We'd Like You to be Our Next Success Story
Art Life Dental Labs
Nashua, NH
Luis Noguiera, Owner
http://www.artlifelab.com
"I needed marketing help when I went to SCORE"
Luis Nogueira believes that creating replacement crowns, bridges and tooth implants is an art. But running a dental lab is also a business that requires sales and marketing to develop strong partnerships with dental practices.
Luis was born in Brazil and studied there before working for large dental labs in the U.S. for more than 15 years. He knew the lab side, but the marketing tasks were difficult; for one thing, English was his adopted language.
Together with SCORE’s Randy Roody, they developed a message and, finally, a small marketing campaign that has begun to add new customers to his practice. Today he has a website for dentists to visit and a promotion campaign that is run periodically. Luis and Randy still meet several times a year.
Bush Hill Motorcycles
Hudson,, NH
Tom Vajo, Founder and Owner
http://www.bushhillcycle.com
“(Score Counselor) John (Post) has provided great ideas, helped develop our business plan and keep it updated, assisted immensely in our financial projections, and put us on course for profitability and success."
A mechanic for 30 years with Lowell Regional Transit Authority, motorcycles have long been Tom Vayo’s passion. Bush Hill Cycle works began in 2003 with Tom fixing bikes on weekends in his Hudson, N.H. garage, but zoning issues and a desire to have a real shop of his own in which to pursue his interest full-time led him on a path that ultimately put him in touch with SCORE counselor John Post.
Tom knew what he wanted to do, but needed help focusing on the business aspects. John prodded him with questions regarding the industry’s culture, the atmosphere he wanted to create with the shop, competition, staffing, pricing, products and services to be offered and more, helping Tom analyze these factors and make intelligent decisions. Several months were spent fleshing out cash flow. Ultimately, Tom found and purchased on old motorcycle shop in Hudson, financing the deal with a home equity line.
Tom cleaned up the place, opening it in 2005 as a shop where motorcycle enthusiasts of all types are welcome and comfortable. With his wife, Laurie, as finance guru and customer service contact, Bush Hill Cycle Works specializes in repairs and routine maintenance of motorcycles new and old, foreign and domestic, in addition to stocking many parts and accessories. Sales have increased each year, and even after more than four years, John Post continues to get together regularly with Tom and serve as an advisor.
“John has provided great ideas, helped develop our business plan and keep it updated, assisted immensely in our financial projections, and put us on course for profitability and success. He’s stuck with us from the beginning. SCORE is one of the only places a little guy can go to get good advice from experience businesspeople—and it’s free.”
Design On The Rocks
Derry, NH
Judy Callen, Founder and Owner
http://www.designsontherocks.com
“I really appreciated working with SCORE. Shana was helpful, but not pushy. I knew that it was still up to me to make my business succeed. She just gave me the added direction and confidence I needed to be successful.”
Judy first contacted SCORE after working on her jewelry business part-time out of her home for two years. She had unique items to sell and a great network of people already buying them, but wanted to take her business to the next level. Her biggest challenge was how to accomplish this while limiting the amount of time she spent outside the home.
Working with her SCORE counselor Shana Hoch, Judy was able to better manage her current customer base, reach out to more potential new customers, and make maximum use of her time away from home. Her hard work and commitment resulted in the business growth she was seeking, and the guidance she received from SCORE gave her the confidence to know she could succeed on her own. Recently, she has used her creativity for a outstanding cause—fighting domestic violence—with one of her signature pieces, A Heart that CAN. Bent but not broken.
“I really appreciated working with SCORE. Shana was helpful, but not pushy. I knew that it was still up to me to make my business succeed. She just gave me the added direction and confidence I needed to be successful.”
Firefly American Bistro
Concord Street, Manchester, NH
Diane Downing David Becker,
www.fireflynh.com
“We opened the day after Christmas 2008 (as the economy was having a fit!) and we've made our monthly forecasts ever since!”
They worked with SCORE for almost two years developing their plan. Finding the right location and a landlord they could work with took a while. Of course, raising the money needed to fit-out a kitchen and attractive restaurant was also a challenge that took more than a year to complete. Through it all, Diane and David worked with their SCORE counselor, getting feedback on their plan and evaluations on their progress.
“We still see him regularly at our restaurant!” say the successful business owners.
Laser Advantage, LLC
Nashua, NH
Mike Lynch & Gary Adams, Owners
http://www.laser-advantage.com/
"We've been working with SCORE for six years!"
Mike Lynch and Gary Adams were employees of a Massachusetts laser machining company when, in 2002, they decided to set out on their own. Using their combined savings, they purchased some of the assets of their former employer’s New Hampshire operations and established Laser Advantage, a laser job shop, service provider and systems integrator, in Nashua.
Though they possessed expertise in all the technical aspects of laser technology, they lacked experience in running a business, so they turned to SCORE. Counselor Glenn Boston was able to provide that financial and operational guidance, and the partners learned quickly. In its six years, Laser Advantage has tripled its sales, and now does work not only nationwide, but internationally.
Mike and Gary continue to meet with Glenn a couple of times a year, discussing current business issues and using him as a sounding board for their ideas.
Lotions and Potions
Concord, NH
Andrew Hatch, Owner
http://www.lotionsnpotionsnh.com
“Knowing there is an experienced person available to discuss any issues and review ideas is a great confidence booster. To have free access to a network of expertise and information at a critical point in the development of a new venture is incredibly valuable. SCORE should be a first call for any entrepreneur looking to start or expand a business.”
Andrew Hatch had benefited from SCORE counseling in a previous business on Cape Cod in 1997, so he naturally turned to them again in early 2006 when planning his newest venture. Lotions ’n Potions was created to meet the need for professional skincare advice and specialist esthetic services in a retail setting.
SCORE counselor John Iffland was able to provide important demographic data to support the decision to locate on Main Street in Concord, offer introductions to many local resources and associations, assist in developing financial projections and help flesh out Andrew’s business plan. John also brought in another SCORE advisor, Dick Martin, whose retailing background, advice and support have been priceless.
Lotions ’n Potions growth has exceeded Andrew’s expectations, with second year sales up 50%, the result of many loyal, repeat customers and lots of word-of-mouth referrals. The store now employs one full-time and two part-time staff, with plans to add more, and has become a part of a vibrant regeneration of Downtown Concord.
“Knowing there is an experienced person available to discuss any issues and review ideas is a great confidence booster. To have free access to a network of expertise and information at a critical point in the development of a new venture is incredibly valuable. SCORE should be a first call for any entrepreneur looking to start or expand a business.”
Mid City Body And Frame
Manchester, NH
Susan and David D'Amore, Owners
"It was amazing how Shep Bartlett found solutions to some of our start up problems"
When David D'Amore had the opportunity to buy his employer's auto body business, the banker who wanted to help him sent him to SCORE for help with his business plan and financial planning. Shep Bartlett has a history of helping with these kinds of transactions; however, the deal became complicated when the existing owner suddenly died. Together, Shep and David worked with lawyers, bankers and the estate to keep the deal alive and ultimately carry it to a successful conclusion.
Today, David and Susan run Mid City Body and Frame together, with Susan managing the front office and David out on the shop floor.
Muse Pottery
Manchester, NH
Sheree Burlington, Museware Pottery
“The SCORE people gave me the courage to make decisions. They are high quality, experienced individuals eager to share what they know. You couldn’t pay for that knowledge, yet the most amazing thing of all is that it’s free.”
An artist and former kitchen designer, Sheree Burlington had already owned and operated a chain of three local paint-your-own-pottery studios when, in 2005, she was inspired to create Museware Pottery, “Hand painted art pottery. With attitude.” When she first met with SCORE counselor John Post in late 2006 seeking help with marketing, sales volume was about $50,000 a year through retail stores, catalogues and her website.
The two talked about various marketing strategies, identifying the most promising segments to target and how to implement the plan they developed. Their efforts proved to be so successful that by mid-2007 Sheree faced a different problem: how to raise production to meet the increased demand. SCORE counselors John Benjamin and Don Horadan, both experienced engineers, were brought in, developing flow diagrams and finding ways to raise kiln efficiency and capacity. Sales increased 300% from 2006 to 2007, and Post helped Sheree obtain a loan and line of credit from TD Banknorth.
Together, the SCORE counselors assisted Sheree in developing cash flow and production plans for 2008, which they continue to fine tune in light of today’s challenging economy.
“The SCORE people gave me the courage to make decisions. They are high quality, experienced individuals eager to share what they know. You couldn’t pay for that knowledge, yet the most amazing thing of all is that it’s free.”
