Travel management company endures harsh competition thanks to SBA loan

10/3/2011

Purchased in 1990 by president Mike Cameron, Christopherson Business Travel has thrived despite the economic recession, reduced travel agency commissions and intense internet competition.

Due to its success, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company was recently named to the SBA 100 by the Small Business Administration.

Since Cameron took over, the company has grown its employee base from 10 to more than 125, due primarily to a $20,000 SBA loan.

"Christopherson Business Travel represents how a small company can creatively respond to intense market changes," said Dan Hannaher, SBA regional administrator. "By effectively investing its working capital and expanding its office capacity, the company has grown to become a travel industry leader and job producer in the state of Utah and the Rocky Mountain West."

CBT used an additional $5 million SBA loan to expand in 2000, constructing a 42,000 square-foot building that consolidated four offices. The company provides travel management services to more than 800 companies and achieved 2010 revenues of more than $240 million, according to the SBA's website.