Captain Kaman Construction
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| Ricky Hoskin |
Ricky Hoskin received his Limited Liability status on November 16, 2011, but officially opened his home-based construction company on December 1, 2011.
Mr. Hoskin enters the construction field with five (5) years of experience and certifications in the construction industry. He graduated on the Dean’s List in the Construction Trade Program at Southwestern Michigan University in Dowagiac, Michigan in 2009. His services include, but are not limited to, roofing, framing, decks, power washing, siding and property management.
Captain Kaman Construction employs two (2) individuals; one male and one female. Both employees graduated from the Construction Trade Program with Mr. Hoskin.
Ricky was referred to the Women’s Business Center for assistance in October 2011 to formalize his business. Staff provided one-on-one counseling, meeting weekly, to complete the operations checklist. Mr. Hoskin stated “I received outstanding support from the WBC in legitimizing my business.”
When asked why he started the business, he responded “Realistically, I wanted to insure that I would have food and shelter. With today’s economy, I did not want to be dependent on someone else making those decisions that could leave me homeless or hungry.”
Mr. Hoskin believes in giving back to the community. He is a deacon in training at his church. He built a baptismal pool for the church. So far, there have been two (2) individuals baptized and the pool didn’t leak. (LOL).
Finally, he states, “the best part of being a small business entrepreneur is the freedom to decide for my company by setting short and long term goals and watching them come to fruition. For services contact Ricky at 269-757-6558.
Posted on January 04, 2012
New Owner of Gagliardo Shoe Repair
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| Cassandra Lopez |
The Women’s Business Center would like to congratulate Cassandra Lopez on her new business venture. She is a local St. Joseph resident who was ready for a new challenge so, when the opportunity came to purchase Gagliardo Shoe Repair in St. Joseph (behind the Dunkin Donuts and Car Wash), she went for it.
With her background as a bike mechanic and having been working in the home improvement industry for the past twenty years she knew she wanted to do something with her hands. Cassandra knew she had to learn the industry from the best. So previous owner, fourth generation shoe cobbler, Michael Gagliardo, took her under his wing to teach her the ropes of the industry. Cassandra has enjoyed learning from Michael and is excited to carry on their family tradition of choosing the best materials and the art/craft of shoe repair.
Cassandra came to Cornerstone Alliance in August 2011, seeking assistance in how to go about purchasing an existing business. With the support of staff, Cassandra was provided with a checklist of important items to be covered when purchasing a business. Staff was also able to offer support for the business plan and with hard work and dedication Cassandra has successfully taken ownership of Gagliardo Shoe Repair.
Gagliardo Shoe Repair offers shoe shines, heel/sole repairs, as well as repairs on belts, purses, and other leather goods. Cassandra states “Our customer service is critical to maintaining and growing our business so we take pride in being easy to work with and being able to take care of our customers needs”. Cassandra would like to thank Michael and his family as he transitions into retirement for all of their decades of service to the community!
Be sure to stop in during their new extended hours of Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm to see the complete interior remodel and introduce yourself! Gagliardo Shoe Repair is located at 810 Highland Avenue in St. Joseph, Michigan and can be reached at 269-983-7010.
Posted on January 04, 2012