Ken Novotny and David Mitchell met at a gym one day and became fast friends. They soon discovered they share more than just a desire to keep physically fit. They both shared a dream of building a successful business. Novotny worked as a defense contractor at Tinker Air Force Base while Mitchell worked for a large contracting company as a buyer. Novotny had vast experience in computer systems. Mitchell knew the process of doing business with the federal government.
Lavonna “Shorty” Koger, owner of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, knew a lot about rodeos and making quality cowboy hats. However, she did not know a lot about running a successful small business until she visited with Susan Urbach at the University of Central Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC). Today, her company, located in historic Stockyards City, is bursting at the seams thanks to management and technical advice received from the OSBDC. Sales have increased 400 percent. Staff has doubled, and the company offers better salaries with employee benefits.
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.
301 W University Blvd.
Durant, OK 74701
(580) 745-2877
Email Us
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Full disclosure available here. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Cindy Ruminer via email or call 580-745-2877 for assistance.