Craig Hennemuth has a lifelong love for metal fabrication. His father who started Hennemuth Metal Fabricators over fifty years has now become Craig’s who hopes to be able to continue the legacy left by his Dad.
The business primarily focuses on the manufacturing of ductwork for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Known for their stellar craftsmanship and customer orientation their clients include the biggest names in the HVAC business in the area.
Sensing a changing environment where automation was quickly leading the way Craig decided to begin to strategically think about how the business needed to retool and move forward so that it could “remain ahead of the curve” stated Craig. He initially sought assistance from the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as he realized his dreams to expand and retool were going to require assistance and consultation in business plan development: financial projections and forecasting and seeking an appropriate lending partner.
Craig worked with Rich Longo Business Consultant at the SBDC who worked and assisted him in every aspect of what would be required. “It has been a pleasure and honor to work with the Hennemuth’s,” said Longo. “Their business savvy: strong work ethic and passion for the business” according to Longo were the key drivers to the success.
Early on involvement with Anthony Cardone, Vice President from Washington Financial Services created a three-prong approach to bringing together the operations of the business: business plan development/cash flow\w projections and lender expertise. “I couldn’t have done it without these folks commented Craig. Craig went on to further say “the honest and objective advice provided by Rich and the SBDC was truly what brought me forth from dream to reality”.