Learn how Ahi Sushi owner Jimmy Wu became one of our five Success Stories for 2005.

During the past 12 months ending September 30, 2006, our chapter has produced 5 documented Success Stories. These are businesses that have been tracked over time and have succeeded due in large part to SCORE counselor involvement.

These business owners will be honored at our Annual Awards Luncheon at the Marina del Rey Marriott Hotel on December 9, 2006. 

Let's develop a counseling relationship for you and your business and create another Success Story.

• AHI SUSHI
  Jimmy Wu
  
  Jimmy knew he wanted to open a restaurant and sushi bar but decided to visit SCORE first. He was put into the capable hands of Sam Engelman.  “Sam suggested that I forgo the ‘trendy’ location I had found and look for a location that would allow me to grow the business without excess expenses.  He connected me with a real estate broker and they made several visits to potential sites with me.  Sam insisted that I visit the sites at various times to observe traffic patterns and visit the local competition.  Through Sam’s tutelage I was able to negotiate a lease, set up a computer system to control costs and inventory, compare weekly revenue with employee costs and develop a cash flow spreadsheet that we update monthly.  We started the restaurant and were able to meet all ongoing expenses on time and focus on building the business.  We are profitable today.”
  http://www.ahisushi.com
  
   
• CALIFORNIA CONCIERGE
  Susan and Kaarel Hammersky
  
  California Concierge is a service business. They provide an “extra hand” to busy people by providing driving, shopping, pick up and drop off services. The list of possibilities is endless. From standing in line to get show tickets, to gift shopping to dropping off relatives at the airport, California Concierge can do it! Our SCORE counselor, Don Doner, worked with the Hammerskys’ to create a business including building an employee handbook, encouraging the acceptance of credit cards to widen their income base, reviewing printed material and more.  http://www.calconcierge.com
  
   
• FREE FLOW
  Mike and Margaret Challgren
  
  When a change in the airport maintenance field left Mike without a job he decided to go back to his love of tinkering with cars.  He and Margaret decided to open an auto repair shop even though they had never owned a business.  They contacted SCORE and met with Don Doner. Don worked with them throughout the process.  He revised their business and marketing plans and instructed them to contact the Automotive Trade Association for important information. Don reminded the Challgrens’ of the importance of location and after two months of looking they found the ideal spot.  They offer national brand oil, reliable parts, quality service with follow up and plan to join the local Chamber of Commerce to continue networking in their community.  They anticipate adding a new employee by this time next year and their two-year plan includes an employee at each service bay.
  
   
• JOYFUL GIFTS by KAREN
  Karen Gadson
  
  Joyful Gifts was created by Karen Gadson and after meeting our SCORE counselor her business took off.  Karen has always been crafty and decided to put her ability to work. Her business floundered for the first 3 years and then Karen met with SCORE counselor, Don Doner.  Karen worked with SCORE to review her marketing strategy and create a more aggressive plan. With new business cards and brochures Karen embarked on corporate presentations and networking strategies. Her business has increased in the 6 months since she contacted SCORE and she has several prestigious accounts as well as celebrity clients.
  http://www.joyfulgiftsbykaren.com
   

• PRONTO CASH ADVANCE
  Luis F. Soto
  
  Luis decided to open his Cash Advance business in the L.A. area but wanted a professional opinion prior to making his first move. He visited the SCORE office in Glendale and met with Larry Schwimmer. His initial idea was to open two stores. Larry advised caution and suggested opening one store but finding a good location. Luis found just the right spot. Larry put Luis in contact with his personal friend in the same industry and they were able to discuss the business highs and lows. Luis opened his store on February 21st and he had 30 loans in his first month of business. Since then he has grown his loan base to 195 in August. He is planning to expand to another 4 sites.
   

• COUNSELOR BIOS:
  
  DON DONER is a former owner and operator of a direct mail advertising agency; a specialized insurance agency for auto dealers and spent considerable time in the Automotive & Petroleum retail industry.
  
  LARRY SCHWIMMER is a former CEO of furniture importing / manufacturing company for 40 years. He orchestrated furniture distribution to every major outlet in the United States.
  
  SAM ENGELMAN started Nibblers restaurant chain and ran the business for 50 years and served as president of the California Restaurant Association. He is a “local boy” having attended Los Angeles High School and USC.