Downtown Philly Cheese Steak

The Downtown Philly Cheese Steak
Matt Hassler and Nick Rhodes
1665 West Towne Center Drive
South Jordan, Utah 84095
801.878.8450

The “right” cheese is the Cheez Whiz. The City of Philadelphia is known for their delicious Philly Cheese Steaks, Tasty Cakes, and Birch Beer. If you are a Philly native, or happened to live in the surrounding area, giving up these delicatessens is just too hard. This is what Matt Hassler experienced. Matt spent two and a half years in a sales job in Philly and got addicted to these wonderful foods.
When Matt moved to Utah he met Nick Rhodes. They were both salesmen for a company, and both of them knew that their true calling was in the food industry- both of them realized that they would like to attend Culinary School. They decided to start their own Philly Cheese Steak House- and that is how the ‘The Downtown Philly Cheesesteaks’ idea came into existence.
Matt found the Small Business Development Center four years ago, but shelved his business ideas due to lack of funding. They decided to give the SBDC another try, and this time found Ken Fakler. They bounced idea after idea off from Fakler, and received many helpful answers. They found out what to expect in a lease, how to set up a business, and they received valuable information fast. They were able to find a good location with heavy foot traffic and tender an offer on needed equipment. The building was ready to open, without needing a build out. Ken sat down with Matt and Nick and checked over their lease before they signed.
A big challenge they faced was financing. Most SBA Loans were not structured for new business startups. They would need access to a quarter million dollars in assets to apply for the loan as a new business, and they just didn’t have that kind of money. They ended up fronting their own money by borrowing on their own houses and credit cards. Their goals was to make a substantial profit in the first year, and they are well on their way to reaching that goal. Also, they are planning to open a second store in the Salt Lake area this year; and eventually have 5 stores in the greater Salt Lake area.
Matt and Nick make the ‘Best Philly Cheese Steaks in Utah’ and couldn’t have done it without their very supportive wives – their wives quit their jobs and are working in the business. Matt believes that “People should open their own business” because “it is so rewarding to work for yourself”. He has “learned more in the last 3 months about business than in taking business classes for many years and reading business books.”
The Downtown Philly Cheese Steak provides a true Philadelphia atmosphere when you walk through the door and authentic Philadelphia food. Their most popular subs are the traditional steak which is filled with steak, fried onions, and cheez whiz or American cheese; and the Garlic Steak which is filled with steaming steak, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, garlic butter, provolone and cream cheese. It makes your mouth water just reading about them! Matt, Nick, and their wives are making their dreams come true with the help of the Orem SBDC. See the SBDC to help you make your dreams come true, too.

Stephanie and Christian Nielson's Plane Crash

A woman originally from Provo is one of three people involved in a fiery plane crash in Arizona. The victim's parents are well connected to Utah politics. The woman and her husband are now in a burn unit in a Phoenix hospital.
Stephanie Nielson grew up in Provo. Her father is Stephen Clark, a member of the Utah House of Representatives, while her mother Cynthia is on the Provo City Council. And even though she lives in Arizona, Stephanie keeps in touch with a lot of people here locally, through her blog, which has become very popular.
Stephanie's blog, the NieNie Dialogues, is now asking for prayers. Both she and her husband, Christian, were critically injured Saturday night in a plane crash in St. John's, Ariz.
Doug Kinneard, a flight instructor also on board the small plane, died in the crash, while Christian and Stephanie suffered severe burns.
Cynthia said, "It looked a lot worse than what we anticipated, it was shocking actually."
Family members say the Nielsons are no longer considered trauma patients, but they are sedated much of the time because of the pain from their burns. When they are conscious, family members try to give them encouragement and talk about their interests. "We talk to them about BYU Cougars football," Cynthia said.
Aviation has been a longtime interest for Christian Nielson, and he recently earned his pilot's license. The couple have four children, and the family has had many flights together, with many photos posted on Stephanie's blog.
Family members are now caring for the couple's children at their home in Mesa. While both Christian and Stephanie face a long road to recovery, their family is holding onto hope. "Everyone has a lot of faith, and we know the Lord will intervene one way or the other," Clark said.
It is still unclear who was at the controls of the plane when it went down and what may have caused the plane to crash, but an investigation is underway.

To get more information please go to cjanerun.com where the family is posting updates.

There has been a fund set up of Stephanie and Christian, whose recovery will cost in the millions. You may donate at any Bank of America under: "Stephanie and Christian Nielson Rehab Fund" or WellsFargo under: "Stephanie Nielson Fund."

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August Success Story- Jones Mobile Marine Service, Inc.

Jones Mobile Marine Service, Inc.

Kevin Myers

946 West Utah Avenue, Unit B - Payson, UT 84651

801.427.0668

http://www.jonesmobilemarine.com/

Boating is a huge past time for families in Utah. There are so many beautiful lakes and reserves in this desert; and what better way to spend a day with the family than relaxing on the water in the sun or skiing behind a speeding boat. Kevin Myers grew up with boats around him. As a kid he worked in his dad’s and uncle’s business named Eagle Marine. His goal was to own his own place someday, and that dream came true in 2001 when Eagle Marine closed its doors. Kevin purchased all the inventory and tools from Eagle Marine when it closed, and started his business working out of a garage. He named his business Jones Mobile Marine Service, Inc. He quickly realized that the purchased inventory contained many boat parts manufactured from 1950-1990 parts that are not manufactured any more parts that a boat owner will pay a good price just to find them. This is one of Kevin’s distinct competitive advantages.

Kevin’s start-up year was difficult- because of Kevin’s youth and lack of credit history, banks were unwilling to loan him money. Also, the garage he worked out of was too small for working space and storage. As a result Kevin transformed into a mobile boat service and would work on the boats at the customer’s home. This was difficult, time consuming, inefficient, and expensive for the boat owner. Kevin needed money for a shop location large enough to service multiple boats and store parts. He had his wife Carly contacted Ken Fakler at the Orem Small Business Development Center. Ken helped him create a business plan that resulted in a loan from a local bank. Also, Ken helped him locate a building and forge an acceptable lease with the landlord. The result was that the new efficient business has resulted in a doubling of sales each of the three years he has been in business; the need to purchase a larger building to keep the business growing; and the hiring of his father (who has years of experience) to keep an acceptable turnaround time on contracted work.

The rising price of gas has not affected Kevin’s business. His sales are still climbing and he is still booked one to two weeks out for work. He has added a new service where he picks up and delivers boats to customers; this helps to lock people into doing business with him. When Kevin purchases that new building, he hopes to start selling a line of small fishing boats and will expand his boat trailer services, boat detailing services, and his parts offerings. Also the expansion will help them maintain their personal, attentive service with his customers. Kevin knows what service really means.

With the help of the Orem SBDC, Kevin and Carly are making their dream come true. In passing, Carly just had their second child; nothing like another good family business to make America the most economically advanced country in the history of the world!

June Success Story: Flirty Aprons

Flirty Aprons, LLC

575 East University Parkway

Orem, Utah 84058

http://www.flirtyaprons.com/

Flirty Aprons began as a concept on Mother’s Day 2007. Jamie Taylor was looking for an apron for her mother on Mother’s Day, and found nothing that was remotely appealing. So she started her first sewing project, and created her own apron. Then, in December of 2007, Jamie met Heather Hansen, who was in training to replace her at her current position. The ladies started talking; and together with their husbands, Spencer and Joseph, decided to start a business together. The two couples put together ten business ideas each, and from these forty ideas - they chose to sell aprons. They considered this idea to be the quickest way to raise money for a larger venture. Little did they know, they had stumbled upon a business that would grow very quickly and become their “large venture.”
Throughout the startup phase of the business, the Taylors and Hansens ran into several unexpected hiccups. Finding a manufacturer was difficult, until they found a fabulous one that was right in their backyard - someone that was close enough to supervise and make sure the design was being printed and made as desired. The next obstacle was getting funding. After being turned down by numerous banks, they discovered America First. At the time, Joseph and Heather Hansen were also going through a home purchase and America First assisted them with both loans. Unfortunately they had to first get approved for the home loan, and only then were they able to apply for the business loan. This delayed the opening date slightly, but they finally obtained their first business loan.
Joseph had previously found the Small Business Development Center online while exploring the possibility of starting a gym in the Alpine area. He had taken the ‘Internet Marketing’ and ‘Start Smart’ classes at the Orem Small Business Development Center and learned a great deal from those classes. Then he met with Ken Fakler about the ‘Flirty Apron’ concept. When Ken introduced him to the SBDC Joseph said, “this is a hidden gem no one knows about.” Spencer said that “Ken has given a lot of advice. He has helped shape the company, given us direction, and been so encouraging.” The Hansen’s and Taylor’s also read the book ‘The E-Myth Revisited.’ This book has been a guideline for them as they’ve started. It has shown them that having a business model rather than just being self employed is the key to success.
Flirty Aprons was expected to be a small side business for these families. They were hoping to sell a few aprons to stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond. However, after opening their first store in March 2008, they quickly discovered, that flirty attractive aprons was a concept that no one had tapped. They found that it was not just a local need, but a concept that had worldwide appeal - one that was worth expediting. Within the first three months of opening ‘Flirty Aprons’ their actual sales tripled over their projected sales. Furthermore, within a two week period the company earned enough capital to pay off all start up costs. Their beta test was a resounding success and taught them many valuable lessons to expand to the next level. They are now preparing to open a second location in mid July, 2008. They are also expanding their website and setting up their distribution network from which they hope to go nationwide, soon. A simple household need has turned into the venture of a lifetime- what a ride for four more entrepreneurs.

May Success Story: Gloria's Little Italy

Gloria's Little Italy

Owner: Gloria Bonfanti

279 East 300 South

Provo, Utah

801.805.4913

http://www.gloriaslittleitaly.com/

Gloria Bonfanti grew up on the Marina Di Pisa Coast in Italy. Her family has been in the restaurant business for three generations. Her grandfather owned many restaurants in the area; and her father, in turn, growing up with thirteen brothers and sisters, started up his own restaurant on the Pisa Coast. Growing up, Gloria learned her dad’s different recipes and experimented with them on her own. Gloria moved to the United States eleven years ago with her family, and settled in Utah. She always had an urge to start her own restaurant.
Nine years ago, Gloria took a cake decorating class at BYU. She began working at BYU in their catering department, and then began catering parties on her own. At this time, she found a great location for her own restaurant, but she only had one week to sign the lease, she passed because the timing wasn’t right. She feared the overwhelming thought of owning her own business in a foreign country, and the time commitment that would take her away from her three small children. Over the next six years, while catering for others, people would constantly ask her why she didn’t start her own business. There was no real authentic Italian food available in the county, and the dream of owning her own restaurant kept recurring to her.
Gloria and her family again started looking for a location to open a ‘trattoria’ or small family styled restaurant. It was important for her to use authentic Italian meat and cheese, as well as gelato. Gloria investigated several different locations. She was interested in a location in Riverwoods Mall, and other outdoor malls; but the banks would not loan her enough money to start. Then Gloria stumbled onto the small building in Provo that she had fallen in love with six years before. The building was available again, and the bank loans finally went through. The only stumbling block this time was that the landlord of the business had little faith in Gloria’s business model. They felt that Gloria did not have enough experience to succeed, but they still accepted the rent money and Gloria readied the building to launch.
At the same time, Gloria’s eldest daughter, Letizia, was attending BYU. She heard of the SBDC in one of her classes, and they signed up for an appointment to meet with Ken Fakler. Ken assisted them in writing a well established business plan, and confirmed his confidence in Gloria, her family, and her dream. Gloria says, “Ken pushed me and gave me confidence to do it. He is a nice man, hard working, knows how to do his job.” Ken assisted with the Business Plan and proforma budgets for 3 years; and finally they were able to get the business running.
Gloria and her family visited the local restaurants to compare prices and services of the competition. She found suppliers to import fresh meat and cheeses from Italy; and found the correct ingredients to make the perfect Gelato. Gloria’s dream of eleven years had finally become a reality. Gloria has one hint that she would like to give anyone starting a new business, “Have one goal you want to do in your life- and do it! That one opportunity is so great and you have a blessing. If you will use your talent you will be successful in life, in spirit, and financially.”
Gloria involves her whole family in the business. All three children ranging from 13 to 25 years old and her husband, Mauro, take full responsibility in running the family restaurant. Their future plans are to expand to another location serving quick deli sandwiches and desserts to go. But for now they are happy with their lovely ‘trattoria’ and deli.

Law's Lawn Care

Law’s Lawn Care

The key to success for Law’s Lawn Care has been customer service, customer service, customer service. Ryann Law, company founder and president says the growth his business has experience has come primarily from “wearing himself out” in making sure the company’s customers are happy with the service they receive. In the beginning, Ryann understood that it was important, with this type of company, to contact and connect with his customers in a meaningful way. With his gregarious personality and instant smile, Ryann quickly gained the trust and respect of his client base. His initial marketing strategy of door-to-door contacting is proving to be tremendously successful.

Law’s Lawn Care also has found success as they’ve established personal relationships with all of their clients. This type of relationship goes far beyond typical lawn care company services. For instance, Ryann and his company keep detailed records of each client they serve and whenever possible employees are encouraged to address the client by name when communicating with them. The company also encourages employees to “go the extra mile” by asking clients for their specific preferences in regards to the services they receive. These two strategies have significantly set this company apart from their competition.

Law’s Lawn Care funding has come from self funds. Initially, Ryann agonized over the option to self fund. However, after a few months of being in business, the company’s profits grew substantially. It was then that Ryann knew this funding method would be a success. The first six months of company revenues were $14,500 which the company used to purchase additional equipment. This equipment allowed Law’s Lawn Care to expand their service offering and shortly thereafter they hired their first employee.

As far as the future goes, Law’s Lawn Care continues to develop company strategies based on their core competency - customer service. Future company plans include aggressive growth tactics designed to transition Law’s Lawn Care into a large competitor in the lawn care and landscaping industry. As for the short term, company goals include: hiring two maintenance crews to keep up with company demand, doubling their revenue stream, and allowing the founder and president, Ryann Law, to refocus his efforts on future planning and business strategies.

The Orem SBDC has been instrumental in the success of Law’s Lawn Care. The Center has assisted Ryann with Marketing Strategies, Training Classes, Employee Regulations, and Tax Consulting. With this joint partnership Ryann Law knows he has the keys to ensure his business success.

Katumba's Day Spa & Salon

Katumba’s Day Spa & Salon

“Katumba is derived from an old South Pacific word meaning beautiful. My father served there in World War II. He later named his cabinet making business Katumba’s. In honor of my father I have carried on his name to my business in hopes to give you the same breath taking service he gave to his clients. My name is Floralyn and Katumba’s Day Spa and Salon is a dream I have had since I became a Cosmetologist. I worked at the same salon for 13 years and didn’t feel like I was providing my clients everything I had to offer. After several years my husband and friends finally convinced me that I had the potential to start a salon that would be beautiful and successful. Katumba’s was founded on the idea that everyone has the ability to do whatever they put their mind to.”

When Floralyn Martinez first came into the Orem Small Business Development Center and told us about her dream, we were very anxious to assist her. Floralyn’s determination and stick-to-itiveness impressed us. There were many challenges to overcome as Floralyn began the process of starting her business. The first major obstacle was funding. As a result of some difficult personal financial hardships Floralyn and her husband had declared bankruptcy several years before and no bank was willing to fund them. However, with the assistance of the Orem SBDC Floralyn was able to successfully obtain two local economic development loans. The $40,000 she received from these loans carried her through the startup phase of her business.

The Orem Small Business Development Center also helped Floralyn with her financial projections. This included estimating her startup costs, inventory costs, monthly sales, and working capital. Once her projections were complete the center helped her write her business plan, which included multiple revisions for her different funding partners.

Since that time, Floralyn says she has learned many important aspects of being a business owner. She has learned that:
1. Everything is more expensive then you think it is going to be.
2. You have to keep a positive perspective on everything you do in the business.
3. As a business owner you need to build a good support team to assist you.

Part of Floralyn’s support team has been the Orem SBDC. When asked about her experience with the Orem SBDC Floralyn said, “Ken made me feel like I was on top of the world and that I could do anything. I also felt at peace with him immediately. The Orem SBDC has a relaxing office environment. So as a client, I didn’t feel intimidated. Ken never let me get discouraged and he is always so positive. When you start getting discouraged he tackles the issues behind the discouragement and you work together to find solutions.”