More
  • Home
  • Webinars
  • Resources
  • Spotlight on Clients
  • SBDC Staff
Charleston Area
Serving the Tri-County Area: Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester County
Small Business Development Center

Charleston Area Small Business Development Center

Small Business Development Center

  • Spotlight on Clients
    Dream Big.  We Can Help.
  • Spotlight on Clients
    Dream Big. We Can Help.
  • Spotlight on Clients
    Dream Big. We Can Help.
<
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
>

Summit Worx 

 Small Business Success Story

John Ledbetter seized the opportunity to start his own business, expand the business, and then pivot the operations plan to meet the needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.


After working at ITT-Exelis in Charleston for 9 years, Ledbetter saw the opportunity to embark on an entrepreneurial venture. ITT-Exelis was a large, top 10 defense contractor. However, given the business economic situation in 2012, the future of ITT-Exelis was uncertain. In 2013, Ledbetter approached the ITT-Exelis leadership about transferring these specific operations to a standalone small business entity and was able to transition the Charleston business operations to start Summit Worx, headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, SC.


Summit Worx offers technical engineering services and rapid production capabilities to meet urgent mission critical situations. Ledbetter has grown the company by expanding into the medical device markets and alternative renewable energy services. Summit Worx is able to pursue commercial business opportunities and defense, federal, state/local government contracts.


During the summer of 2020, Summit Worx worked with a prime defense contractor to complete a major production contract supporting the COVID-19 global pandemic. Ledbetter, CEO, of Summit Worx, said they made respirators and shipped them all over the country. In order to fulfill the contract, he had to make changes to his production lines and factory including adding assembly workbenches, soldering stations, wiring harnesses centers, and quality control inspection machines. His workforce also grew to 250 employees during the summer. The contract lasted six months. To view the respirators, click here https://www.adg.com/flexair-papr-system/ Recently, Summit Worx has begun work on a new PPE project.


Ledbetter said the assistance he received from Business Consultant Tom Lauria and the SC SBDC was valuable to the success of Summit Worx. Lauria introduced Ledbetter to potential funding sources and advised him on manufacturing and expansion plans.


“Mr. Tom Lauria has provided numerous initial phase business contacts that are in need of comprehensive engineering and production expertise. Additionally, Mr. Lauria’s office has provided funding options to assist in financing the exponential growth of Summit Worx operations.”

Spokeworks Bicycle Workshop

  Small Business Success Story

After teaching at a university for 11 years and earning a doctorate degree in music performance, Dr. Michael Haldeman decided to trade his career in academia for an adventure in entrepreneurship. He and his wife opened Spokeworks Bicycle Workshop in Summerville, SC in June, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


Opening a retail business during a pandemic is a risk, but Dr. Haldeman had been a mountain bike enthusiast since college. Owning a bike shop had been a thought for several years and he knew it would be gratifying to be a small business owner.


He called the Charleston Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance. Business Consultant Robert Jones assisted Dr. Haldeman with steps for starting a retail business.


“Robert helped me with creating a business plan, financial projections and resources for tax planning,” said Dr. Haldeman.


Jones also helped Dr. Haldeman assemble a loan package. Dr. Haldeman received a small business loan from the Charleston LDC. Along with owner equity, the loan helped Dr. Haldeman fund his inventory, equipment and other working capital needs.


“Dr. Haldeman had a vision for a successful business. He opened his business amid a pandemic and has grown the client base,” said Robert Jones. “Studies have shown that bicycle sales have grown because of COVID-19.”


The store, located in the Collins Square shopping center, is filled with bikes and accessories in the showroom. There is a lounge area for customers to relax while enjoying snacks and drinks.


Haldeman and two employees greet customers. Although he is constantly improving his marketing strategy, Haldeman said a steady stream of new customers is increasing his gross sales figures. In the first four months, the gross sales have surpassed projections for 2020 and the store has finished in the black each month.


North Charleston 


6296 Rivers Ave, Suite 300 
North Charleston, SC 29406 
Phone: 843.740.6160

Citadel - 256A Bond Hall 

171 Moultrie Street 
Charleston, SC 29409 
Phone: 843.953.6007

Berkeley County


Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce

1004 US Highway 52

Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Like Us On Facebook

Create your own free website today
Webs
Better Websites Made Simple