Success Story Fernandez Construction

SCORE Helps Contractor Structure a Long Term Growth Strategy
(Duplicated from Success Stories at www.score.org)

Growing up, Erbin Fernandez enjoyed tagging along with his father who was skilled with many types of building trades. "He was always into fixing things," Erbin says, adding that it never occurred to him to follow in Dad's footsteps. "I just enjoyed handing him tools and watching him work."

It wasn't until years later that Erbin realized just how much knowledge he'd absorbed. While working for a freight forwarding company, a secretary asked if he know someone who could build a concrete patio for her. "I remembered how my Dad did that kind of work, and offered to give it a try," he says. "The patio turned out great, and she started recommending me to other people."

Erbin's co-worker wasn't the only one who was impressed. A neighbor who had watched him build the patio asked if he'd be interested in working on some buildings he was renovating into supermarkets. Though grateful for the offer, Erbin felt he wasn't ready to take on a job that big and politely declined.

But as he kept receiving calls and work opportunities over the next several months, Erbin began to realize that he might have a small business on his hands. As luck would have it, he ran into his first customer's neighbor, who once again invited him to take on a major building renovation project.

"SCORE Counselor Martin Lehman helped me understand how to structure my business and get started on a business plan that would be the first step toward getting an SBA-backed loan. I'd always wanted to have my own business, and now it's a reality thanks to SCORE."

--Erbin Fernandez, owner, Fernandez Construction

"This time, I felt like I was ready," Erbin says. "Because the project wouldn't get underway for a few months, I decided to use the time to formalize my business. I also wanted to get some financing so that I wouldn't be running everything out of my pocket."

Some online research about small business start-ups led Erbin to New York City SCORE and Martin Lehman. "Martin and I hit it off from our very first meeting," Erbin says. "He helped me understand how to structure my business and get started on a business plan that would be the first step toward getting an SBA-backed loan."

Because contractors need maximum visibility to attract customers, Martin also gave Erbin tips for refining his business card and publicity materials, and other ways to give his business some exposure. Martin also visited some of Erbin's projects and was also impressed with the aspiring entrepreneur's work.

"Every time I speak or work with Martin, I get another mental push to keep going and visualize what this business can be," Erbin says. "Though there are some risks involved with being on your own, he's showed me what can be achieved with good planning."

Although Erbin has remained busy for the last several months thanks to word-of-mouth referrals, he's taking no chances with the current economic uncertainty. Along with continuing development of his business plan, Erbin is working on another of Martin's suggestions" a Web site that will provide information about his services and past projects. Erbin also hopes to include a feature that provides prospective customers with online quotes simply by entering basic project specifications.

"Working with Martin has been a dream come true," Erbin says. "I'd always wanted to have my own business, and now it's a reality thanks to SCORE."