Borrower Spotlight: Big Family Movers

Noah Smith, owner of Big Family Movers, never imagined himself as an entrepreneur.  “I knew I had experience in the moving industry, and I wanted independence – financially and being my own boss. I was at a point in my life where I was ready for new challenges and I wanted to learn something.”

Since starting his business five years ago, Noah recently bought a house and says that he never would have been able to do it without the financial stability he’s gained from his business.

In 2001, Noah approached OBDC with a business plan to start a residential and small office moving company. He had been moving furniture for eight years, working closely with the owners of many small moving companies. “A large part of my preparation was seeing the successes and mistakes of these small businesses, and learning from them when it came time to start my own company.”

Big Family Movers did their first job on August 31st  2001 – and four years later the company does over 200 moves per year for its appreciating customers. The challenge now for Noah and Big Family Movers is reaching out to more customers and potentially expanding to add another truck and employees. “Most of our business comes from satisfied customers who offer great referrals to their friends and family,” Noah said.

Noah had saved up $4,000 to start his business, and was given another $1,000 by family members. He received a $10,000 loan from OBDC to launch Big Family Movers, a loan which he quickly repaid. Noah credits OBDC for more than just the loan funds they advanced him. “OBDC has supported me a lot in the growth of my business – beyond the money. They gave me advice and really wanted me to succeed, supporting me with referrals and using me for their own moving needs.”

After five years in business, Noah has a lot of advice for other entrepreneurs. “Understand the business that you’re starting – it’s the only thing that’s allowed me to stay positive and avoid making big mistakes, especially during the slow season. Connections and mentors in the industry are vital to help advise you.”

Noah credits his success with surrounding himself with the right people. “The most crucial part of my business is relationships with people, from mentors to employees. It’s about letting people know what I’m trying to do and involving them.”

Finally Noah reflected that the process of running his business is never over. “Be flexible – don’t think you know everything and that you have nothing new to learn. Making mistakes is a positive thing if you take something away from them and apply it to your business and your life.”

Noah and Big Family Movers do local residential and small office moves (up to 10,000 square feet) in the Bay Area. Over the past five years, Noah and his reliable crew have moved OBDC to its new office on the 7th floor and its employees to their various new homes eight times! “I can tell you from personal experience that Noah and his crew are simply the best,” said OBDC Managing Director Megan Himan. “I’ve watched them do moves professionally and safely in 2/3 the time of other companies. But most importantly they take great care of your stuff and your home.”

Noah Smith and Big Family Movers can be reached at 510-839-5239 or www.bigfamilymovers.com.

Borrower Spotlight: Rafael Castro’s Design

Rafael Castro started his custom clothing design business in 1994 after his former employer passed away. “He owed me several months in back wages. The employer’s family compensated me for the salary owed to me with the equipment that was left in the business,” Rafael explained. “From there, my own design company was born.”

Recently OBDC Business Development Officer Roberto Costa helped Rafael obtain an Oakland Micro Loan to fund the expansion of his business to a second location at 1479 Fruitvale Avenue in Oakland. “Rafael is an established business owner with a good track record,” Roberto said. “I helped him understand the loan application process and we discussed ideas to take his business to the next level.”

Rafael Castro’s Design produces custom dresses and suits for graduations, quinceañeras, weddings, and other special events. Rafael’s clients are looking for clothing that they can’t find “off the rack” in other department stores. The demand for the unique styles that Rafael designs for his clients has increased 20% since he expanded to the new location back in May 2005. Rafael intends to use the Oakland Micro Loan to purchase inventory and add working capital to his business.

“The loan service provided to me by OBDC was excellent,” said Rafael.  “As a businessperson I needed additional resources to keep up with my business growth. The Micro Loan from OBDC has helped me to expand my services and meet the demands of my customers.”

To learn more about OBDC Small Business Finance’s small business loan programs call Roberto Costa at (510) 763-4297 Ext. 103 or Roberto@obdc.com. Visit www.obdc.com to learn more about the organization and view other resources for small businesses.

Borrower Spotlight: Ahmed Dobashi

Kwik Way Restaurant to reopen at 6215 International Boulevard

Mr. Ahmed Dobashi grew up in the East Oakland Elmhurst neighborhood eating at the Kwik Way Restaurant on his way home after school. He always had a vision of one day owning that business and keeping it in the community.

The opportunity was presented to him when the owner moved out of state and sold the property to Mr. Dobashi in 2003. Immediately, Mr. Dobashi put together plans to renovate the dilapidated Kwik Way and add new commercial spaces to complement his center with a laundromat, 99 cent store, and a retail space.

As the financing to complete his project became a priority, Mr. Dobashi approached OBDC Small Business Finance in May of this year and received a $249,500 Enhanced Enterprise Community Revolving Loan to complete the development project. The grand opening of this brand new shopping center with four retail stores and 26 parking spaces is projected for this fall.

Contact Roberto Costa at (510) 763-4297 Ext. 103 to determine whether the EEC Revolving Loan program or other SBA Loan programs are the right ones for you. 

Borrower Spotlight: Pamela Wain, Flex Physical Therapy

Pamela Wain’s business is all under water – but it’s a good thing. Pamela wanted to add a warm water pool to her Flex Physical Therapy business for many years, and this spring her first patients were splashing their way to health.

“Ever since Easter Seals closed on Telegraph Avenue, Oakland has been without Aquatic Rehabilitation, a major form of rehab,” explained Pamela.  “With a loan from OBDC Small Business Finance our clinic has brought Aquatic Rehabilitation back to the city.”

Warm water rehab has proven to be an extremely effective rehabilitation technique, particularly for those suffering from severe and moderate arthritis, and those recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, debilitative neurological diseases, and joint replacements.

The pool enhances a full range of physical therapy services conducted by Pamela’s licensed staff. Pamela opened her business in 2000 with a help from the City of Oakland’s loan programs. Since then, she’s doubled the revenue of the business, added a popular Pilates-based rehab technique, and built out her current spacious location on 44th and Broadway. She’s committed to providing cutting-edge rehab techniques to the East Bay and her staff treats several patient populations including geriatrics and low income patients.

To take a dip in the pool with one of her therapists call (510) 655-3060 or visit Flex Physical Therapy at 4266 Broadway in Oakland.

Borrower Spotlight: J. Malnick

“Understand your customer and know that you can’t be all things to all people,” is Warren Malnick’s most important piece of advice. As the third generation to lead the successful retail business J. Malnick, Mr. Malnick and his friendly, helpful sales team are still following his grandparent’s lead in taking excellent care of their customers.

Joseph and Fannie Malnick immigrated to San Francisco in 1907 from London, England. They moved to the Fruitvale District of Oakland in 1916 and purchased a dry goods store called the Fruitvale Taggary located on East 14th Street. When Joseph Malnick passed away in 1940, the business was renamed J. Malnick in his honor.

J. Malnick is now the oldest, independently owned women’s specialty store in Oakland. While customers have known J. Malnick as the place for hard-to-find items such as hats, furs, “go-to-church” suits and large sizes, the company is now reaching out to include a casual and career market that is not being met in Oakland.

J. Malnicks’ commitment to their customer is evidenced by its decision to move from the Fruitvale district to Oakland’s newly revitalized “Uptown” location. Realizing that their primarily African American, female clientele had to go out of their way to reach the store, Mr. Malnick sent a survey  to all of their customers asking where they would rather shop. Out of three choices, the downtown Oakland location was the overwhelming pick. So Mr. Malnick bought the building at 19th and Broadway, where he had worked at his first summer job as a 15-year old stock boy for Kushin’s Shoes.

When Mr. Malnick began to renovate the building, he received a façade grant from the City of Oakland, but still found himself a little short on funding for tenant improvements. Fortunately, he found his way to OBDC. Mr. Malnick says, “I was tired of banks not understanding my business. Megan [Program Manager at OBDC] is a real jewel; she has an intuitive understanding of what we needed and made the whole process pretty effortless.”

OBDC Program Manager Megan Himan says “We were able to provide J. Malnick with a Broadway Corridor Loan, which is targeted at businesses and commercial property owners in the downtown Oakland area. J. Malnick is a terrific addition to the burgeoning Uptown area.”

Mr. Malnick’s commitment to his customers and the community can be seen in his monthly newsletter that highlights new merchandise, events and provides a community corner announcing local events. He writes, “my door is always open and I welcome ideas on how we can improve our service or merchandise assortment.”

For a terrific shopping experience, stop by J. Malnick at 19th and Broadway. You can reach Warren Malnick at (510)808-0311 or warren@jmalnick.com.