Past Winners

Skilled Trades

Amarillo, Texas

Incubator: West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center

Braden Black, founder

Employees: 35-50 (seasonal)

www.skilledtrades.com

Many industries need a flexible workforce, and Skilled Trades has found its niche fulfilling this need in the construction and energy fields. The company provides skilled tradespeople to construction and maintenance companies on an as-needed, per-hour basis to meet fluctuating skilled labor demands quickly and efficiently. Since the firm entered the West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center in December 2009, the company has made a significant impact on the region’s economy. More than 99 percent of Skilled Trades’ revenue comes from outside the Texas Panhandle, while about 75 percent of its discretionary spending stays in the region.

Incubator’s role: Skilled Trades continues to grow faster than the staffing industry as a whole. During its time in the WTAMU Enterprise Center, Skilled Trades increased revenue by 50 percent, more than doubled the number of staff members in Amarillo and expanded service offerings for several industry sectors. The incubation program’s marketing assistance helped Skilled Trades create materials for the sales team, and the coaching services allowed the company to expand into new states and industry sectors. “The coaching and incubation services provided by the Enterprise Center team allowed Skilled Trades to expand our markets in several states,” says Braden Black, company founder. “And they helped us add a new industry sector focus and a sustainable structure for our finances, operational systems and market diversity.” With the assistance of the Enterprise Center, Skilled Trades has been able to set revenue records, hire 24 people in the community, and provide a valuable service to the industry from coast to coast.

Contact NBIA

Phone: (740) 593-4331
Fax: (740) 593-1996
340 West State Street, Unit 25
Athens, OH 45701-1565
info@nbia.org