Small Business Development Center

J & S Machining
Owners: James and Sharon Perry
"The Veteran and the Machine"

James and Sharon Perry, owners of J&S Machining, had the dream of business ownership for nine years prior to opening this business. James, a disabled veteran who served 13 years in the United States Air Force, started the machine shop four years ago in Clovis, New Mexico.

James’ dream of business ownership has been a priority for the last ten years. He worked as a machinist for 32 years and loved the skill. James knew he wanted to open his own machine shop. In his quest for business ownership, a Veterans Administration Counselor at the New Mexico One Stop Employment office referred him to the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. After a brief conversation with the DVR counselor, a recommendation was made to visit the Small Business Development Center at Clovis Community College.

James successfully obtained funding to open his business after receiving technical service from the SBDC. James concentrates on repairing farm equipment and engine parts for the harvesting companies. He prides himself on timely completion and being on call 24 hours a day. James stated, “If a part breaks after 5 p.m. or on the weekend, customers know that I’ll get it fixed usually within six to eight hours.”

The SBDC met with James to discuss his dream of starting a business. Several obstacles materialized during the research stage of starting the business. There were concerns with James’ disability affecting his ability to maintain long term work, and the number of small machine shops already in the area.

The SBDC continued to work with James Perry on the weaknesses identified in the research. There were times of defeat, but with James’ tenacity and knowledge of his ability as a machinist, he pursed his dream and did not stop working toward his goal of business ownership.

In 2003, after one year of working with the SBDC, James successfully received a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant. The grant provided funds to build a metal structure and purchase new equipment to compliment his existing equipment base. James was on his way to becoming a productive citizen again.

Mr. Perry is grateful for the patience and understanding demonstrated by the SBDC Staff. James stated, “Without the personalized help of the SBDC staff in Clovis, I know that my dream of business ownership would not have been possible.”

James plans to custom build and sell a unique all-terrain vehicle. He has received several orders for the vehicle and hopes to expand his current market. James desires to contract out his services to various government agencies and expand his labor force as the local economy grows.

CCC-SBDC Mission...
"We are committed to providing quality direct assistance, entrepreneurial education, and resource links for potential and existing small business to strengthen the economy of Curry, deBaca, and Roosevelt Counties New Mexico."

What can the SBDC do for you...
We offer business advising, training/education, resource materials & referrals for anyone interested in beginning, improving or expanding a small business.

Click here for a listing of our most current events.

The SBDC specializes in individual advising, offering services paid for by the State of New Mexico and Small Business Administration (SBA) in a confidential environment.

Business Start-Up and Acquisition Issues
Sources of capital
Basic bookkeeping/accounting review and training
Computer assistance
Assistance with marketing plans and research
Information about government procurement opportunities
Information and referrals
Business workshops and conferences

Financing Resources
Taxes
Legal Issues
Home-Based Business
E-Commerce
Licenses

For more information, contact...

Small Business Development Center
at Clovis Community College

Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Director
Jonnie Loadwick, Marketing Specialist
Gordon Smith, Business Specialist
Dianna Thompson, Administrative Assistant

417 Schepps Boulevard
Clovis, New Mexico 88101-8381
sbdc@clovis.edu
Phone: 575.769.4136
Fax: 575.769.4135

Hours of Operation...
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Or by appointment

Other Links:

Small Business Administration

New Mexico Small Business Development Network

Small Business Resource Center

New Mexico Taxation & Revenue

Internal Revenue Service