The Entrepreneurial Super Bloom

The Entrepreneurial Super Bloom

Springtime is in the air, flowers are blossoming, and so are Longview’s entrepreneurial opportunities.

We all love a success story. We love to see people persevere in the face of adversity, or to witness great innovations that benefit society in a myriad of ways. These stories especially inspire us when we’re privy to the challenges and obstacles that were overcome in the name of success. It’s no different when we see inspiring entrepreneurs in our community putting out influential initiatives and businesses into the community. We know that entrepreneurship is a risky business, and when that venture pays off both for the individual and the company, then it becomes a societal success. We have found three CEOs who are growing their businesses in Longview and changing the ways that we view entrepreneurship.

That feeling of making a difference and doing what nobody has done before never gets old for me.

Abel Sanchez

DIGITAL MARKETING - Igniting Interest in your brand.

Thanks to the burgeoning of technology, digital marketing is the most powerful advertising force in the world today. Consumers are relying on digital media to find goods and services online, and to avoid becoming forgotten in a sea of competition, it pays to have a streamlined online presence that sets your business apart from others. At Starfish Ad Age, owner Abel Sanchez and CEO Mindy Lewellyn believe that now more than ever digital marketing should be your first choice in how you market your business. We sat down with Abel, the advertising innovator behind the scenes, to discuss the perks of running a successful business in a high-demand market and why Longview is the perfect place to put down entrepreneurial roots.

You could call Abel a creator — a forward thinker that has anticipated the needs of his community. Successfully creating a service to help bring Longview businesses into the digital age. “That feeling of making a difference and doing what nobody has done before never gets old for me”, he says. In fact, it’s one of the driving motivators in his career. And the perks of running and owning your own business in Longview? “Being your own boss and making a difference in the community you live in is an exciting feeling. The community is absolutely amazing and provides all of the support you could hope for as an entrepreneur!” Abel says. Supportive initiatives like the Small Business Development Center in Longview are available to get any business up and running and set up for success. If you’re looking for encouragement to become a forward thinker yourself, here’s Abel’s hot tip — “believe in yourself, don’t let others determine your future.”

Hugman Architecture and Construction

Apple, Amazon, Google. If asked what common thread ties these companies, the obvious answer would be that they’re all highlysuccessful companies raking in millions or even billions of dollars a year. Indeed, this is true, but they also share another commonality– they all started out of someone’s garage. Proving that humble beginnings can foster great growth if the right conditions are present.

When Hugman Architecture and Construction began their journey in 1988 out of their garage, they were highly motivated to succeed. Over 30 years later, Anne and Jim Hugman have created a wellrespected and successful business serving hundreds of clients and expanding their team to include as many as fourteen employees. Recently, the firm has taken on two long-time employees as partners, changing the name of the firm to H-L-H, Hugman, Lammers & Hawkins.

From its inception, the Hugmans have followed the same mission– “to have fun doing a great job for good people”. The firm uses a design-build model that focuses on architectural design, interior design, master planning, cost estimation, and turn-key construction. “We believe good design needs to be cost-conscious, efficient, and lovely,” says Anne. Through the firm’s evolution, they seek to improve the built environment for years to come.

In the meantime, we sat down with the Hugmans to get their perspective as entrepreneur veterans in Longview in the hopes to gain some of their magic.

“Why did you choose to set down roots in Longview?”

Jim and I both worked for medium and large-sized architectural firms in Dallas when we met. After 5 years of working for other people in the field, we knew that owning our own business was our dream and goal.

Once we married in 1986, we chose to move from Dallas to Longview to set down roots and raise our future family. Longview was a much smaller town in 1986. We knew the beauty of East Texas and the wealth of natural resources made Longview ripe for expansion and growth and that is exactly what has happened over the past 36 years.

“How did you manage the change from working in Dallas to working in Longview?”

When our friends from Dallas & Houston would visit, they would inquire “How do you make a living in such a small city?” Our answer was we show up for work and do the best job we can.

From its inception, the Hugmans have followed the same mission:

to have fun doing a great job for good people.

Anne and Jim Hugman

“What have you come to love the most about living in Longview?”

Longview is the idyllic place to live, work and play and specifically to bring up children, and having our own business gave us the freedom to create our own hours. This allowed us to attend all the kids’ activities and we really could enjoy watching them grow up. The traffic is mild in Longview (most of the time), and it is quite easy to get anywhere in town in 10-15 minutes.

We LOVE Longview – it is a beautiful city with the friendliest people anywhere. People you meet are engaging and invite you to help, to serve, and to be involved.

“The best thing about operating a business in Longview?”

We believe young people are encouraged to open their own businesses in Longview and there were so many mentors that stepped up to offer their encouragement and advice when we started our business. Sure, there is competition in the market but there is also a shared joy in watching others succeed. We strive to be mentors to others at every opportunity.

“Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?”

Getting involved in the chamber, the city and any of the many fantastic non-profits is a wonderful way to meet people and foster life-long friendships. Working toward a common goal is the absolute best way to get to know your neighbors and fellow citizens.

“How do you relax and have fun?”

We don’t relax! Our adult children constantly tease us about our inability to chill out. When we are in town, we do enjoy cooking out and having friends over for a little water volleyball and we do love to travel whenever we can.

The Longview Arboretum hosts a fantastic fall and spring concert series on Thursday nights. That is relaxing! Taking a picnic dinner into the gardens and listening to beautiful music under the great big Texas sky can relax even the most uptight individual.

From left: Anne Hugman, Jim Hugman, Stacy Lammers, and Jesse Hawkins

Trista Roel, Pride Metals

Trista’s Three Tips for Success:

1. “Find mentors and successful people that can help guide you. Make sure to surround yourself with those that inspire and cheer you on.”

2. “Create a culture for your company and instill core values that you base your hiring off of. Always protect your culture.”

3. “Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend seminars. Never stop learning and growing.

NERVES OF STEEL

Women Entrepreneurs Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

The industrial market reigns supreme in Longview and attracts talent from around the globe. This competitive market can be daunting when you’re a smaller fish in a big pond, doubly so when you’re a woman in a male-centric field. One gutsy team of women is challenging stereotypes to make their mark on the steel industry in Longview.

Strong Women Working in a Strong Industry

Pride Metals partners with machine shops, OEMs, and manufacturers within several industries nationwide. They are not only a womanowned company but also women-operated. A bonafide rarity in the steel industry. Five women hold high-profile positions in the company, turning the tables on the status quo. CEO, Trista Roel; Vice President, Alex Montelbano; Director of Finance, Amy Isbell; and Sales Manager, Katy Foster, are the powerful women driving the success of Pride Metals. These ladies have overcome preconceived notions of what women in the steel industry are capable of. “Our biggest challenge is initially being taken seriously by the men we deal with. Although we are all very knowledgeable and have years of experience, as women, we must prove our credibility over and over. But once we do, it’s an eye-opener for those men!” says Roel.

Intense Heat Applied to An Iron Will Created A Steel Resolve

Trista Roel, owner of Pride Metals entered the workforce at fifteen serving up sno-cones. At 19 she found herself in the steel industry where she worked while attending school full-time. Even under this pressure, she graduated Summa Cum Laude, forging herself from iron into the strongest steel. Drawing on this resolve, Roel credits this experience as crucial to her decision to open and own her own steel company in the midst of the pandemic.

No (Wo)man is an Island

But Trista recognizes that she could not have reached such success without the enormous amount of support from both her husband and the amazing team that helped start Pride Metals. Longview’s community of businesses also has helped Roel reach where she is today, “I think we have a great community that strengthens our businesses. Local companies love to support each other here. I’ve also found there to be a substantial number of resources we are given access to.” she says.