With over 30 years of experience in the auto upholstery business, Allen Jackswas on a mission to open his own shop in Pomeroy, Ohio. He recognized the untapped market in and around the Meigs County area, in an industry that has become more technologically advanced with fewer qualified individuals.
Allen opened the doors to Jack’s Auto Upholstery Plus , located on 399 West Main Street in Pomeroy, on December 19, 2016 and his business has been booming ever since. In fact, Allen had clients waiting for the shop to open! Clients have sought out Allen’s expertise for a wide range of service including reupholstering of antique cars, customizing vehicle and boat interiors, as well as custom making ATV and motorcycle seats.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs have worked with Allen from the conception of the business idea through the development of the business, as it has grown from one to three full time employees. “The folks at the SBDC were a great help when I started my business. They are community minded with good insight and I greatly appreciate Erin Gibson and Carleen Dotson , as well as Brenda Roush and Perry Varnadoe with the Meigs County Economic Development Center. Without help from them, I would not be where I am today. They are a strong asset to the community and local businesses and I look forward to continuing to work with them,” said Allen Jacks, owner of Jack’s Auto Upholstery Plus .
“The SBDC guided Allen through the development of both the business plan and financial projections to determine the feasibility of the business and to secure financing. Allen has grown the business by continuing to utilize the services provided by the SBDC, as well as through his industry expertise”, said Erin Gibson, Counselor at the Ohio University SBDC.
Second Quarter – 2017