| Darryl stayed in touch with Jim while taking a 10-week course in business planning at a local community college. Because their office appointments were limited to an hour, Jim gave Darryl his home phone number to call whenever he had a question. “Jim was no longer just a counselor, but a teacher as well,” Darryl says. “He continually kept me focused on developing a sound strategy.”
Darryl then spent the next several months literally “camped out” at his computer developing and fine-tuning his business plan. Following Jim’s advice, he researched everything from equipment costs, payroll and insurance costs to product and price comparisons of Arizona’s other barbecue restaurants. Darryl also found an ideal business location in Buckeye, a fast-growing community with a historic downtown district that seemed ready-made for a good barbecue restaurant.
When he showed his business plan to Jim, Darryl could tell his teacher was impressed. “He simply said, ‘What else do you need from me? You’re ready,’” Darryl recalls proudly. Equally wowed was the bank, which quickly approved Darryl’s application for a $250,000 SBA-backed loan to complement his savings.
But most heartening to Darryl has been the response of his mealtime and catering customers, who have helped Memphis Best BBQ exceed its first-year revenue projections. “I think the biggest thing is that people see me here working as hard as anyone else,” he says. “The quality I put into the restaurant transfers to the quality of the food, and they’re happy to tell others about it.”
One of Darryl’s first customers was Jim Batz, who was visibly proud of his client’s accomplishment. “I’m going to put Jim’s picture up in my restaurant because he has truly been a wonderful mentor,” Darryl says. “One of the things he stressed early on was defining the mission of my business, and considering every possible influence, threat and opportunity. Now, I understand what he was talking about. I’m so happy that I can give the people of Buckeye a place to relax, enjoy the scenery, listen to some blues, and eat good Memphis barbecue.”
Brought to you by SCORE, America's small business mentors, at www.score.org. |
