Success stories

Hospitality Professionals Attend NVC Hospitality Symposium

Cindy Pawlcyn was the highly entertaining keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Napa Valley College Hospitality Symposium held recently at Upper Valley Campus. This nationally known author and chef was charming, endearing and quite unassuming. She began the educational forum with funny stories about her experience on Food Network Top Chef Masters. In short order - the sold out crowd was “eating out of her hand,” so to speak.

Suite Treatments, Vallejo

Suite Treatments – A NxLevel Success Story

Taking a business to the “NxLevel” requires extensive planning and hard work. Two diligent SBDC clients recently completed the NxLevel Business Training and during the 10-week course, they worked with SBDC advisors to help bring Suite Treatments to the “next level” of success. Owner/CEO Jacque Barsotti and Vice President, Rachelle Dizon completed the SBDC NxLeveL course and together they wrote an extensive business plan, plus handled a few challenges along the way...

BumRite Diapers, Napa

Angela Powell came to the SBDC office for advice on the development of her business plan for e-commerce sales of wash-at-home reusable cloth diapers. SBDC Business Advisor Jerry Jinnett reviewed the business planning process and followed up by submitting a research request that provided information on customer identification, trends, and diaper-buying issues. Angela has gotten her business up and running: she has developed her website, and because of the qualified leads generated from the internet that land potential customers on specific pages within the website, the business has turned a profit – just 12 weeks after launching the website! Social Media marketing (aka Twitter, Facebook and Blogging) and the use of the local Yahoo! Email Group – Napa Moms Club, has enabled Angela to reach over 350 qualified customers in the Napa Valley and thousands more on the internet. She also created and printed 5”x7” flyers and handed them out with samples of the actual diapers to local OB/GYNs and Pediatricians advising potential customers of the benefits of cloth diapering: Easy, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly.

Net Flow Corporation, Napa

Company Profile - Net-Flow Corporation is a technology business that provides a range of customized options for Web hosting, E-Business design and development, and network/IT support and consultation for small to medium-sized businesses. Beginning in 2003 and continuing throughout 2004, owner Dean Bowen developed a new series of low cost products -marketed to small businesses- that streamline customer relationships, internet marketing and internet commerce through technology applications. Located in Napa, CA the company was founded in 1995 by Dean Bowen and has enjoyed modest success during and after the boom and bust of Silicon Valley’s “Dot.Coms.”

Fractal Spirit, Napa

Timothy Helgeson is a digital artist living and working in the Napa, California and owner of Fractal Spirit Arts. His award-winning art has shown in San Francisco at the Blue Gallery, Galleria de la Raza, the Mexican Museum, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and various places in the Napa Valley. His line of cards is sold nationally. He has been featured on the cover of the New Age magazine, "Bodhi Tree Book Review," and was a Burning Man artist. His work is in the collections of celebrities including: Julie Harris, Burt Reynolds, Charles Nelson Reilly, Boz Skaggs, Steve Halpern, Dennis Kuchinich, and Robin Williams.

Hurley's Restaurant and Bar, Yountville

Background
The restaurant opened in November 2002 after an extensive renovation of a facility that closed due to declining profitability. The location was chosen because the owner was well know in the community, had a loyal following, and a group of private investors that would assist in cash flow requirements during the early stages. There is a 60-room hotel being built across the street that will offer opportunities for expanding group functions and services. In addition, the lower priced restaurants are disappearing, representing a great opportunity to meet the desires of those seeking quality with good service but not wanting to or being able to afford the most expensive establishments.

Peri S. Pfenniger, Napa Valley

Peri specializes in commissioned “Trompe L'oeil” murals. She combines painted architectural illusions with imaginary and dreamlike vistas. “Trompe l'oeil” means “fool the eye” and her paintings entice you to enter another place and time.

TassaTag, Lafayette

During her time working in the airline industry, Brenda Hepler heard stories and read about the issues of sexual slavery and trafficking of women and children. She decided to take action; she designed and created TassaTag, a 4”x6” colorful, sturdy, hand-woven luggage tag that helps a traveler easily spot their luggage. Her goal has always been that a major portion of sales be donated and that these donations go through bona fide humanitarian contacts to ensure that the funds were properly used.

Over the Top Frozen Yogurt, American Canyon

When Ted and Ginny Ginn decided they would like to start a business in the Napa Valley, they contacted the Napa Valley College SBDC. They worked with Small Business Development Center Advisors to determine the feasibility as well as to reassure themselves that the business would be viable.

Phat Salads and Wraps, Napa

Background
In the spring of 2007, Gia Sempronio came to the NVC Small Business Development Center with an idea to own a high quality, healthy and mobile quick service take out food business. Her idea was to take off of the traditional motor catering truck known better for visiting construction and office sites with a healthy alternative to be called Phat Salads and Wraps. Early on Gia identified that fresh and healthy are critical keys to success.