Wow, I just read March's Blog post and realized almost everything I wrote I ended it with an exclamation mark!I have a lot of passion for our product and this country.But to stay focused;producing in the USA is moving forward.
WE have not yet seen the sewn sample.I know, I know;I wish I would have never put a timeline in the last blog!Some of the delays have been due to identifing the correct die pieces for the style boot we want to see and getting the correct leather in to make the sample boot out of.The sample boots should be produced using our actual components and equipment so as to alert production of possible issues before we move into mass production.We do anticipate seeing a sample boot soon!
Cruiserworks has found their is no money being lent to small businesses by banks or the SBA and the TARP program is a joke.Cruiserworks has been trying to get funding for inventory since September 2009.WE do what banks consider cash sales not 30 day invoices and they consider it a risk.Banks do not take risks great or small anymore.They stay with the sure things like gold and oil.It's like they are not in business to bank anymore.Our money bailed them out so return the favor to the people who made you!Cruiserworks has shown steady sales increase for the 3 years Jay and I have owned the company and we are asking for 10% of what our yearly sales are.
The SBA (Small Business Asscociation)has been no help.They will back a loan if a bank approaches them but do not take applications directly.They also give some of the same run around as the banks give.Mostly they put it on the government.Anything to make you go away and quite asking.
Being a minority buisness owner I have been told we qualify for lots of grants.NOT TRUE!Grants I have found are unattainable!They are like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,you are told it is there but no one ever finds it!
Cruiserworks will be taking baby steps for awhile longer.We are very excited to be in talks with a manufacturer that is willing to take baby steps with us and grow with us.He needs us as much as we need him!He wants to stay in business in the USA and keep his employees. He needs the work as he is not under contract with the US government producing military boots.This would be a very good match for both of us.They have also done work for Cole Hahn shoes so I am confident they could prodcue the quality.This is where I hope we land!
A lot of this is the same thing I said last month.This shows the run around the small buisness owners are getting these days.The customer support you guys have shown Cruiserworks is incredible!WE can not do this with out your continued support.
Jay and I greatly appreciate all the support and we Thank you all very much!
Ride Safe,
Cara Crawford
