Success Story…BETT Enterprises

For the last five years, Gayla Williams has been proving that she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to commercial painting.

Because of her reputation for quality work, Williams’ company, BETT Enterprises Inc., has grown from three to 21 employees, and gross revenue is expected to top more than $1 million this year. BETT provides a complete line of professional paint finishes for all types of commercial construction.

After working 10 years for a national paint company, Williams was offered the opportunity to serve as a project manager for a large paint contractor in Arkansas. Through this experience she learned all aspects of paint applications, building procedures and the bidding processes. When the owner of the company retired and closed up shop, Williams returned to Oklahoma and began researching her opportunities to start her own company in the Tulsa area.

Williams had developed many contacts among painting contractors, and she began to pick up small contracts from their overflow. Although work was slow, she began to build a strong foundation for a reputation of quality work. As work picked up, she began receiving requests from general contractors to bid their jobs.

However, growth proved to be an unexpected obstacle. As she began to grow, she realized she needed more capital to finance projects until payment for the work came in. That’s when she contacted the U.S. Small Business Administration for help.

“And, as they say, the rest is history,” Williams said. “Beginning my third year in business, it became evident that I needed some financial help and guidance,” Williams said. She met with John Blue, Director of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Broken Arrow. “Through John’s tutelage and assistance with the loan application, I was able to take advantage of a growing market and a growing business. Since that initial contact with him and with SBA’s loan assistance, my business has grown 10 times over!” Williams said.

“John has since directed me and even walked me through specific certifications I need for my type of business. He continues to inform me of seminars and new programs as they become available. John encourages me to continue the ‘good work’ and he is always there to answer any of my questions. I don’t know what I would have done had I not met John,” she said. “He’s been a blessing and he’s fun to talk to.”

Blue said it was a pleasure to help Williams develop and expand her business. “It has been a pleasure to work with Gayla for the past two years. Her work ethics are second to none. I believe her woman-owned, commercial painting business could be a model for other small construction companies,” he said. “We are now working to position her company for the future, by obtaining various state and federal certifications, such as a woman-owned, SBA HUBZone, and bonding capacity. This will prepare her to compete in the government contracting arena, which will open up more opportunities for growth.”

Some people are still not used to seeing a woman in a hard hat at a construction site, Williams said. But her reputation for quality work has made it easier to get the respect of others in the field. “I’ve been blessed,” she said. “I’ve also been grateful for the family and friends around me who keep pushing me and telling me ‘You can do it!’”

A Midwest City native, Williams said she loves the freedom of being an entrepreneur. “One of my greatest benefits is the satisfaction I get from setting and achieving my own goals and watching this achievement turn into financial independence.”

Williams has this advice to others who are thinking about going into business: “Before any decision is made to start a new business, you should educate yourself in all aspects of operating the business you intend to become involved in. If at all possible, you should take a small business course which is offered by most local junior colleges. Past that, you should make a considered commitment to involve yourself 24/7 in the growth and management of your enterprise. More importantly,” Williams said, “believe in yourself and surround yourself with those who believe in you also.”

Williams keeps up with the changing construction market and is constantly looking for ways to expand her business. Right now her work has grown beyond the Tulsa area. She works jobs in Muskogee, McAlester, Tahlequah, Vinita, and Stillwater. She also has completed jobs in Arkansas and Missouri.

Success Story…Hastings Steakhouse

In the spring of 2007, Scott and Stephanie Hastings took their first step toward the fulfillment of their vision and prayers. Scott had enjoyed a successful career as a Process Engineer for an automotive remanufacturing plant in Oklahoma City. And, Stephanie enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, wife, and home schooling their four children. Life was very good, but soon to get much better.

After attending the Oklahoma Small Business financial seminar ‘How to Get Money for Your New Business’ in March, the couple began to work diligently on their business plan. Through several sessions with Larry Siebert, Business Advisor, the couple finalized their plan and took the first step in their journey.

The location was, as Stephanie described “Perfect!” But, their path was not an easy one…lots of opportunities to give-in and walk away. Even though their marketing plan, in depth menu research, and financial planning were extensive, it did not make up for what the bank wanted to see in equity. During this difficult period, the couple continued with their vision through their faith and began building relationships with the Oklahoma State University Extension, USDA and the Rural Development Office exploring every possible niche for their solutions.

In June of 2007 a major piece of the puzzle was finally put in place. An existing restaurant in Guthrie became available. Several revisions to their financial plan and a loan approval were the final ingredients that opened the doors to Hastings Steakhouse and a lasting relationship with the previous owner, the Executive Chef of Oklahoma State University.

The success of Scott and Stephanie’s vision has now gone beyond the steps of the beautiful Old English ambiance at Hastings Steakhouse. They are co-owners of a second established restaurant in Guthrie, Granny Had One.

Success Story…2010 Oklahoma Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

Upon his retirement from the Armed Forces in 2002, Joseph Diaz decided to open his own business using the skills he developed during his military career. He founded AA Computer Services and the business grew quickly. In 2008 he sought the assistance of the Small Business Development Center in Lawton who helped him develop a business plan and qualify for an SBA Patriot Express Loan. However, because of the strength of his application, he was approved for a commercial loan.

Born in New York City, Joe attributes his success to the counseling and training he received from service organizations including the Lawton Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has taken his small business through several expansions and takes pride in hiring the men and women who fight for our country and freedom – veterans, military family members and National Guard soldiers. As a member of the Lawton Chamber of Commerce & Industry Military Affairs Committee, Joe is involved in promoting business opportunities for veterans at the Ft. Sill Military Post and around the community. He is also an advocate for veteran issues as a member of the Comanche County Veterans Council, US Army Warrant Officers Association, Oklahoma National Guard Association, Military Sojourners and the Fort Sill Retiree Council.

Success Story…2010 Oklahoma Women in Business Champion of the Year

In 1989 Darcie Harris founded EWF International to help women grow their business by providing peer advisory groups, coaching and consulting in Oklahoma City. In 2005, Darcie was able to expand the concept to Tulsa and Denver with a new group beginning in Norman in 2010. As a business consultant, mentor, coach, and advocate for female business owners and executives, Darcie has helped countless women realize their professional dreams. She finds fulfillment of her own dreams by encouraging women to think big, pursue their passions and achieve their personal best.

Darcie has trained and worked with women business owners who continue to excel. The average increase in revenue for women entrepreneurs who participate in the advisory group forums is almost $278,500 and 93 percent of members report they have a better understanding of their company’s strategic indicators.

Recently Darcie shared her passion for female entrepreneurship by volunteering with the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW). In 2009 Darcie traveled to Rwanda as part of the IEEW team and presented a leadership training program to Rwandan female entrepreneurs, then visited each of the student’s businesses. In 2009 Darcie mentored a woman from Afghanistan who desired to become a business consultant to other women and she is currently mentoring another Afghani woman.