| Reliable Trucking & Backhoe Services - Lorenzo Estrada |
Lorenzo Estrada came to the SBDC for assistance with a SBA disaster loan in July 2002. Flooding in June 2002 at his trucking and backhoe business in Alice, Texas had destroyed his equipment including two backhoes and a maintainer. There was also structural damage to his office. Lorenzo submitted his disaster loan application to the SBA. In August, he was notified that the SBA would not approve his loan. Mr. Estrada came back to Larry Ellis for assistance. In September, Larry Ellis helped Lorenzo with providing documentation for a character determination to overcome his first obstacle. After satisfying the character determination, Larry Ellis helped Lorenzo put together a detailed formal request for reconsideration of his SBA disaster loan and it was submitted on October 11, 2003.
In November, Lorenzo received a letter from the SBA informing him that his request for reconsideration was disapproved. Mr. Estrada was still determined to get his SBA disaster loan which he desperately needed to replace his equipment. He was now forced to lease his equipment at a very high cost. His only choice was to request further reconsideration to the SBA Area Director’s office. Lorenzo once again asked Larry Ellis to help him with his final appeal. A reconsideration request was submitted on December 10, 2002 that included a detailed analysis refuting all points used as a basis for disapproving the loan.
Finally, in February 2002, Lorenzo was notified that his disaster loan had been approved. He was able to replace his equipment and get his business back on track. The determination and drive of Mr. Estrada to fight thru all obstacles to get his business back on its feet after this disaster is a true testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. |
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