Hawkins Supply
Frank Hawkins, Owner
Monticello, Arkansas

Frank Hawkins was referred to the Arkansas Small Business development Center by a financial institution in Monticello. He contacted Kathryn Peacock, center director of the University of Arkansas - Monticello College of Technology - McGehee SBDC, for assistance with a business plan and financing to start a welding supply business.

Peacock worked with the client to outline a plan, provide information on the industry, welding resources, competitors, and formulate financial projections. Three banks expressed interest in the plan Hawkins presented, while a potential competitor approached him to establish a mutually beneficial supplier relationship rather than invest in a facility of his own. Financing was arranged through Union Bank & Trust in Monticello.

Hawkins Supply opened in May 2003 with the motto "Proud to Serve". The business sells and provides delivery of welding supplies, safety equipment and tools to welders, loggers, farmers and area industries Frank and Ashley Hawkins have since continued their learning and expansion efforts by attending the ASBDC's Selling to the Government seminar.

The Arkansas Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran’s status, or disability.