When selecting a name for her Orlando, Florida company, Cheryl Stockstad chose “Limitless”. Stockstad says her opportunities in business are limitless and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been the ticket to the company's success. This woman-owned firm has let nothing stand in the way of her vision—to become an industry leader. The firm is stronger today than ever and poised well for further growth. From 2007 to 2008, Limitless’ revenue jumped over 500% to $3.3 million. In 2008, Limitless was awarded the opportunity to be a subcontractor to one of the largest Department of Defense transportation contracts in history, a $4.6 billion contract to move cargo between 67 U.S. military bases.

The SBDC at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, a member of the statewide Florida SBDC Network, has been a key partner to Stockstad. She began utilizing SBDC services in 2003; has met with a Certified Business Analyst for help obtaining 8(a) certification; attended training in government contracting and received counseling from the FSBDCN's Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program; and, recently, participated in the Small Business Institute (SBI). The SBI is a team of UCF MBA students who analyzed her marketing strategy and made recommendations. However, her longest commitment with the SBDC has been her participation in the Advisory Board Council (ABC) program which forms advisory boards to strengthen Orange County businesses. Working with Jill Kaufman, ABC Program Manager, allowed them to tailor her board for the firm’s needs. According to Stockstad, Limitless’ board, comprised of experts in government procurement, marketing, strategic planning, finance and law, has been a key element in the astonishing growth of her firm and in her own personal development as a businesswoman.

“The board has helped me become a better leader and manage my company more effectively,” explained Stockstad. “I have been fortunate to have a group of professionals who have been so dedicated to the success of my company.”

Stockstad’s receptiveness to her board has helped significantly. One of her advisors recently remarked that her openness to their advice has motivated them to be even more engaged in the board process. The impressive level of involvement is demonstrated by the dedicated volunteer advisor's contribution to her case—289 in-kind hours of support for the firm with a market value of $52,733 of pro-bono consulting—an ABC client record!

Stockstad, a licensed U.S. Customs broker and freight forwarder with over 25 years experience, actually began the firm in June 2002. One of the few 100% woman-owned firms, Limitless was certified by the federal government as a Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman Business Enterprise and 8(a) corporation; a registered central contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense; and received its IATA license. Recently, Limitless became a bonded service provider for the Surface Deployment Distribution Command for the U.S. military and a designated screening facility for the Transportation Security Administration. In early 2009, Limitless expanded in a Hub zone in Norfolk, their second branch.

Grateful for the mentoring and support she has received, Stockstad is community-minded and always striving to give back. She serves on the Board of the Florida District Export Council’s Central Florida Chapter, is founder of the Global Trade and Commerce Association and was chosen by Governor Crist to serve on one of the Accelerator Think Tanks.

The Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network of 34 centers, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. For over 30 years, the FSBDCN has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses, and economic prosperity for the state. To learn more about the FSBDCN or to find an SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.