There’s something about a five-year anniversary. It doesn’t warrant a major celebration, like any self-respecting multiple of 10. But its passage does signify that point in the life of a business—especially a startup or mom-and-pop shop—where being in it for the long haul becomes a real and tangible possibility.

As they celebrate this milestone anniversary, four small businesses share the lessons they’ve learned along the way.  

ABC RENTALS

Proud parents and grandparents Bob and Lynn Shaffer planned to retire when they moved to Sarasota from Buffalo, N.Y. But that’s the thing about entrepreneurs: They don’t retire well.

In Buffalo, Bob owned a vacuum cleaner store and, in 30 years, grew the business to five stores. The Shaffers utilized their expertise to start ABC Rentals, a baby- and beach-equipment rental business, at 4519 S. Tamiami Trail, in 2002.

ABC Rentals started in a 10-by-20-foot warehouse, expanded to a 1,500-square-foot facility and added a retail location in 2005. “This was supposed to be a part-time business,” Lynn says with a laugh. “We started with a half-dozen cribs; now we have more than 200!”

The Shaffers now offer more than 70 different rental items for traveling families. All products are listed on their Web site (www.abcbabyrental.com), which has been a huge part of their success.

A proponent of the slow-and-steady growth model, Lynn says there is no substitute for hard work. “We put a lot of sweat equity in this place; we work seven days a week,” she says, adding—almost apologetically—“although we do take Christmas off.” She agrees wholeheartedly with what a customer once told her: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

And despite trials along the way—including the difficulty of hiring and retaining quality help, and having to rely on tourism for the bulk of business—good planning helps ensure all that hard work pays off.

The Shaffers are always looking for new and innovative ways to expand. “My husband wants to franchise, but I don’t like to get ahead of myself,” Lynn says. “It’s good he has a vision, but I’m the one who keeps us grounded.”

While Bob takes care of the customers, Lynn handles “the details,” which can include making deliveries, handling the bookwork, even cleaning the toilets. After all, business owners can’t be afraid to get their hands dirty.

“I firmly believe in the American dream,” she says. “If you believe in yourself, you can make it happen.”

DO

Stay true to your values.

Monitor money and watch your overhead.

Be hands on. It’s important to stay involved.

Give back to the community, if you can.

DON’T

Expect word-of-mouth praise to start working for you until you’ve built up a client base.

Walk away from your business; you lose integrity.

Get ahead of yourself; only grow as fast as your business will allow.

INFINITE ORANGE

Corey Eiseman, who at 30 has already owned his business for five years, moved to Sarasota to work for the award-winning Web site design company GravityFree.

Eiseman eventually wanted to be able to pick and choose his projects and become involved with all aspects of Web design. “I was interested in more than just graphic design,” he says. “I wanted new challenges. I felt that starting my own business would be a good way to do that.” Prior to starting his own Web design company, Infinite Orange (www.infiniteorange.com), he had been freelancing for a client on the side. And the client kept providing him more work. 

“It happened at the right time,” Eiseman says. “I had a little security blanket; I knew I had one client to begin with. And I haven’t regretted it since.”

Originally from Miami, Eiseman earned a degree in fine arts at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. After college, he fell into Web design fairly quickly, as a matter of survival, and ended up teaching himself the trade. “It’s a great convergence of my interests: art, design and technology,” he says.  

Eiseman recently moved from his home office into an office space at Webber and Beneva. The combination of a growing business and two young children made it difficult for him to continue working from home.

And Infinite Orange continues to grow, solely through word-of-mouth praise from pleased clients.

DO

Create a business plan, even if it’s informal.

DON’T

Be afraid to ask for help.

Be afraid to say no in terms of taking on new clients. 

 

 

SARASOTA ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

Nominated for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Young Business of the Year award, Sarasota Architectural Salvage (www.sarasotasalvage.com) is a perfect marriage of owner Jesse White’s passions for Old World materials and environmental protection.