Omar Ramirez and Joe Trevino are partners in a new retail business selling engine filters for automotive and industrial equipment in Falfurrias, Texas. Joe Trevino had worked selling Baldwin filters in the past. The owners were looking at supplying Baldwin filters to local customers when they realized that customers were forced to drive to Alice or Corpus Christi to get the filters they needed. They saw the need and decided to fill it with their new business.

The owners came to the SBDC for assistance with financing their new filter business. The clients met with their counselor, Larry Ellis, to work on financing their new business. Larry Ellis assisted the owners with preparing a SBA Low Doc loan package which was presented to Greater South Texas Bank in Falfurrias. Despite a series of delays, the SBA loan was approved and finally funded.

The new business opened on 2/16/05 and is doing very well. The exterior sign was recently installed and will greatly enhance the visibility of the business. Omar Ramirez was able to visit the Baldwin filter plant in Nebraska. He was very impressed with the quality and special features of the Baldwin filters that he sells. Their marketing plan has been effective and business is increasing sales every day. The owners now hope to lease more space which will let them fill bulk orders for business customers.

The owners have worked hard and have been very patient in pursuit of owning their new business. Their persistence has paid off with the opening of a new filter business which is now meeting the needs of local customers.