By Jerry Terwilliger, former staff member
The year was 2009 and as always, history seemed to repeat itself. This was evident to Ric Camacho Sr; just a year before he was employed by a large construction and mechanical firm. He worked for a company that was now busy eliminating departments and reducing jobs, including his. Ric worked in the mechanical division of the company, leading the plumbing, HVAC and sheet metal fabrication departments.
Given Ric's involvement in this field for years in the Scottsbluff-Gering area of Western Nebraska, he knew a lot of people and had completed work for a variety of businesses. Now that Ric was looking for work again, very few companies were hiring.
With encouragement from his business contacts and a small group of former employees, Ric decided to start up his own business. He contacted Ingrid Battershell with the Nebraska Business Development Center in Scottsbluff. Ingrid was able to assist Ric with his business plan, but finding financing for a new startup with the economy and the banking industry in turmoil was proving difficult.
Ingrid contacted me, Jerry Terwilliger, REAP regional business specialist for the area. Ingrid and I sat down and reviewed the business plan. We downsized the financial requirements for business startup to fit within the guidelines of the REAP loan program and the Scottsbluff-Gering LB840 funding program.
Applications were submitted to both programs and approved. In June 2009, Ric opened his new business known as CST Mechanical Inc. Ric and his employees went to work securing bids and contracts for commercial jobs and immediately began expanding into the residential market sector.
Today, CST Mechanical Inc. better known as "The Boys In Blue," employs 12 full-time employees and are expanding to other areas of the Panhandle. The company is growing, and Ric is very pleased with their progress.
Ric admits 2009 was a trying time to start a business, but explains with the help of REAP and the LB840 program, they are very happy to be in business going on their 7th year. Ric and all the Boys in Blue are thankful for all the help and support REAP has provided over the years, making the business a success!
Contact Ric Camacho, Sr. at CST Mechanical Inc. in Scottsbluff, Nebraska at 308.633.6330. And remember for all your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sheet metal and duct cleaning needs "The Boys in Blue...Are Always Here For YOU!"
Ric Camacho, Sr
CST Mechanical Inc.
1402 Avenue B, Ste A
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
308.633.6330
