DCI Sanitation

Having served in the U.S. Army for 9 years, which included a tour in Bosnia, David Ingram moved his family to Ennis, Texas in 2005. As a new home owner, he had only two choices for trash collection, but neither one delivered what he considered an acceptable level of customer service. After paying in advance for services that weren’t provided, he recognized an opportunity to start his own trash collection service.

David sent out 1,000 flyers to area residents and had 76 customers quickly respond. With only a truck and flat bed trailer, he started DCI Sanitation in December of 2005 as a sole proprietorship. In March of 2006, he purchased a retired waste collection truck from Southern Methodist University and began providing service to the city of Milford.

A year later, he had a full time driver, two part-time throwers and was also servicing the city of Garrett.

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PopAcres Ranch and Farm

In 2000, Jackie King was living in an apartment in Richardson, Texas and attending seminars sponsored by the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (TOFGA). While she had envisioned growing her own organic garden, Jackie’s life took a decisive direction when she met Donald King at work and found they shared several mutual interests. Both had backgrounds in accounting, but more importantly, they also shared the same passion for sustainable, organic farming and ranching.

The couple married in 2001 and purchased 80 acres in Pursley, Texas and another 43 acres in 2004 that included a house where they now live and operate P.O.P. Acres Ranch and Farm. Their home-based business raises free-ranging grass fed cattle and 80 acres are certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Using no grain or hormones, the Kings practice “salad bar grazing” through a combination of native and seeded grasses. The diet for their cattle is supplemented with organic feed and minerals that Jackie also sells to area farms and ranches to generate additional income.

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Frazier & Frazier Industries, Inc

Located in Coolidge, Texas, Frazier & Frazier Industries, Inc. is an ISO certified gray and ductile foundry established in 1972. As the economy began to collapse, the company was trying to secure funding, but the outlook was bleak. Foundries nationwide had closed as a result of the recession and foreign competition, but Charles Frazier, the company's President, was determined to keep his doors open. In addition to the close community ties it had established over the past 37 years, the company was a major employer in Coolidge and Limestone County. The thought of laying off 300 employees was not an acceptable option.

Mr. Frazier contacted Congressman Chet Edwards to discuss the possibilities of securing a government guaranteed loan. During a meeting with Congressman Edwards, he was referred to the Navarro College SBDC in Corsicana, Texas. Robin Lasher, SBDC director, met with Mr. Frazier and recommended the company consider a 504 SBA loan. However, it was later determined that the company should pursue a USDA loan.

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After Hours Improv

Shari and Smiley Alfaro have always had a passion for making other people laugh, but their dream of operating their own theater was almost derailed. From an improvisation workshop led by Eric Craddock, the Alfaro’s started After Hours Improv (AHI) in 2004. Along with Eric and Patrick Wilson, they then held their first public appearance in downtown Waxahachie at the College Street Pub.

The Alfaro’s were performing regularly with their comedy troop in 2007 at the Texas Theater when the venue surprisingly came up for sale. Due to its rich history, the City of Waxahachie decided to purchase the theater and lease it to a company that would operate it as an independent business. Although the Alfaro’s submitted an impressive proposal, another company with prior experience in managing theaters was selected.

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Blooms & More

For a florist, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year is February 14. Sherrie Odom had just purchased a florist shop when a record snow storm damaged power lines leaving her store in the dark along with many homes and businesses. Undeterred by icy roads, Sherrie and her employees arrived before sunrise to finish designing customers’ floral arrangements with only candles and lanterns for light. While it wasn’t a record Valentine’s Day for the store, it did reflect Sherrie’s determination to succeed.

In late 2008, Sherrie visited the Navarro College SBDC for assistance in purchasing Flowers by Patty, which had been in business twenty six years. Although both she and her husband owned a business, Sherrie had never worked in a florist shop. She knew there would be a significant learning curve and that buying the business posed a considerable risk due to the struggling economy.

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