TEXAS SBDC Networks

Parlevel Systems – South-West Texas Border SBDC Network


Paralevel Systems
South-west Test Border SBDCNetwork
UTSA SBDC International Trade Center

Founded by pioneering technology professionals based in San Antonio, Texas, Parlevel Systems is a provider of innovative vending technology tools for the food and beverage industries. Their products bring cloud computing, just-in-time inventory management and data analytics to the vending machine industry that optimizes deliveries and product offerings while increasing profitability.

 

One of the Co-Founders and current CEO of Parlevel Systems, Luis Gonzalez, is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and previously served as a student intern at the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center where he gained firsthand knowledge on how to help entrepreneurs sell their goods and services all over the world. During the process of starting Parlevel Systems, Luis became a client of the UTSA SBDC. At the UTSA SBDC, Luis received technical and financial advising, as well as market research for the U.S. market that enabled them to develop software and hardware prototypes and obtain seed capital that launched Parlevel Systems in 2013.

 

As Parlevel Systems expanded in the U.S. market with the support of the UTSA SBDC, they saw an opportunity to expand into international markets. Gabriel Senior, Parlevel Systems COO, contacted the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center for assistance with international market research, industry and competition analyses, and distribution channel information. Thanks to the advising support of Sr. International Business Advisor, Julio Garcia de las Mestas, Parlevel Systems began selling their innovative products in Australia, Chile, France, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

 

Being a proactive client with an innovative product, Parlevel Systems was selected for the second Internationalization Pilot Program of the UTSA Center for Global Development. The objective of the Internationalization Pilot Program is to facilitate trade opportunities among clients of SBDC networks located throughout the Americas. Thanks to the potential buyers identified by the Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) SBDC Network in Colombia and with the advising provided by Julio, Parlevel Systems signed several contracts with Colombian clients, began to market products and services in Colombia and hired a sales representative in Bogotá to support their expansion in this new foreign market.

 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parlevel Systems began creating tools that would be useful for consumers during the global crisis. The company determined that due to state lockdown restrictions, there was a need to expand their micro market productions into more apartment complexes and office buildings. They also realized that home delivery options were growing worldwide. In response, they launched their Parlevel Run tool which is a home delivery operating system for their micro market, vending, and coffee operators. Through this system, customers could use existing vending technology tools to sell products online and have these products delivered to end users. This operating system would in effect allow their customers to continue to sell their products even during the pandemic.

 

To help Parlevel Systems through the pandemic, Julio provided COVID-19 resources to help the company apply for federal loans and grants. In 2020, Parlevel Systems was awarded an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for $150,000 and a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $513,000 that helped retain talented staff. The UTSA SBDC International Trade Center also conducted market research on the apartment complex industry and compiled a list of potential customers so that the company could sell their new technology. This information was useful for Parlevel Systems to determine what region of the U.S. to focus resources on and to determine possible new customers.

 

In just seven years Parlevel Systems went from being a start-up to a successful exporting company with a global presence in 22 countries. The company was even able to expand their product line and continue to grow during a global pandemic. “The SBDC provided high value assistance, research, and guidance, vital help for a young company like ours”, said Gabriel. Parlevel Systems represents a great example of how SBDCs successfully help local businesses start, grow and thrive.

 

To learn more about Parlevel Systems, please visit their website at: https://www.parlevelsystems.com/

Clay Structures, Inc. – North Texas SBDC Network, Trinity Valley

Clay Structures, Inc
North Texas SBDC Network
Trinity Valley

Clay Structures, Inc. sells brick and stone building supplies, fireplace units and construction supplies from its headquarters in Mabank, Texas and second location in Dallas, Texas. Dennis Thomas started Clay Structures in January 1999 with his father as his first employee.  Dennis sold the product and his father Louise made all the deliveries on behalf of the business. The brick inventory was stored in a hayfield on the family farm. Within a few years of operation, Dennis’ brother Leslie joined the business.

Clay Structures realized significant growth with $500,000 in sales in year one, $1,000,000 in year two and $2,000,000 in year three. The consistent growth aided in the business laying a slab for its new building in September 2001. The Thomas’ hired Coy Anderson to join the sales team and he remains a loyal employee today.

Dennis came to the Trinity Valley SBDC in 2003 to receive assistance with his business.  Dennis expanded his product offering with natural and man-made stone added to the product line. He came to the SBDC to discuss growth and expanding to a secondary location in Dallas, Texas. Dennis found land with a building and the owner was will to owner finance.  Dennis needed an SBA loan to improve buildings, purchase equipment and inventory and a small amount of working capital.

In 2003, Clay Structures, Inc expanded to a second location in Dallas, Texas and was approved for an SBA loan for $100,000. This expansion was followed by several good years of growth and profits followed.  In 2005, Dennis’ wife Debra managed all accounting and office operations for the business. The business would go through a significant loss of fifty percent (50%) loss in revenue in 2008 due to the credit crunch and recession. According to Dennis Thomas, “It was a struggle to survive. An SBA loan was key to our survival.”

In June 2009, the Trinity Valley SBDC Director, Mike Ellsberry engaged with Dennis and his team to assist in terming out short-term financing, obtaining additional funding and providing customized consulting services. Clay Structures, Inc. received an SBA Loan in 2009 for $1,100,000. The business was able to improve cash flow and returned to growth.

“Applying for a loan with a new bank can be extremely stressful. The folks at Community Bank were very impressed with my loan package and presentation. The credit goes to the SBDC. Thank you again.”

In 2015, Clay Structures increased their team with the addition of Dennis and Debra’s son Tyler joined the business, bringing his keen marketing skills to the operation. Tyler’s role has continued to expand as the business demands additional sophistication in its management practices. Clay Structures, Inc. has successfully engaged second generation through the addition of son Tyler and the business continues to prosper as a result.

The business continues to grow in sales year after year with 2017 sales of over $7 million and $8.4 million in 2018. Moreover, the business continues to expand from two (2) employees in 1999 in the startup phase to today with sixteen (16) employees. Dennis is active in industry trade groups and working to propose cooperative efforts with Trinity Valley College located in Athens, Texas to provide bricklayer training.

The Trinity Valley SBDC has worked with Dennis providing over seventy (70) hours of customized small business assistance for his business. Decisions are underway regarding the next stages of expansion. The SBDC is committed to dedicate effective resources for every stage of growth for Clay Structures, Inc.

Clay Structures in a true example of a family owned business who has effectively utilized resources such as SBA for funding, the SBDC for consulting services and working with the college to expand training opportunities for tradesmen.  Twenty years in business has earned this company brand recognition, customer loyalty and prestige.

 

NSC Beef Processing – Northwest Texas SBDC Network, Abilene

NSC Beef Processing
Northwest Texas SBDC Network
Abilene Center SBDC

NSC Beef Processing is not your standard beef processing plant.  Gary Hendrix’s patented technology is the first of its kind worldwide.  Mr Hendrix has been working on designing and developing this mechanism for several years.  His patented technology processes beef without exposing the spinal cord which in turn does not create bone meal.  This is one of the cleanest and safest methods that helps prevent meat borne illnesses.  This patented machine reduces processing time to seven hours instead of the 3-day industry standard and reduces the chances of E. coli and Listeria growth.

Mr. Hendrix started in the processing business in 2013 with his focus on wildlife.   Today, this West Texas processor’s new state of the art beef processing plant that opened in Baird, Texas is recognized by the beef industry as a game changer for them.  “We’re going to be able to give the ranchers higher margins for their cattle,” said Mr. Hendrix.  He is breaking ground on the second phase of his business next month.

Mr Hendrix stated “the help of the SBDC has been instrumental in the success of NSC Beef Processing becoming the company it is today.” “I cannot thank them enough for their continual effort, support and guidance.”  The Abilene SBDC has help Gary develop an initial business plan with continuous revisions as he was seeking out investors and will be there for him as he continues to expand.

Vivaldi Music Academy – UH Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network, Houston

Vivaldi Music Academy
UH Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network
Houston Center SBDC

 

The sound of music is heavily present at the Vivaldi Music Academy. This premier music academy is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, robust music education and live performance opportunities to children of all ages, while fostering confidence and creativity in the areas of piano, violin, guitar, cello, voice and early childhood development.

Vivaldi Music Academy opened its first location, West University area, in 2013—with the assistance of LeeVera Smith, business director of the Houston Center Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Smith played a vital role in helping Zeljko Pavlovic, Founder and CEO of Vivaldi Music Academy, start and expand his business.

“The SBDC was extremely useful in the preparation stages of Vivaldi Music Academy,” said Pavlovic. “I received invaluable market research assistance, and participated in various business workshops, which were led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.”

Smith also assisted Pavlovic with business planning, provided guidance on permitting and licensing requirements, and other general start-up needs including business startup costs, and connecting him with trade associations for the industry.

Pavlovic opened the academy after noticing an underserved market in the Houston area for music schools. With more than 200 years of family history in music, Pavlovic— also an accomplished violinist— brings his belief in the value of music education to the forefront of the Academy’s mission.

Pavlovic was successful in opening his first location, and has since expanded his music academy with two more locations: Bellaire, Texas and Memorial/Houston area. Vivaldi Music Academy, now the largest music academy in the nation, provides quality musical education to more than 2,000 students. The teachers are highly qualified musicians that blend a variety of teaching methods and styles to best fit their students’ needs.

The Academy has created more than 600 jobs in Texas, and recently ranked on The 2019 Inc. 5000 list for the fastest growing companies in America for the second year in a row. In 2018, the Academy was the first privately owned music school to be recognized on such a prestigious list. Recognized for their innovation and risk taking, the academy also ranked on Houston’s Business Journal 2018 Houston Fast 100 List and 2019 Houston Fast 100 List, a celebration of the fastest-growing private companies in Houston.

So what’s next for Vivaldi Music Academy?

The Academy is gearing up for its biggest expansion yet, with plans to open new locations in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas.