Focus on Small Business: Q&A PacMin - Building WOW

97.9 % of the businesses in the United States have fewer than 20 employees.

Small businesses are often called the backbone of a community. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA) 97.9 percent of the businesses in the United States have fewer than 20 employees. In North Orange County, one in five businesses employ five or fewer employees. As the Chamber continues to grow relationships with small business, we are highlighting some exceptional small businesses that enhance the rich tapestry of our communities.

This issue of Pillar explores three small businesses and the uniquecharacteristics that makes them successful.

PACMIN

For over seventy years, PacMin has served the aviation and aerospace industries. headquartered in Fullerton since 1995, the family-owned company led by cousins Fred and Dan Ouweleen continues to innovate and expand their horizons. While the firm enjoys an excellent reputation in the aviation and aerospace industry for delivering desktop and exhibit models of aircraft, the company also designs and produces the hearts-- which are then transformed into stunning works of arts by local artisans-- which can be seen in and around the downtown Fullerton area.

PILLAR: What is the mission of PacMin and how is your passion for innovation represented in your company?

PacMin: Our vision allows us to work together with our clients to creatively give life to imagination. Our values of Commitment and Determination, Innovation, Partnership, Professionalism and Enthusiasm are represented in everything we do. We embrace challenges and thrive on the search for new solutions. We bring excitement, wonder and artistry to everything we do. This is what draws customers to us.

PILLAR: Describe changes you have made over the years to remain competitive in our global economy.

PM: While our headquarters remain in Fullerton, we have expanded our manufacturing base and currently have manufacturing facilities in Tijuana, Mexico and Shenzhen, China. We have customers around the world and focus on new markets via advertising and personal visits. While we still have a strong niche in the aviation/aerospace industry, we have expanded into other industries and serve customers in power generation, medicine, and ground transport.

PILLAR: What successful marketing efforts have you applied to brand your company?

PM: We develop specific content for specific customers. In other words, we prepare info specifically for our customers based on what we know about them and their challenges. We focus on problem solving and emphasize specific solutions.

PILLAR: What is the main quality you look for in your employees?

PM: We look for people who reflect the company values. As we grow, we will expand our workforce keeping in mind that innovation and creativity is part of our company culture. This is what draws customers to us. We continue to invest in new technologies and new equipment to help us remain competitive.

WE EMBRACE CHALLENGES AND THRIVE ON THE SEARCH FOR NEW SOLUTIONS.