Landscaper Don Saunders Grows His Business
Don Saunders, owner of Saunders Landscape Supply, a Chantilly, Virginia based bulk delivery service that provides landscaping materials to green-thumbed, do-it-yourself savvy homeowners, is no stranger to the grit and effort involved in being an entrepreneur.
"I started out almost 24 years ago landscaping as a one-man business," says Saunders. "It was just me and my mower driving around in a Pontiac Sunfire, serving customers. But you do what you have to do to get your business off the ground."
A former Vice President in the banking industry, Saunders found himself in a hard place when the recession of the early 1990's hit.
"The bank I was employed at during that time was acquired, and as the newest and youngest of four Vice Presidents, there was no question that I would be displaced," says Saunders. "But I believe it's not how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up. I've always had a love of the outdoors, and decided then and there that I was going to invest my time and energy in building a business that I would be passionate about."
Unfortunately, after 20 years in the landscaping industry and a few unexpected events, Saunders Landscape Supply began to face shrinking sales and dwindling capital.
"Life as a small business owner is full of twists and turns, especially when you've been in business as long as I have," says Saunders. "I made a weighty investment in a consulting firm that did not add value to the business. In addition, a former employee stole my client list, causing a significant loss in sales. Needless to say, I was in dire need of capital that had to be replaced."
After contacting other lenders and being informed that he would have to make daily ACH payments, which are notoriously expensive, Saunders found Biz2Credit in November of 2016.
"Don came to us seeking funds to purchase inventory," says Biz2Credit Funding Specialist Rony Thomas. "We were able to provide him with a $50,000 advance with a low payback amount. Instead of draining his cash flow with daily ACH payments, we were able to lower his costs by offering repayment terms that takes only a small percentage of his credit card sales."
Saunders, who was referred to Biz2Credit by partner Heartland Payment Systems, was funded within four business days of his initial call to Rony.
"I've seen a significant increase in sales since partnering with Biz2Credit," says Saunders. "Sales were up by 102% in February alone. I attribute this to Biz2Credit's help in allowing us to replenish capital, decrease our operating expenses, and streamline operations."
When asked if he would refer Biz2Credit to a friend, Saunders is enthusiastic.
"I found Biz2Credit, took the ball, and ran with it," he says. "I would absolutely recommend any small business owner to do the same."
