Walter Planty

When Walter Planty started his company in 1995, he had a truck, a tool box, and  $5,000 to cover payroll. Today the company has 21 employees and approximately $2 million in annual sales. The company provides emergency roadside repair for tractor trailers, offers repair and fabrication services, and sells and services snowplow equipment.  The company's customers include municipal highway departments, educational institutions, farmers, fire departments, commercial heavy equipment fleets, trucking companies, and independent truckers.

Walter first consulted the SBDC in 1998 for assistance expanding his business. The largest obstacle in his way was locating financing for the expansion. During the next five years, the SBDC helped not only with financing, but also with business plan development, expansion plans, and funding for construction of a new facility.  In 2000, the SBDC recognized Route 11 as the "Growth Company of the Year." The new facility opened in Spring 2002. In 2003, Walter returned to the SBDC for assistance in developing a new product design to enhance the future growth of the company.

It was Walter's persistence that made the dream of owning his own business come true. He now has a business that generates $2-million in sales. Company President Diana Goolden is a driving force that helps keep Walter's business goals and visions on track.