Niche cabinet company grows employee base exponentially following SBA loan

10/3/2011

Lockport, New York-based Candlelight Cabinetry used a $1.2 million SBA loan to follow through on a business plan that helped them establish a presence in a niche market, the SBA's website reports.

Formed in 1990, Candlelight came to light from a partnership between carpenters Robert Sanderson and John Yakich. Sanderson discovered that if he manufactured his own cabinets rather than distributing pieces produced by others, he could raise his profit margin in the niche market for high-quality custom cabinetry.

He teamed with Yakich and hired 24 employees in a 27,000 square-foot facility. After explaining their business plan to the Niagara Small Business Development Center, they were able to secure a loan and increase productivity.

According to its website, the SBDC provides management and technical assistance to small companies throughout Western New York such as business planning, financial analysis, marketing, cash-flow projections and business loan assistance. It's funded in-part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration.

Today, the company employees around 170 people, earning it a spot on the SBA 100 list. It produces about 200 cabinets a day and has grown its dealer network to more than 120 stores.