view a prototype of a new floor sander they had developed. The SBDC recognized that the company’s U-SAND prototype represented a significant step forward in the technology used in the commercial sanding industry and worked with Cherryhill Manufacturing to commercialize and begin selling their product. In 1999, the SBDC introduced Cherryhill Manufacturing CEO Cyrus Kirsch to the principle buyer for TruServ’s Rental Division, the single largest potential buyer of the U-SAND with over 10,000 member retail stores. Two years later the company had developed eight prototypes, conducted considerable market research, and obtained financing all with the help of the Indiana SBDC. The U-SAND product debuted at several national tradeshows in 2001; by 2003 Cherryhill Manufacturing posted sales exceeding $2 million. Today, Cherryhill Manufacturing boasts an expanded product line, has secured an account with Home Depot and continues to grow into a multi-million dollar company bringing innovative products to the world and new jobs to Pennsylvania.

Greene Team Pellet Fuel Co.
Greene County

High demand for alternative fuel sources led serial entrepreneur Moe Galis to enter the pellet fuel manufacturing business. Galis, President of Greene Team Pellet Fuel Co., recognized the value of recycling wood waste generated in saw mills, furniture manufacturing factories, paper mills and other similar facilities to be used as a substitute for natural gas. Galis contacted the University of Pittsburgh SBDC for assistance in finding the capital needed to complete the start-up of his operation. The SBDC reviewed the Greene Team business plan, recommended operational changes and identified various financing strategies. Creating solid financial projections and a revised business plan, the SBDC staff helped Galis to develop a compelling package to attract needed capital. Galis eventually secured funding of $2.5 million, including $300,000 in state and community funds, which allowed Greene Team to complete its new plant and create seven new jobs with plans to increase jobs significantly over the next few years. In addition to financing, the SBDC has connected Galis to lumber companies to supply his plant with sawdust, the main raw material for wood pellet fuel. Greene Team is also examining the feasibility of other feed stocks including agriculturally based inputs, which have the potential to support the local farming community by creating demand for inexpensive, low-maintenance crops that local farmers could sell for a reasonable price. The company currently employs 25 people and reported sales of $1.5 million, which it expects to double to $3 million in the coming year.
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Jex Manufacturing
Allegheny County
www.jexmfg.com

With a combined total of 23 years machining and racing experience, the founders of Jex Manufacturing, Jesse Exler and Jonathon DeLong, are more than comfortable on the race track. After opening their business in 2005 the partners realized that their ease behind the wheel didn’t always translate to an ease with marketing their business. While Jex Manufacturing had a steady stream of sales coming in from manufacturers, retail dealers, and individual racers, they realized that their lack of a marketing background was keeping them from reaching potential customers. In 2007 Exler and DeLong approached the Duquesne University SBDC for help in developing a marketing plan to assist in their company’s future growth. An SBDC consultant helped the partners develop an annual marketing budget and create a concrete list of marketing ideas and practical methods for implementation. Jex Manufacturing has since begun to implement new marketing strategies, which has resulted in an increased number of hits on their website and an increase in sales. With a workable plan for the future, Jex Manufacturing looks forward to considerable business growth.

Kuchera Defense Systems
Somerset County
www.kuchera.com

Kuchera Defense Systems (KDS) is a defense industry manufacturer specializing in electronic technologies for security applications. The company’s feature product, the ODIS robot, is utilized in numerous security and surveillance applications in both military and commercial sectors. In 2005, KDS received the National Small Business Subcontractor of the Year award from the SBA in recognition of their work with government agencies. With a strong presence in the U.S. defense industry, KDS was approached and assisted by the Saint Vincent College SBDC Center for Global Competitiveness and U.S. Commercial Service with participation in the “Building a Secure World” Airport, Port, Transport, and Security tradeshow in London. The SBDC Center for Global Competitiveness approved a Global Assistance Program Grant for KDS to help offset some of the costs incurred in participating in the tradeshow, and assisted with arranging for a meeting with the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in London. With the guidance of the SBDC, KDS is on its way to providing its goods and services on an international scale while helping to make the world a safer place.

NABCO, Inc.
Washington County
www.nabcoinc.com

NABCO, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of bomb containment, transport, storage and destruction products in a range of settings from airports to military and civilian bomb squads. NABCO products have a demonstrated international appeal and their products have been purchased by numerous foreign security agencies including Argentina, China, Germany, and Mexico among others. When NABCO sought the help of the Center for Global Competitiveness located at the Saint Vincent College SBDC in pursuing more business in the UK and Europe, the SBDC and U.S. Commercial Service assisted NABCO with promotional activities at the 2006 “Building a Secure World” Airport, Port, Transport, and Security tradeshow in London. The SBDC continued to work with NABCO after the tradeshow to provide information and leads garnered for follow-up. NABCO has also taken advantage of the SBDC’s educational seminars focused on international trade and received market research as they explored new international markets. NABCO hopes to continue expanding its international presence by utilizing the extensive resources of the Saint Vincent SBDC.

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Altoona Dance Theatre
Blair County
www.altoonadancetheatre.com

Renee Brantlinger, owner of Altoona Dance Theatre, has been a student or teacher in the dance and ballet world for most of her life. In 2003 Brantlinger approached the Saint Francis University SBDC to help her in the transition from dance instructor to studio owner. The SBDC assisted Brantlinger in preparing a business plan and projected financial statements that she could submit to her bank. With financing for the new studio approved, Altoona Dance Theatre opened in August 2003. Over the course of three years, enrollment at the dance studio steadily increased to the point where more space was required. Brantlinger returned to the SBDC for help in securing financing in order to purchase a new, larger space. The SBDC assisted Brantlinger in preparing a three year projected income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. As a result of her work with the SBDC Brantlinger received a $215,000 SBA loan and relocated in early 2007. The additional space has allowed Altoona Dance Theatre to increase enrollment to over 230 students and to open a dance clothing and accessories shop to better serve its students.

B.R. Beans
Mifflin County

In early January of 2006, David and Kathy Rodgers met with a consultant at the Penn State SBDC to discuss their ideas for a new business. For several years the couple had been growing their home-based gourmet fudge business, and wanted to expand into a retail location. After conducting some research, the Rodgers decided to pursue opening a coffee shop and retail bakery outlet in downtown Lewistown. The SBDC helped the Rodgers work through several revisions of their business plan. In the summer of 2007, the Rodgers brought Ed Bauer, the owner of Pocono Mountain Coffee, on board as a partner. The team met with the SBDC again to revise the original business plan having finalized plans for their retail location. B.R. Beans opened its doors in October 2007 and continues to serve up gourmet fudge as well as their own line of coffee, specialty drinks, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and fondue.

Brilliant Wedding Jewelry
Franklin County
www.brilliant-wedding-jewelry.com

Brilliant Wedding Jewelry began in 2005 when Penny Martin created a crystal bouquet and necklace for her own wedding. When Martin went to pick up her wedding dress the owner of the bridal shop suggested that Martin contact a friend of hers that ran wedding shows in Pittsburgh. Within three weeks, Martin’s custom-made crystal items were featured on TV and Martin was receiving orders before her business even had a name. In early 2007 Martin relocated from Pittsburgh to Waynesboro and contacted the Shippensburg University SBDC for assistance in keeping her business growing. Martin’s business had been driven mostly by her website, but she found that she needed additional capital for a more effective marketing push. The Shippensburg SBDC assisted Martin in developing a detailed business plan and financial projections for the business that were critical to securing a $13,000 line of credit to expand her marketing efforts. The SBDC also referred Martin to the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) for assistance in the development of her website as a key marketing tool. Martin has found the SBDC’s assistance to be invaluable as she moves from dealing with individual brides to working with vendors and increasing her sales through strategic marketing of her business.

DiSalvo's
Lycoming County
www.disalvopasta.com

DiSalvo’s traces its roots back to the early 1900’s when Antonio DiSalvo was part owner of the Williamsport Macaroni Company. Today, DiSalvo’s offers banquets and catering from its restaurant in Williamsport and continues to sell the family’s traditional pasta and sauces at their retail location and through their website. Despite the decades of success, co-owner Vince DiSalvo noticed that while sales were increasing on a yearly basis, the company’s profit level was not where it should be. DiSalvo came to the Lock Haven SBDC in January of 2006 for assistance analyzing his company’s financials. An SBDC consultant helped DiSalvo to outline a plan of action and over the next several months helped set up the company’s accounting system to track income, cost of sales, and expense categories. After additional staff received training in using the accounting program, DiSalvo’s was able to increase their profit margin by 2% amidst fluctuating prices and increasing competition. With their book keeping system fully functional, DiSalvo’s has been able to concentrate on growing other areas of their business. The company is currently working with the SBDC to determine the feasibility of expanding their pasta and sauce production. DiSalvo’s also worked with the SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program to increase their facility’s energy efficiency and received a Small Business Advantage Grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to cover the cost of equipment upgrades.

Immersimap
Erie County
www.immersimap.com

As a former SWAT team member and bomb squad commander, Tom Stankiewicz realized that existing technologies did not provide sufficient information to first responders on arrival. Immersimap, founded by Stankiewicz in 2005, created a proprietary technology for 360 degree panoramic video mapping of building interiors. Immersimap’s valuable services provide clients with updated floor plans and geo-referenced video that enable first responders to navigate through a building looking anywhere within the spherical video. Stankiewicz first took advantage of the Bucknell University SBDC’s Engineering Development Services (EDS) in 2007 after working with the Gannon University SBDC on his business plan and capital acquisition. With his business plan and capital in order, Stankiewicz needed to design a harness-mounted version of the video mapping data collector that would allow a person to easily collect smooth 360 degree video as they walked through a building. A four-member student design team along with a faculty advisor and a Project Manager from the EDS staff conducted engineering analysis, concept development, 3D CAD modeling, and simulation for Immersimap resulting in a functional prototype design. With the help of the SBDC and EDS, Immersimap plans to begin retailing the video mapping system by late 2008. Based on pre-orders and commitments to initial production units, Immersimap expects to have $1.25 million in sales within the first 12 months.

River Raider Snorkel Systems
Franklin County
www.riverraider.com

Kenny Hauk, an off-road enthusiast and hobbyist craftsman, purchased his first Jeep in 2006. Hauk began looking for a snorkel for his Jeep – an air intake system that would allow his Jeep’s engine to be safely submerged underwater – and quickly realized that the available offerings were limited in scope. Soon Hauk had designed and built snorkels for each of the various Jeep models and began exhibiting at tradeshows in south central Pennsylvania. In combination with a website and ads in a nationwide trade magazine Hauk began pulling in orders for his snorkel systems. However, without a business plan Hauk found himself in over his head. Hauk came to the Shippensburg University SBDC for help in setting his business on the right course. An SBDC consultant assisted Hauk in developing a comprehensive business plan and the necessary financial projections in order to secure financing for expansion. Hauk is currently working on transitioning to a more effective method of manufacturing, which will drive down costs and increase the company’s rate of production. Meanwhile, River Raider sales continue to increase monthly and the company is in the planning process to build a larger facility and add two more employees.

Rock, River & Trail Outfitters, Inc.
Clinton County
www.rockriverandtrail.com

Rick Henrich first contacted the Lock Haven University SBDC in January of 2004 seeking assistance with starting his own business. Rick worked with an SBDC consultant on business plan development and also attended several business start-up seminars. With the assistance of the SBDC, Henrich was successful in securing the $40,000 investment needed to begin his business: Rock, River, and Trail Outfitters, Inc. The company currently has three full-time employees at its store in Lock Haven. Rick continues to seek support and guidance from the LHU SBDC in the areas of accounting/recordkeeping, business operations, marketing, and tax compliance.

Touché edi
Snyder County
www.toucheedi.com

Touché edi began out of a desire to make education and learning more accessible to children. Founder Lori Laniewski began Touché edi along with Lindie Chappel and Ted Yost after recognizing a need in the classroom for more interactive learning. The trio began working with the Bucknell University SBDC after Laniewski attended a First Step Workshop, which introduced her to useful business information for aspiring entrepreneurs. An SBDC consultant helped Touché edi fine-tune their business plan, determine their business structure, and establish estimated costs for start-up. With the SBDC’s help the company won the grand prize in the 2007 Greater Susquehanna KIZ Business Plan Challenge. Touché edi also began selling a CD of educational music and games in addition to conducting workshops and classroom visits.

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Abraczinskas Nurseries
Columbia County
www.abraczinskas.com

Andrew Abraczinskas, one of the pioneers of the Christmas tree industry, began selling the original sheared Scotch Pine over 98 years ago. Today, Abraczinskas Nurseries is operated by five of Andrew’s great-grandchildren. The company currently boasts 5 million trees with more than 3,000 acres in production, many for the balled and burlap markets. Abraczinskas Nurseries’ trees are sold up and down the eastern seaboard, and the company has large accounts with retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Despite the company’s considerable industry traction, Abraczinskas Nurseries continues to fight against shrinking profit margins. Peter Abraczinskas came to the Wilkes University SBDC to explore new ways of generating cash flow from his company’s considerable acreage. The Wilkes SBDC connected Abraczinskas Nurseries with the SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) to provide the company with market research on switchgrass and a guideline of the various requirements associated with production of switchgrass pellets. EMAP also provided Abraczinskas Nurseries with information on funding sources available to help the company transition into switchgrass production. The company is now working with the Wilkes SBDC to test the viability of manufacturing switchgrass pellets and selling carbon credits to companies throughout the U.S.

The Wheatgrass Grower
Lackawanna County
www.wheatgrassgrower.com

Ellen McGlynn had been growing organic wheatgrass for years before first visiting the University of Scranton SBDC in April of 2007. McGlynn had just begun to sell her product locally and was in the process of developing a website so that her product could be ordered online. McGlynn became a client of the Agribusiness and Food Specialty Centers project at the Scranton SBDC where she received help in expanding her business beyond local sales. The SBDC conducted market research to find stores through which The Wheatgrass Grower could sell its products, reviewed marketing options for the product, and connected McGlynn with the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) to examine her product for shipping and labeling requirements. An SBDC consultant also reviewed The Wheatgrass Grower website and advised McGlynn on how to take orders online. Since working with the Scranton SBDC The Wheatgrass Grower has seen website hits increase five-fold and has received a steady stream of referrals; the company’s sales volume has quadrupled as a result. McGlynn continues to grow her product and her business and has fielded inquiries for live-grass from large companies such as Martha Stewart Living and Yahoo!

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Colorfin, LLC
Berks County
www.colorfin.com

Colorfin LLC is an art supply manufacturer that has manipulated the pastel formula, resulting in a low-dust, erasable, soft pastel. Out of the 45 companies worldwide currently manufacturing traditional pastel sticks, Colorfin is the only operation creating this new form of pastels. Colorfin sought to take advantage of their unique market position by contacting the Kutztown University SBDC for assistance in taking their business global. With the help of SBDC international business consultants, Colorfin went from strictly domestic sales to over 150 distributing stores throughout both the United States and Canada and has additional product distribution in Norway, Holland, Belgium, France and Australia. As Colorfin expands its international operations they have continued to utilize the Kutztown SBDC to help the company apply for export marketing grants. With the Kutztown SBDC behind them, Colorfin has revitalized its industry and continues to grow its market share with domestic retail chain stores in its sights.

Grand Hank Productions, Inc.
Philadelphia County
www.grandhank.com

Grand Hank Productions, Inc. (GHPI) offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and after-school programs to augment students’ understanding of science, English, and other subjects. Tyraine Ragsdale, Founder and President of GHPI, founded his company out of a desire to increase student interest and participation in the educational process. Since 1990, the Philadelphia-based company has worked with schools throughout the U.S. to make learning more interactive and interesting. For the past 14 years, GHPI has had a continually renewed contract with the School District of Philadelphia to provide interactive educational content to its students. Ragsdale approached the Wharton SBDC as he sought to expand his company’s offerings into other educational products such as videos, and professional development services for teachers. Consultants at the Wharton SBDC helped Ragsdale to create a marketing strategy targeted towards customers who would be interested in his company’s new products. Moving forward, Ragsdale will use the assistance received from the SBDC to bring GHPI educational innovations to a larger audience.

Innerstate Sales Group
Delaware County

The newly formed Innerstate Sales Group is a spin-off of Suburban Electric, a 30 year-old electrical wholesaler located in Chester. Kevin McGroarty, co-owner of Suburban Electric formed Innerstate to market his new “ENERGeeBRIDGE”concept – a way to bundle a series of energy efficient and environmentally friendly electrical products into a harmonious electrical distribution system for specific customer facilities – directly to end-use customers. McGroarty recognized that taking this new concept to market and creating a new sales representation agency would not be an easy task. In early November 2007 McGroarty contacted the Widener University SBDC for help developing his new business. The SBDC aided McGroarty in the process of developing and refining his business ideas into a workable sales and marketing plan for the company. McGroarty also received assistance in the development of a financing plan for his new venture. Innerstate’s first quarter sales have already exceeded sales projections. The company currently represents ten manufacturers in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland markets.

JF Magic
Northampton County
www.jfmagic.com

JF Magic founder, Lee Wainwright, started creating product designs for various uses of fiber optics and LED technologies while teaching secondary school science. The company has worked with high-profile clients such as Disney, Nike, and Sony and celebrities such as Britney Spears and Robin Williams have worn JF Magic’s custom clothing. With a solid sales record in the domestic market, JF Magic approached the Lehigh University SBDC in 2005 for assistance in exploring business opportunities abroad. The SBDC provided in-depth research on the Japanese railroad market, which JF Magic used in establishing a business relationship with Japan Steel Works. SBDC consultants also assisted JF Magic in following up with international contacts from a Pennsylvania trade mission to Australia. In 2006, the SBDC connected JF Magic with a Pittsburgh based company seeking to sell their diesel engine control systems to mining companies in South Africa. The two companies combined their expertise to create an innovative line of safety products known as Lite@Nite, which enhance workplace visibility and help to prevent accidents. Several major South African distributors have already purchased Lite@Nite products and will distribute them throughout the African and Brazilian mining communities. With the help of the Lehigh SBDC, JF Magic looks forward to expanding their international presence even further.
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Sage Technologies
Philadelphia County
www.gosage.com

Sage Technologies is an engineering service company that specializes in the manufacture of products utilizing infrared vision. Founded in 1986, Sage Technologies has done extensive engineering and development work for a range of clients in the defense industry including the U.S. Army, the Naval Air Warfare Center, and the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Currently, the majority of the company’s sales are to the U.S. Army where Sage Technologies products are used in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company currently employs 15 personnel and in 2007 reported $3 million in sales, the bulk of which came from government contracts. Sage Technologies CEO Julius Olita approached the Wharton SBDC for help with market analysis in order to diversify the company’s customer base. SBDC consultants developed research on distinct market segments such as fire departments, security systems developers, and marine transportation convoys to help Sage Technologies gauge potential market size for its infrared technology. With a better knowledge of the existing market demand, Olita is currently working with the SBDC to identify those markets with the highest sales potential. The SBDC continues to work with Olita and Sage Technologies as the company begins to expand into new markets.

Tea Country
Philadelphia County
www.teacountry.com

Howard James, owner of Tea Country, a tea and tea accessories retailer, began working with the Temple University SBDC in 2001. At the time James had only a draft of a business plan for a business that would sell gourmet teas via the Internet. Tea Country joined the Temple SBDC business incubator program in early 2002 and was matched up with a consultant who was able to review and make recommendations for the company’s website. By March 2002, Tea Country’s website was fully operational and the company continued to receive assistance with market research, business plan development and help determining possible locations for a brick-and-mortar retail shop. An international business consultant also assisted Tea Country in locating a Chinese manufacturer of Yixing teapots, which the company had been buying through a U.S. distributor. With SBDC assistance Tea Country began importing Yixing teapots from a manufacturer in Shanghai, which significantly increased their profit margins. Tea Country opened its first retail location in 2004 and followed with a second location in 2007. Shortly before opening their second location, Tea Country received a $25,000 Established Venture Award from the Enterprise Center’s Minority Business Plan Competition.
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Verefi Technologies, Inc.
Lancaster County
www.verefi.com

Verefi Technologies, Inc. is a software and hardware development company that specializes in surgical simulators or Virtual Reality trainers. Verefi Technologies products are designed for PCs and create a simulated environment where surgeons in multiple specialties can practice and improve their technical skills for minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Randy Haluck, President of Verefi Technologies, founded the company in 2003 and attended several workshops offered by the Kutztown University SBDC to familiarize himself with the basics of running a business. The SBDC helped Dr. Haluck determine his company’s corporate structure, protect his intellectual property and complete a business plan. With a solid foundation in place, Dr. Haluck then began working with an SBDC government marketing consultant who helped him to develop and submit a proposal for a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Research (SBIR/STTR) grant. In 2005, Verefi Technologies received two Phase I SBIR/STTR grants totaling $100,000 to support further development of the company’s simulators. The company currently has a $793,000 Phase II STTR grant from the Department of Defense for the development of a simulator for treating head injuries that would benefit soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan wounded from improvised explosive devices. In addition to its work in the U.S. market, Verefi Technologies is currently working with an SBDC international trade consultant to identify opportunities in other countries.
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