Mark Davenport had worked as an employee in several local welding shops and was certain that he could operate his own shop. In 2003 he purchased the facility he now occupies in Bloomfield from a company that was going out of business due to the owner’s retirement. The facility was used for building truck accessories but the product line had become obsolete.

Mark went to Bryan Ziegler at the Indian Hills Small Business Development Center for help to start his new business, especially in writing his business plan and finding financing.

With the knowledge and assistance that Bryan provided, Mark obtained the necessary financing he needed to open Davencorp Welding and Fabrication, Inc., and started doing subcontract work for local manufacturers, including a foundry, an LP tank manufacturer, and Al-Jon, which makes recycling equipment.

As the company grew, Mark returned time and again to the Small Business Development Center for assistance. The company’s building was expanded in 2004 and several new metal working pieces of equipment were added in 2007 and 2008, including a plasma cutter and a bender. Davencorp Welding and Fabrication grew quickly, creating 23 jobs.

Unfortunately, the Iowa Floods of 2008 and the nationwide economic recession served up a double economic blow to Davencorp Welding and the local manufacturers it was dependent on, resulting in a major loss of work. Mark once again went back to the Small Business Development Center for advice. Bryan went over downsizing and refinancing options, including applying for a Small Business Administration American Recovery Act loan.

As has happened with many companies recently, in order to survive the company had to regroup and downsize, reducing its work force from 23 employees to eight, and learning to operate more efficiently with less people. Company plans for the future include diversifying its customer base to avoid the industries that are dependent on a good economy, and to add a product line of its own.

Mark praises the assistance he received from the Small Business Development Center, saying, “I appreciate the ability to call [Bryan] when I have a need and get realistic help that helps our company grow.”

More information on Davencorp Welding and Fabrication, Inc. products and services can be found at www.davencorp.com.