The Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad Company is a family owned and operated Class III railroad serving customers along a 118-mile corridor between Howe, OK to McAlester, OK and Shawnee, OK to Midwest City, OK. The key commodities received are: wheat, corn, oats, CSM, feed ingredients, frack sand, ceramic proppant, auto’s, plastic resin pellets, drilling fluid products, hydrochloric acid, lumber, and hydro processing catalyst. The key commodities shipped are: coal, aggregate, and decorative stone. The A-OK provides storage car needs on short- and long-term basis to customers looking for convenient reliable service. Inspection, running repairs, cleaning, and stenciling services can be provided upon request. The A-OK currently has 23 storage car customers. The A-OK can accommodate unit pipe trains at Midwest City, OK, McAlester, OK and Wister, OK. The A-OK facilitates rail car leasing for a wide variety of car types upon request. The A-OK provides land and rail service for trans-loading upon request.

A-OK started working with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for disaster relief support during the pandemic and the severe weather in winter of 2021. After becoming familiar with the services offered, the OKSBDC continues to be a resource on business growth strategy, research assistance and management opportunities. The leaders of the railroad work with OKSBDC advisors and research team to pull statistics and data for key transportation upgrades, to learn ways to leverage federal, state and tribal workforce and financial programs. 

A-OK through the family leadership of the Donoley Family is an economic driver in Oklahoma. As leadership has transitioned to the next generation, the company continues to look forward to expansion and opportunities for partnership to grow the economy. The past 36 months have been challenging, initially due to COVID and severe winter weather which created chaos and physical damage; then the family dealt with a serious health crisis which was emotionally challenging. The leadership of this second generation kept the railroad moving forward. While shouldering more duties, this group recognizes the power of collaboration and is appreciative of the OKSBDC resources and support. 

Hotel property owners and managers, Vik and Jenny Desai learned about OKSBDC small business advising services in 2019 with the goal of improving accounting. While these hotel owners were successful, they recognized the value of evaluation and assistance from an outside team. 

“…Then, 2020 hit, and the hospitality industry was crushed…” said Jenny Desai. The pair worked with OKSBDC throughout the pandemic for assistance navigating relief programs and for discussion on moving the business forward during difficult times. 

Jenny goes on, “After 2020/2021 settled down, we began meeting with Dana Hugle. We are a maturing company, and needed some guidance on HR best practices, growing a positive culture in our business, searching for the best insurance companies, and EIDL payback. We have relied on Dana and Ben Evans at OKSBDC to help guide us through this complicated process. It has been extremely helpful to have someone to ask questions to, someone who may have more access to higher levels of SBA, etc…” 

Advisors at OKSBDC assisted with HR and guest policy review. They also supported the business owners in discussions around employee training and retention. The hotel staff turnover rates have declined and the satisfaction rates have improved. 

Many small business owners are under the misconception that OKSBDC only works with start-up businesses; however, the business advisors address a number of issues from financial, to staffing, to marketing and much more. With a company that has a history of success in the industry, working with an OKSBDC advisor gives fresh perspective and the encouragement needed for the business owners to continue to move forward. 

MacKenzie Russom had always wanted to start her own salon business, but could not figure out where to begin. Luckily, one of her clients told her about the services the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center provides, and how they could help her follow her dream and reach her goal. On the same day Russom found out about the Oklahoma SBDC, she booked an appointment with the Oklahoma SBDC and was paired with Nichole Tucker, who would help MacKenzie through the start-up process.

Eventually, Nichole was able to help MacKenzie with finding a building, hiring employees, and opening the business, all under 30 days. Not only that, but Nichole was able to help with the personal loan application process, the business plan, financials, marketing plan, and online system for clients to schedule appointments.

“I had the upmost professional, kind, helpful experience,” said MacKenzie. “Nichole was absolutely more than helpful. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.”