unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Hub City Body Shop, originally a MAACO franchise founded by Roy and Sheila Seay in 2005, faced the challenge of operating in a competitive auto repair market in Lubbock, Texas. Roy, a former banker with a passion for cars, and his family worked hard to establish a reputation for quality service. However, growing the business independently posed new challenges when they rebranded in 2021. Additionally, as they took on high-profile projects like CNBC's The Car Chasers, balancing creative opportunities with consistent, high-quality service added operational demands.
"As a business owner we put a lot of emotion into our business and SBDC helps take the emotion out and use facts to make the best decisions. SBDC helped my look at my business in a new way and I am so grateful to them."
Working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was instrumental in helping Hub City Body Shop navigate challenges. SBDC consultants provided data-driven insights that helped the Seay family make strategic decisions to strengthen their business operations. With the SBDC's guidance, they were able to explore opportunities for growth, expand their services, and optimize their customer service strategies, ensuring their independence as Hub City Body Shop was both sustainable and scalable.
With the support of SBDC, Hub City Body Shop has achieved rapid growth, leading to its most successful year to date. Their family-oriented approach, combined with strategic planning, has solidified their position as a trusted auto repair provider in Lubbock. They have also made a meaningful impact on the community through their charitable contributions to local organizations like Malta Farms and the Boys and Girls Club of Lubbock. The future looks bright as Hub City Body Shop plans to expand, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and community engagement.
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When Chris Claybrook, a former military and law enforcement officer, set out to purchase EF-5 Shelters, he encountered several challenges. Although EF-5 Shelters had established over 30 years of trusted service in building and installing tornado shelters for Texas Panhandle residents, taking over such a business was no small feat. Chris faced the complex process of valuing the business, creating a solid business plan, and ultimately securing the purchase. He also struggled with time management, balancing his commitment to his wife, children, and business responsibilities. As a new business owner, Chris felt the weight of leading the company's legacy of safety and ensuring that every aspect of the business upheld his high standards.
"I love all the help and guidance available at the Amarillo SBDC. The staff is awesome and always willing to help in any way they can. The emails with upcoming events and training are very much appreciated—especially when just starting out in business, as these resources are invaluable."
Chris turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance in 2021 as he explored the possibility of acquiring EF-5 Shelters. Partnering with SBDC Business Consultant Shane Groff, Chris received invaluable support in performing a detailed business valuation and developing a comprehensive business plan. This guidance not only helped him navigate the purchasing process but also equipped him with tools and strategies for future growth. The SBDC's support extended beyond acquisition, helping Chris refine his business approach to include effective time management and delegation, which allowed him to focus on broader strategic goals while empowering his team to manage daily operations.
With the support of the SBDC, Chris successfully acquired EF-5 Shelters in July 2022, securing a legacy of safety for his community and a future for his family. Under his leadership, EF-5 Shelters has continued to provide residents with reliable, high-quality tornado shelters, along with the peace of mind that comes from working with a company committed to service excellence. Chris's most rewarding moments include seeing the pride in his daughters' faces as they visit the shop, knowing the family legacy he's building will one day be theirs.
In addition to tornado shelters, Chris and his team have developed a door that provides shelter during an active shooter situation. Motivated by his own experiences as a father, Chris was driven to design a solution that could help protect children in schools, where safety concerns have become a growing priority. This product reflects EF-5 Shelters' commitment to adapting their expertise to meet evolving community needs and their dedication to providing a sense of security in uncertain times.
Through Chris's leadership and his commitment to service, EF-5 Shelters has become more than a business—it's a pillar of safety in the Texas Panhandle, offering community members not just products but peace of mind. His journey with EF-5 Shelters is a testament to the power of dedication, community support, and a clear sense of purpose. Chris advises other business owners to remember their "why" and to stay focused on what matters, rather than getting overwhelmed by challenges beyond their control.
The journey of Brown's Bar-B-Q began as a heartfelt homage to Todd Brown's father, a master of Texan BBQ, who shared the authentic taste of Texas barbecue with the West Coast in the 1950s. After his father's passing in 2003, Todd felt called to honor his legacy and carve out his own space in the BBQ world.
Starting with nothing but a Styrofoam cooler and a dream, Todd faced the challenge of turning his passion into a sustainable business. He sought to launch Midland's first food truck and establish a Food Truck Park, navigating obstacles like stakeholder approval, financial planning, and market positioning.
In 2023, Todd encountered another hurdle as he sought to expand his business and participated in the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge. Despite his preparation, he did not win, forcing him to reevaluate and pivot his business strategy.
"We started our business back in 2003 and had no direction. In 2004, they clearly took my hand and helped us to gain a better understanding about businesses. They have helped me make great strides and progress in my journey in business."
Todd turned to the UTPB-SBDC for expert guidance during two pivotal stages of his business journey. In 2014, the SBDC collaborated with Todd to develop a comprehensive business plan narrative, create financial projections to support his Food Truck Project and conduct market research to prepare for stakeholder presentations. This assistance enabled Todd to gain approval from the City of Midland to launch the city's first Food Truck Park.
In 2023, as part of the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, Todd partnered again with the SBDC. Together, they created a compelling pitch document, refined his business plan narrative and financial projections, and conducted in-depth market and industry research for his expansion plans. The SBDC's support equipped Todd to pivot his focus toward opening a brick-and-mortar location, ensuring long-term growth for his business.
Todd Brown's unwavering dedication and passion for BBQ transformed Brown's Bar-B-Q into a culinary icon in Midland, celebrating his father's legacy. In 2014, Todd successfully launched Midland's first food truck and introduced his unique BBQ sauce, creating a new dining experience for the community.
Despite not winning the 2023 Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, Todd leveraged the SBDC's guidance to refine his business strategy, shifting his focus toward establishing a brick-and-mortar location. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the belief that the only real failure is not trying at all. Today, Brown's Bar-B-Q stands as a beacon of determination, inspiring others to follow their dreams.
