Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Summer 2017 - 39

GreaterReadingChamber.org

analysis reports were solid, and I knew we needed to make sure
a bank would accept his loan application. Some people stop and
don't go any further when pursuing a dream met with challenges,
but SCORE's goal is to get them through the red tape and to fulfill
their dreams."
At this time, Albert reached out to the building owner of his
desired property, although it was off the market. By chance, the
owner was willing to sell, pending Albert's success in getting the
loan, so Albert decided to go forth and try Bank #3. Consulting
with Larry, he determined his next stop - and went prepared
with a renewed sense of confidence. Unfortunately, he was again
discouraged after being rejected without a co-signer. Larry wouldn't
let this stop Albert, and immediately offered him one more
suggestion. At last, Bank #4 not only approved Albert's loan, but
made it seamless and efficient. On November 30, 2016, Albert
closed on the loan and after years of perseverance, could begin to
envision the future of his shop.
"Now I know why a lot of people don't do it. It would have been
really easy for me to just rent a place for my shop, but I didn't want
to do that because Manny and I had always wanted to grow in a
place that was our own, without the limitations of renting. We were
really prepared to just buy a place, so we felt - why rent? Even some
of the earlier banks I talked to had suggested renting, but that's not
the plan we had." And, we're so glad to hear that Albert didn't settle
but rather navigated his own path, with the help of resources like
Mark, Tim, and Larry.
First Choice Barber Shop officially opened its doors on 28 E.
Lancaster Avenue at the end of March 2017. Albert and Manny
agree business is going well, and that they want to grow slowly
but steadily. They want to create an environment where no one
must wait for a haircut, but everyone is welcome. Ultimately, they
hope to become their customers' first choice when considering a
barbershop, hence the name.

Oliver Mechanical

Without the grit that Albert and Manny demonstrated
throughout this process, their shop may have never opened in
Greater Reading. Moreover, without the guidance provided by
community mentors Mark, Tim, and Larry, it is possible the
Hernandez brothers may not have found their way through the
process, and challenges, of opening a small business. So, take it
from Mark Schlott - the next time you're due for a haircut at your
barbershop or salon, remember to listen to the stories that are being
shared by the stylists and shop customers alike. You never know
what you might learn, how a story may impact you, or how your ten
minutes in the chair may help guide someone's hopes and dreams.
Mark visits Manny and Albert at First Choice frequently to get
his hair cut, and is incredibly proud of their accomplishments. "I
met Albert and Manny a number of years ago, and have always
been impressed by their professionalism, work ethic, and how they
interact with their customers. It is special to see them start a new
journey through entrepreneurship. They earned this opportunity
with hard work and dedication, and I wish them nothing but
success now and many years into the future."

800-522-4884
OliverMechanicalServices.com

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Full time factory-trained installation
technicians, registered and licensed

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Custom-made, high quality ductwork
fabricated in our high-tech sheet
metal shop

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Oliver reviews each project
to find potential cost savings

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$10,000,000 Liability Insurance in force

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Environmental protection
through the recycling of all CFC's

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Registered/licensed contractor in
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey

EXPERTS IN: HEATING * COOLING * PLUMBING * ELECTRICAL * HOME REMODELING
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http://www.GreaterReadingChamber.org https://www.gagepersonnel.com/ http://www.OliverMechanicalServices.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Summer 2017
