BM Sales Website
Pat Loudon was in search of a business opportunity in early 2008 when he initiated discussion about the acquisition of a privately-owned paper distribution business. Loudon had lost his job after the closing of his former employer, Wausau Homes of Corning. 

Ironically, when Loudon went to meet with Dave McLaren at the Small Business Development Center office in Creston about becoming a small business owner, he had no idea that the owner of the paper distribution company would also contact McLaren regarding selling his business. 

The owner was interested in selling and Loudon was interested in purchasing, but neither party felt qualified to name the purchase price.  In the end, after confidential individual meetings with each party and a joint meeting to make everyone aware of the others’ intentions, McLaren was able to act as mediator between the two parties, who soon entered into a purchase agreement. 

McLaren then worked with Pat and his wife, Korina, to secure an SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan through a local bank. As a result, Pat and Korina became the owners of BM Sales in May 2008.

Pat felt he was at an advantage by having the former owner accessible and willing to assist with the business changeover. “He [the former owner] actually rode with me during my first two months,” stated Pat. During that time, Pat was able to meet clients, learn first-hand knowledge of the business, and transition smoothly into the role of business owner. 

Pat continues to meet with Regional Director Dave McLaren on a regular basis. Pat suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and McLaren is helping him apply for Vocational Rehabilitation funding and Iowa Targeted Small Business Certification. “Dave’s aware of things [financial and other assistance for business owners] that I’m totally unaware of,” says Pat. 

One of the Loudons’ business goals for the coming months includes the creation of a company web site; McLaren is assisting with the planning for this, also. Once the web site is up and running, Pat will be able to process orders while he meets with customers. Customers will also be able to place orders online directly through the web site. 

Pat is grateful for the advice McLaren gives him and feels the Iowa Small Business Development Centers provide a great deal of expertise to business owners. “Before meeting with Dave, I really didn’t know anything about the Small Business Development Centers,” Pat said. Now Pat appreciates having someone to look to for business advice.