Client Success Stories

Meet Tom Lansdell, owner of Lansdell Recycling, Inc. He purchased a Clothes Bin franchise, which has developed a proven process for the collection, management and distribution of clothes, shoes and textiles throughout the United States.

Strategically located in the parking lots of convenience stores, gas stations, shopping centers or wherever people congregate, these bright green bins are destined to become the go-to for anyone looking for a convenient way to recycle their clothes, shoes and textiles.

Tom has recycling bins across central Texas – located in New Braunfels, Austin, Round Rock, Dripping Springs, San Antonio, and Wimberley. Some of these recycling bins are located at schools. When you do your part by recycling, Tom does his. Every pound recycled at those respective bins supports those respective School Districts. In New Braunfels, you can find a Lansdell Recycling Bin at the Shell gas station next to Chili’s on SR 46.  (1210 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130).

Client Assistance:

Tom used the assistance of the New Braunfels Small Business Development Center and the Center’s Business Advisor, Larry New. Together, they worked on the business plan, lending process and sales tax.

Tom said, “Service and Support from the local New Braunfels SBDC Rep (Larry New) was excellent!”

We are proud to be a part of Lansdell Recycling, Inc’s success!

Wicked Voodoo Espresso (LLC) is a coffee company that provides gourmet, high-quality espresso drinks, Voodoo donuts, and authentic German pastries to customers. Laurel and Kenny Winslow opened Wicked Voodoo Espresso in New Braunfels November of 2016 in a drive-thru kiosk. Three years later and they have expanded beyond the drive-thru with a brick-and-mortar coffeehouse, a distribution center, a commercial kitchen and they are selling their products in 10 stores.

You can find Wicked Voodoo Espresso at wickedvoodooespresso.com and in person at their Freiheit Village Location, 2154 Gabriels Place, New Braunfels, or their coffee stand next to Beyond Blessed, 513 Business I-35 South, New Braunfels.

Laurel received UTSA SBDC client assistance from the New Braunfels Satellite Office and business advisor Larry New. Together they discussed coffee bean wholesaling, warehouse space in Seguin, and managing warehouse space for other businesses as additional revenue. They also discussed working with PTAC in UTSA’s Institute for Economic Development and how they could help in getting Laurel certified as a woman-owned business in order to engage in business with Dell, Samsung, Princess Cruise Lines and others.

With the business expansion and an owner-investment of $250,000 they created 6 new jobs, retained 6 jobs and they expect $750,000 in increased revenue with the new brick-and-mortar location.

“Larry New and the SBDC team have given us so much attention, direction, and steady guidance that we could only hope to pay back one day in revenues generated for our beloved state, city, and county. When I give advice to others with a dream, my first words are Call Larry!” 

Kristina Uriegas-Reyes spent 7 years in New York City writing and working with small businesses through social media. She has a background in retail, specializing in vintage and consignment. After 7 years in NYC, she returned to her hometown of San Antonio with the goal of opening her own retro-inspired boutique. She collects vintage treasures and creates whimsical artisan jewelry. She started doing pop-up markets in San Antonio, primarily at Brick at Blue Star.

Kristina came to several workshops at the SBDC and met Senior Advisor Crystal Darby. Kristina and Crystal discussed areas of the city where a vintage resale shop might do well. Kristina found a location at 1912 Fredericksburg Rd. Crystal advised her on city permits, insurance, business formation, and state and federal tax requirements. They discussed marketing to bring in traffic. Positioned next to the renowned Woodlawn Theatre, Hello Tallulah has been wholeheartedly embraced by the Deco District. Kristina’s collection of vintage clothing is highly curated. She also creates whimsical retro jewelry that is sparkly and fun. As a body positivity advocate and a former plus-size model, sizing is at the forefront of her mind, as she curates her collection. The company name came from her adorable pup, Tallulah.

Kristina recently celebrated her store’s one year-anniversary and continues to thrive.

Website: hellotallulah.com

“My advisor Crystal Darby helped me with anything I needed, day or night, she was there for me. I honestly don’t think I could have opened this business without the SBDC and my advisor Crystal.”

Meet Kevin and Kate Arp, co-owners of K2 Culinary, a catering company in Wimberley, Texas. Kevin and Katie saw early success after opening for business. K2 Culinary had its first catering gig at the Bulverde Activity Center for the “Un-wine’d” Fundraiser. K2 Culinary then catered the Leadership NJROTC Training at Smithson Valley High School, serving over 100 cadets and 14 instructors.

K2 Culinary, a catering company, serves Wimberley, Texas and the surrounding area including Bulverde and Spring Branch. Kevin and Katie established their business in 2008 and expanded into the Wimberley area in early Spring of 2018. Kevin and Katie saw early success after opening for business. K2 Culinary had its first catering gig at the Bulverde Activity Center for the “Un-wine’d” Fundraiser. K2 Culinary then catered the Leadership NJROTC Training at Smithson Valley High School, serving over 100 cadets and 14 instructors.

K2 Culinary doesn’t just cater large events, they will cater private dinner parties as well. You can find K2 Culinary at: www.facebook.com/k2culinary or by calling 512.644.0901

Client Assistance:

Kevin used the assistance of the New Braunfels Small Business Development Center and the Center’s Business Advisor, Larry New. Together, they worked on marketing and entity formation to include small business taxes and employment taxes.

While working with UTSA Small Business Development Center Kevin was able to start their business, create 1 new job and increase their profits.

We are proud to be a part of K2 Culinary’s success!

In October of 2017 Tammy and Theo opened their gourmet popcorn and novelty store in Selma, TX and named it Popcorn Piccadilly. The store carries several flavor varieties of popcorn, as well as vintage sodas, candies, and fudge. Their gourmet popcorn recipes are based on their 24 years of travel and living abroad as U.S. Military Service Members.

Tammy and Theo came to UTSA SBDC advisor Scott Hardwick in June of 2017. With Scott’s assistance they were able to evaluate the potential opportunity, approach lenders for a potential loan, put together a business plan as well as financial projections, and negotiate with a landlord on a commercial lease. Tammy and Theo provided an owner investment of $30,000 and obtained a 7a loan from Frost Bank for $85,000. They currently have 14 employees.

Popcorn Piccadilly website: https://popcornpiccadilly.com/

“The services of the SBDC were recommended by our bank. We worked alongside our advisor Scott Hardwick on the information the bank needed in order to secure our loan, and we continue to seek his advice with any tough business questions. We now live the dream of business ownership.”