Success Story: Success Story
Big Pat Designs
Patrick Hickman, who owns Big Pat Designs, Inc., is a problem solver. In fact, he's so good at it, he problem-solved himself out of running a company. Hickman designs parts, including suspension lift systems for on- and off-road vehicles and contracts out manufacturing and distribution of his products. This relationship allows Hickman the freedom to do what he does best -- design and invent -- to use his talents to create, not operate.
"My success is in the business model," says Hickman. The owner of two previous companies turned to Clackamas Community College's Small Business Development Center in 1998 for business management guidance. The counseling and classes with business advisor Thomas Jones resulted in the creation of a new entity, Big Pat Designs, the following year.
"The idea was to give up the biggest piece of the pie," says Hickman, to concentrate on product development and design. It seems to be working. Hickman's contract with RevTek, LLC, for a turnkey suspension kit he designed will generate $4 million in sales this year.
Hickman's philosophy is to keep the manufacturing in North America, and when at all possible, work with Oregon fabricators. He credits the SBDC for helping him re-invent himself. "Business owners need to figure out what piece of the business they excel in, then organize everything around that." |
