12/17/2008
Cyclone Drums
"Cyclone Drums would not be what it is today without SBDC. We stumbled across this wealth of information by simply looking for business plan software. After purchasing the software I began to use the free counseling to help me write our business plan. Jim Parrish set the standard/expectations high allowing us to see clearly how much we wanted this business to succeed. We used each and every opportunity to help us during all of the stages and phases of starting a business. We sought counsel for accounting, web design, research or what ever it is that we were working on at that time. We have taken many of the classes from how to start your business to marketing. You see I do not have a college degree and have always struggled with school so having these services available when I am ready has been a true blessing. SBDC is not just about business counseling its all about making a second chance possible. We would not have the help from Vocational rehabilitation had it not been for SBDC referring us back to them. Both departments working together are what make community resources work to their greatest potential. We continue to seek advice from SBDC as needed. Cyclone Drums has grown into a business that will reach into the community and touch the lives of other struggling students by doing our part to save the music/drum line in our county schools one instrument at a time. "
“One bang leads to another” Bang! Was the sound Brian and Jennifer Bernard heard when they were stuck by a drunk driver in May 2002. Five years and dozens of surgeries later they began to get their lives together. Between surgeries Brian went to school to finish his law enforcement degree only to be told he needed for a total hip replacement and would not be capable to physically handle his job—a desk job without 2 years of street experience wasn’t possible. Out of work five years, it was time to get back out there. Brian interviewed for several jobs and though he law enforcement degree, he could not meet the physical requirements. When Brian was three, he banged on his drum set. He continued his passion through his teen years playing in chorus, symphonic, and marching bands. While in high school he played at his church, did studio work, and filled-in for local bands. But Brian wanted to do something with drums & music. In spite of being told he can’t make a living with drums Brian gave drum lessons and absolutely loved it. When the students canceled their lessons Brian did not get paid. So to increase their income Brian wanted to start a business building custom Snare drums. Brian would build the drums and Jennifer would run the office. However, they needed help getting started. The Bernards went to Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida (USF SBDC) for assistance with writing a business plan. At the USF SBDC they attended training seminars; on business planning, marketing, advertising, and bookkeeping. They met with six different counselors who provided 46 hours of one-on-one counseling assistance in the areas of industry/market research, business planning, marketing, bookkeeping, financing, trademarks, and websites. They discovered through the SBDC that the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation had a program to help disabled people with entrepreneurial skills to start a business. At the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation they worked with counselor, Tony Reyes. He listened, cared, and was willing to work with them based upon their individual needs. The Bernard’s attended two trade shows to learn more about the industry. At the shows they connected with professional drummers and related businesses that were willing to offer help. They encountered a person that started a home-based business building Latin percussion drums then sold his business for nearly $35 million. They met someone from California that repaired and reconditioned drums in three counties in his area. He coached the Bernards and helped them with everything from pricing to repairs. According to Jennifer, “Cyclone drums would not be what it is today without SBDC. We stumbled across this wealth of information by simply looking for business plan software. After purchasing the software I began to use the free counseling to help me write our business plan. Jim Parrish set the standard/expectations high allowing us to see clearly how much we wanted this business to succeed. We used each and every opportunity to help us during all of the stages and phases of starting a business. We sought counsel for accounting, web design, research or what ever it is that we were working on at that time. We have taken many of the classes from how to start your business to marketing. You see I do not have a college degree and have always struggled with school so having these services available when I am ready has been a true blessing. SBDC is not just about business counseling its all about making a second chance possible. We would not have the help from Vocational rehabilitation had it not been for SBDC referring us back to them. Both departments working together are what make community resources work to their greatest potential. We continue to seek advice from SBDC as needed. Cyclone Drums has grown into a business that will reach into the community and touch the lives of other struggling students by doing our part to save the music/drum line in our county schools one instrument at a time.” For further information, you can contact Brian Bernard at: CYCLONE DRUMS LLC 1408 FERNWOOD PL. SEFFNER FL. 33584 1-813-480-7056 Tune and repair Timpani’s Resurface bearing edges Recondition or replace hardware Restring Chimes Replace broken wheels on Marimbas & Xylophones Drum Repair and Reconditioning Onsite Inspection and Estimates