SBDC @ New Mexico State University – Dona Ana Community College
In 2004, while passing through southwestern New Mexico on a road trip, Marvin and Diana Herrera immediately fell in love with Las Cruces and decided to make it their home. While driving around, Marvin saw Signergy Productions and decided to ask the owner if they were interested in selling their design and printing business. After negotiating with the previous owner on the purchase price of the business, he and Diana requested a business loan from First American Bank. First American Bank referred them to the Small Business Development Center at Doña Ana Community College, where they received assistance on putting together a loan package for a SBA loan.
Marvin and Diana had little knowledge as to how to acquire a business. They said, “If it were not for the SBDC we would not have been able to buy Signergy. The help from the SBDC made the dream come true. They provided the help to buy the business and to keep it going.” Marvin and Diana’s hard work and determination with the assistance from the SBDC has proven a dynamic and successful combination. As a result, the business has been able to remain strong even in times of economic downturn.
Signergy has become a staple business in Las Cruces, where customers can order anything from banners to signs to flags. In fact, their artisan work can be seen throughout all of Las Cruces. Marvin proudly proclaims, “All of the flags that fly in front of city buildings, schools, the university and banks come from Signergy.” Marvin and Diana have rooted their spirits in Las Cruces. Coming from California, they looked for a sense of community and they found it in Doña Ana County. Whenever possible, they take part in school programs and donate flags and banners to organizations in need.
Since acquiring Signergy, Marvin and Diana have thought about expanding the business. Now that the economic climate is on the rise, they feel the market will enable them to grow and perhaps add a second location. When that time comes, Marvin states happily, “We will pay yet another visit to the SBDC for counseling and analyzing these future plans”.