Farmington Small Business Development Center
Janet and Merlin Herbert
If you are a business owner or a prospective business owner, you may have felt at times as though you are out on a limb and all by yourself. Sound familiar?
The Small Business Development Center at San Juan College is your sounding board, your safety net, your colleague and your consultant.
Counselors at our SBDC assist in pre- and post-venture planning with no-charge confidential one-on-one consulting, low cost training in a variety of subjects, and are able to assist your company in networking with other local companies to achieve your goals. Assistance is available throughout the lifecycle of your business and is provided by counselors who understand because they have been there themselves.
Let's take a look. . .
SUCCESS CLIENT FOR 2011
Company Name: Herbert’s Welding, Inc.
Owners: Merlin and Janet Herbert
Type of Business: Industrial Services
Years in Business: 17
Number of Employees: 27
Breaking Stereotypes
It has never been about money for Merlin and Janet Herbert; it has and is always about family. Being on the road and away from his family most of the time, Merlin, with the encouragement of his supervisor, decided in 1994 to leave the security of employment and start his own welding business. Today with a diverse and thriving company, a close knit crew of 27 and a who’s who client list, Herbert’s Welding, Inc. is not your stereotypical business. Known throughout the Four Corners as a premier industrial services company, Herbert’s Welding, Inc. is thriving in a down economy.
An experienced welder with degrees from both UNM and Tulsa Welding School, Merlin, a Navajo, found that clients were initially cautious to do business with him. Merlin knew he had to disprove the stereotypes often associated with Navajos and will tell you he
“worked twice as hard” to earn and retain the business of major clients. Working harder, doing better and mentoring their employees, allows Herbert’s Welding, Inc. to take on a wide variety of projects. Recent contracts include wind farms, national parks, agricultural corporations, casinos and of course, oil field projects. From installing and welding miles of stainless steel pipelines to constructing flour mills, this company is positioned to withstanding the shifting economy.
The Herberts are proud of their family oriented enterprise knowing they
“make a difference in the lives” of both their clients and their employees. As one walks past children’s toys in the reception area, they jokingly mention re-naming the business “Herbert’s Welding and Daycare”. They lead by example and often remind their employees of Merlin’s grandfather’s axiom, “God helps those who help themselves”. Perhaps it is this atmosphere of respect and genuine concern that explains the extremely low turnover of both employees and clients.
The SBDC, too, made a difference when they were first starting.
“We knew nothing about operating a business. The SBDC supported us, trained us and helped us through the process. More recently, they have been a conduit connecting us with valuable resources that are helping our business move forward. Through the SBDC we have been able to receive technical assistance only large businesses can afford.”
Like the business, Merlin’s reputation has grown. Today he is widely known as an honest, respectful and professional businessman. Merlin is a graduate of the SBA 8(a) program, the NxLevel Entrepreneur’s Course and the e200 Emerging Leader Program; Herbert’s Welding, Inc. was an Economic Development Growth & Excellence (EDGE) Award nominee as well. Future plans for the business include obtaining additional certifications and licenses as well as expansion into new areas of the state.
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Our Services are Available to You at Low or No Cost
The Small Business Development Center at San Juan College offers:
- No Charge One-On-One Business Counseling
- No Charge Business Start-Up Information
- No Charge Business Valuations
- Low Cost Training
What else does the SBDC offer you? Our counselors are there to provide continuing assistance to the challenges you face once you are up and going. Should I expand into new markets? How can I find overseas markets and/or suppliers? What about contracting with the government? What about cash flow and credit issues? How can I find new and qualified employees? Does my business need a new look? How can I increase sales? Whatever your issue, SBDC counselors can offer guidance without charge.
Are you ready to take your business to a new level?
SBDC Staff
Carmen Martinez, Director
Alicia Corbell, Business Advisor
Jill Bumby, Administrative Assistant
Contact
Small Business Development Center
San Juan College
Quality Center for Business
5101 College Blvd.
Farmington, NM 87402
(505) 566-3528
(505) 566-3698 fax
Hours: 8 am-5 pm, M-F
Business Partners
San Juan Economic Development Services
San Juan College
Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments
Jicarilla Apache Tribe
Farmington Chamber of Commerce
