Success Story-DKR Energy Products, Inc.
- 1/3/2010

David Rodriguez first came to the Galveston County SBDC in August 2009 with the idea of starting his own company, working part-time to sell and install radiant barriers.  He had taken the “Steps to Start-Up” class at the center, and requested counseling before forming his company.  Working closely with his counselor, he carefully planned the start of his business.  He elected to use his own capital for start-up and initial expansion, not wanting to go into debt, and he decided on a corporate style of business.  He made extensive use of the services and resources available through the SBDC, including courses in basic bookkeeping and Quick Books, individualized instruction and counseling on general business management and marketing, and the research capability of our Regional Library.

His consultant, Carroll Cobb assisted him in launching his business. She helped him see that he could offer additional lines of energy management products and expand his market.  He decided to offer four product lines: radiant barriers, solar window film, solar powered attic fans, and solar window screens.  He developed relationships with manufacturers and dealers for all these product lines and negotiated the best available pricing, trade credit, and use of their literature.  He worked with his counselor to develop a marketing plan, and began immediately to execute portions of the plan.  Together, they devised his primary sales “pitch” stressing energy savings, improved comfort, and the attractive tax credits available.  His counselor also assisted him in finding inexpensive business cards, web hosting and design, and in designing and producing flyers and brochures for his business

Within one month of launch, DKR Energy had its first customer, installing a radiant barrier for a nice profit.  Within that same month, Mr. Rodriguez had secured two additional customers, and had bid on installing radiant barriers for a large restaurant chain and a real estate management company owning more than 25 houses for rent, greatly exceeding the sales goals he had set.  All of this business came through successful network marketing and Mr. Rodriguez’s personal commitment to grow his business.  During the month of October, 2009, Mr. Rodriguez  launched a direct marketing campaign focusing on businesses of $2.5 million or less featuring owner involvement.  This list of prospects was developed using the services of the SBDC Research Librarian.

Mr. Rodriguez now works full time with DKR Energy and has created one part-time employee.  It is projected to employ a staff of 8 within the first year, and to enjoy profits of approximately $275,000 allowing sufficient capital growth to fund exponential growth for the first three years.