K&J Woodworks moves into space built to suit their growing business.

1. 1
Growing Pains
Case Study May 2011
Busting At The Seams.
After more than 13 years in the same
location, custom millwork
manufacturer K & J Woodworks
had more than outgrown the
location that served them well for
more than a decade. With supplies
scattered across storage facilities and
demand for the work continually
increasing, K & J Woodworks knew
that the best way to meet both
current and future demand was to
custom build a facility that would
meet their needs today and for years
to come. Ready to move, K & J sold
their existing property so they could
free up capital to use as a down
payment on a new location—and
started looking for a trustworthy
partner that could help them get the
financing they needed to keep
growing.
Moving On
A Trusted Partner
“Building from the ground up
When the decision to build was was the only way to keep the
made, owner Jim Kickertz started
researching his options. In addition business alive.”
to traditional lenders Mr. Kickertz
looked to see what government
programs and incentives were
available for small businesses. Based
on his research, Kickertz decided
Continued on page 2

2. 2
5th Gear Consulting
(Continued)
that the 504 “SBA loan was the clear choice—the
numbers were simply the best, available way to go.”
This is because the 504 program allowed him to take
some of the risk off of his lender while still securing
a solid rate and preserve working capital for his
growing business.
Ready to move forward, Mr. Kickertz spoke to his
business banker at Chase to learn more about the
process of applying for an SBA loan—specifically,
had it improved from his last experience. After
meeting with Mr. Kickertz, his lender suggested that
“It turned out better than expected!” he speak to Helena Hauk of 5th Gear Consulting. Mr.
Kickertz did not object, despite having a less than
stellar experience with the SBA loan process in the
past. “The previous SBA loans I had gotten were
K & J Woodworks very slow. It was never clear if it was the banker’s
fault or the packager.” Still, his business needs
couldn’t wait, so Mr.Kickertz decided to take a
K & J Woodworks is a down to earth chance on Helena and her firm.
millwork company operating on collaborative
customer synergies, excellent craftsmanship Immediately Helena’s team started pulling together
the necessary items to start the loan process. “They
skills and twenty-one years of millwork
established clear timelines from the beginning and
experience servicing some of the most stuck with them,” says Mr. Kickertz. Helena and her
progressive companies in America. team managed the entire loan process, making it
Specializing in retail store fixtures, K & J manageable for Mr. Kickertz to continue to run his
Woodworks builds custom pieces for new growing business while also overseeing the
store prototypes, high profile remodels, development of his new facility.
brand flagship stores, and other needs with
Says Mr. Kickertz, “Their part was very smooth and
speed, quality and innovation, delivered on without a hiccup.” As far as the whole process went,
time and on budget. “I couldn’t have expected better.”
In addition to retail items, K & J develops
With the necessary funds ready to go K & J
traditional, contemporary, and cutting edge Woodworks broke ground on their new facility in
designs for grocery, restaurant & specialty, Uhland Texas in 2010. Six months later they moved
and audiovisual needs. Their specialty designs into their new facility and got rid of their
have appeared in such notable stores as the hodgepodge assortment of storage units and
Whole Foods flagship store that opened in workspaces.
downtown Austin in 2005.
When asked what he thought of his new space, Mr.
To learn more about K & J Woodworks visit Kickertz responded by saying, “It turned out better
than I expected. We have a great facility!”
www.kjwoodworks.com.
2

3. 5th Gear Consulting
5th Gear Consulting
Putting Your Business in Overdrive
5th Gear Consulting is the premier business consulting
firm specializing in SBA loans, strategic planning, and
economic development. Founded by Helena Hauk, the
San Antonio SBA District’s Financial Services
Champion for 2011, 5th Gear Consulting is a champion
for small businesses in Central Texas and throughout
the United States. In addition to their in-house
services, 5th Gear Consulting regularly teaches
workshops and writes articles on all things related to
From left to right: business finance and development for such outlets as
the San Antonio Business Journal, Sharp Skirts, Commercial
Lore Goodson, Terry Balster, Krystal Real Estate Women, Up and Running, and more.
Loyd, and President Helena Hauk
Visit www.5thgearconsulting.com to learn more!
This Case Study Prepared By:
Brass Knuckles Media
An uncensored PR & Marketing firm catering to
innovative and socially conscious experts and businesses.
www.brassknucklesmedia.com
512-551-4023