From SBA.gov:
Paul Reesnes and Michael Gueringer, co-owners of Custom Aircraft Cabinets, are the 2014 Arkansas Small Business Persons of the Year.
Like many American success stories, Custom Aircraft Cabinets, Inc. (CAC) originated from humble beginnings. In 1989, co-owners Paul Reesnes and Michael Gueringer discovered a niche market and began custom-building aircraft cabinets in the garage at Gueringer’s family home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Their philosophy back then as well as today is three fold: Treat each customer and employee honestly and with integrity, deliver exceptional quality products priced fairly, and exceed all expectations in customer service.
The company grew as it became known for quality work and excellent service. Arkansas Capital Corporation assisted this growth with an SBA guaranteed loan for $272,000 in 1999. The company continued to flourish and had several small remodels over the years. The largest remodel in 2007 expanded the facility to over 40,000 square feet, which greatly improved efficiency and productivity. The company continued to operate successfully during the downturn in the economy in 2009 and 2010.
In 2012 Paul and Mike had to make the largest financial decision for their business. Their customers were asking for additional product that the CAC’s current facility could not provide. The financial decision was a leap of faith knowing their company could deliver, and that they had a quality relationship with their customers. By December 2012, CAC had relocated to a newly renovated 146,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility at 5510 Landers Road in North Little Rock. Financing for this job-creating expansion was provided by Arvest Bank and Six Bridges Capital Corporation, an affiliate of Arkansas Capital Corporation, through the SBA 504 Loan Program. This new facility has allowed them to diversify their clientele base and operate more efficiently.
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe called the expansion “another success story for a homegrown company that is now ready to double its workforce and continue to thrive. Aerospace has consistently been one of our state’s top exports, and Custom Aircraft Cabinets has found its niche for prosperity in this important Arkansas industry.”
