River Cities Business Journal: Business Profile

SBDC helps siblings win award; Kingman company honored as one of state's top new businesses

Special to the River Cities Business Journal

KINGMAN - Not ones to dodge a good challenge, Jonathan and Amanda Kaufman took their mother's advice to “figure it out” when taking on a business of their own. Their plunge, their mother's advice and a bit of outside help became a state award-winning combination.

Their purchase of Brown Drilling and their teaming up with the Small Business Development Center at Mohave Community College resulted in the Kaufmans being presented recently with an Arizona Small Business Development Center 2008 Success Award, one of 14 winners statewide.

The award was presented in February at the Heard Museum in Phoenix in recognition of their excellence as a small business. Also attending were state Rep. Nancy McLain, MCC Chancellor Michael Kearns, and Kelley Marsh, director of the SBDC office at MCC.

The tie to Brown Drilling, a water well drilling company in Kingman, started when Jonathan was hired into a career where he could pursue his passion for geology. As an employee, he immediately considered buying the business - as soon as the owners expressed an interest in selling.

After a year of contemplating the purchase, Jonathan turned to his sister, Amanda, and asked if she would partner with him in acquiring the business. Amanda, a Department of Defense specialist living in Alabama, relocated to Kingman after deciding to join Jonathan. She quickly set up a series of meetings with the SBDC at MCC to help guide them through the process of purchasing the business.

After securing an SBA 504 business loan through First Savings Bank and Mountain West Small Business Finance, the possibility of buying the company and continuing Brown Drilling became a reality.

One of the first challenges was moving the company from a county location closer to Kingman. The Kaufmans purchased the original Kingman Army Air Field terminal, and the historic building became their base of operations.

The siblings have also expanded their business with the addition of an exploration drilling license - attributing their success partly to the work and dedication of the former owners.

“Without their vision and commitment, there would not have been a business to sell,” Amanda said. “Equally important were the employees accepting new ownership while still giving 110 percent to their daily performance.”

The SBDC is an additional line of support that guided the Kaufmans through their challenges, assisting Brown Drilling in their drive to succeed.

Kelley Marsh, MCC's SBDC representative, walked them through the necessary steps and advised them in areas such as finance and loan preparation. That guidance allowed the Kaufmans to be confident in making important decisions.

The availability and assistance the SBDC provided during the entire process proved invaluable, the Kaufmans agreed.

As part of company expansion, the Kaufmans have had to hire more staff. Starting with nine employees, the business now employs 12 and is currently hiring drillers for several more positions.

The company has also been able to provide medical insurance for all employees, an important goal toward improving employee benefits - as stated in their business plan.

Along with expanding services and increasing the number of employees, Brown Drilling has been a good neighbor. The company recently provided a water well to Pinion Pine Fire Department, a donation valued at almost $18,000. The Kaufmans plan to continue their contributions to the community and already have several projects planned for 2008.

The Kaufmans are determined to continue learning and making positive changes. Always willing to accept good advice, they have been able to continue and expand a flourishing business.

“Don't be afraid to ask questions,” Amanda said of the advice from the SBDC. “Sometimes, it is the only way to learn.”