All Points Mobile Shredding, a Florida family business, is a story of resilience and growth. Owned by Brian and Dawn Connelly, this company has navigated challenges and embraced opportunities to become a leader in secure document shredding, medical waste disposal, compliance training, and electronics and media destruction. Their journey embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and the power of collaboration, proving that even in the face of adversity, success is possible.
The Connelly's entrepreneurial journey began with Brian's determination to build a thriving business. However, the path was not without its hurdles. Early on, they faced a stark ultimatum: cover expenses within six months or sell the company. Brian's unwavering drive led him to tirelessly market his services, ultimately securing the company's future.
Years later, All Points Mobile Shredding had established itself as a reputable player in the industry. Dawn's expertise in operations, marketing, and HR played a pivotal role in the company's success. Yet, a devastating setback struck when Brian's sister, a key figure in the business, passed away unexpectedly. The loss of her 17 years of knowledge, coupled with the departure of two long-time drivers, left All Points reeling.
Undeterred, Brian and Dawn rallied their team, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They rebuilt their workforce, streamlined processes, and reaffirmed their commitment to providing exceptional service. The Connelly's determination to not only survive but thrive led them to seek new avenues for growth.
Dawn, having initiated conversations with similar businesses around the state, began receiving responses regarding potential acquisitions. The prospect of expanding All Points Mobile Shredding’s reach presented an exciting opportunity, but it also came with financial challenges. Traditional funding options proved insufficient for such a significant expansion.
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played a crucial role in All Points Mobile Shredding's expansion journey. "We've had a lot of experience with the SBDC," Brian shares. "It was a great opportunity as a young company to tap into their resources and have them help us." Twelve years prior, the company had engaged with the SBDC, benefiting from its Capstone program, which provided marketing, budgeting, and financial guidance. This early relationship with the SBDC laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
Tom Kindred, regional director of the SBDC, served as a vital connector. He introduced First Southern Bank to the Florida State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) loan program. This program, designed to support small businesses in accessing credit, aligned perfectly with All Points Mobile Shredding’s expansion goals.
Meanwhile, All Points Mobile Shredding had established a strong relationship with Steve Watters, Community President at First Southern Bank. When the opportunity to acquire two significant shredding companies arose, Steve recognized the potential of the SSBCI program to facilitate the acquisitions.
First Southern Bank, guided by Tom Kindred's introduction and All Points Mobile Shredding's promising business model, became one of the first banks to secure a loan under the SSBCI program. This funding enabled All Points Mobile Shredding to acquire not just one, but two companies within an impressive 45-day timeframe. The acquisitions significantly expanded the company's reach and operational efficiency, marking a major turning point in its growth trajectory.
The story of All Points Mobile Shredding is a testament to the power of partnership and the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship. Through adversity, they emerged stronger, embracing innovation and seizing opportunities. The Florida SBDC's guidance and Tom Kindred's pivotal role in connecting All Points Mobile Shredding with First Southern Bank's SSBCI program were instrumental in their expansion.