THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I1
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
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SCV Community Pride • Industry
SCV Industries Supply Thousands of Local Jobs
Dan Watson/The Signal
H.E.R.O.S. front from left, CFO Raffi Kajberouni, Founder Heros Kajberouni, and Melody Kajberouni join employees around a turbine engine in the machine shop at H.E.R.O.S. in Valencia.
I2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL
Industry
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
H.E.R.O.S. Inc. makes Valencia its home as it provides customized service for clients By Alicia Doyle
W
hen Heros Kajberouni established Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services, Inc. in 1988, his main vision was to create a unique opportunity to enjoy one-on-one customized, quality engine repair and overhaul services for the Rolls Royce Model 250 Series Engines. Ever since, both single as well as multi-ship operators have grown to depend upon the company’s quality workmanship, competitive pricing and attention to customer service. “His vision was to create that ‘one-stop’ shop for private operators as well as commercial operators,” said his son, Raffi Kajberouni, Chief Financial Officer and Human Resource Director at H.E.R.O.S., Inc. “Today, we can offer a customer an opportunity to send his engine to us to have overhauled, A to Z.” At H.E.R.O.S., Inc., “we control the quality of our products because we control the processes,”Kajberouni explained. “We will remove and carefully route each of your engine components through our facility where they will be thoroughly cleaned then dimensionally inspected using our state-of-the-art measuring tools and equipment including our automatic Coordinate Measuring Machine,” he said. “Our engine shop
technicians combine factory training with decades of overhaul and field experience to recommend customized repairs or address your specific maintenance concerns.” The company, located in Valencia, has built a reputation for its quality one-onone customer service, Kajberouni noted. “We have well over 200 years of man experience to offer our customers,” he said. “We treat customers as family. We don’t have to go through the ‘red tape’ as other companies need to. We are very open-minded and can offer assistance on all levels.” Recently, H.E.R.O.S., Inc. purchased an engine test cell which enables the company to test an engine after repair. “This has allowed us to go after certain contracts which have required such a machine,” Kajberouni explained. “We are the only private operator on the west coast to have such a capability. We are very proud of this purchase and capability.” H.E.R.O.S., Inc. was formerly headquartered in Glendale, until Kajberouni suggested the business relocate to Santa Clarita in August of 2015. “We had discussed expansion, however, we were not ready to make such an investment into property in other areas,” Kajberouni recalled. “We didn’t feel we would get the right value for our investment.” Because he has been a
Dan Watson/The Signal
H.E.R.O.S. Facility Manager Victor Avanosian, left, and Director of Sales and Service Blake Davies do a pre-check on a turbine engine in the test cell. resident of Saugus since 2004, he recommended the company consider moving to Santa Clarita. “We saw several properties and were happy with the sale price of properties,” Kajberouni said. “During our purchase, the Enterprise Zone Credit was a major reason for the move. Our work
force also lives in this area. It was a beneficial move for everyone involved.” “We are very happy to be here,” Kajberouni further emphasized. “We have some things to do in-house to settle in, however, once we do, we look forward to being active in the community. We feel it is import-
ant for businesses to be involved. It is the backbone of a successful business.” Meanwhile, the staff continues to settle into its new building at 24834 Avenue Rockefeller in Valencia. “We expanded big,” Kajberouni said. “Our new building is over three times the size of our previous lo-
cation. Once we settle in and find our new ground, we look forward to expanding into other areas and focusing on what we do best.” H.E.R.O.S. Inc. is located at 24834 Avenue Rockefeller in Valencia. For more information visit http://herosinc.com; or call 661-3697147 or 866-503-5802.
Dan Watson/The Signal
H.E.R.O.S lead machinist Esraeil Navasartian inspects a gear box housing in the machine shop.
Dan Watson/The Signal
Dan Watson/The Signal
H.E.R.O.S machinist Serje Konarki prepares to work on a gear box housing on a CNC milling machine.
H.E.R.O.S lead machinist Reza Kasravi, left, and shop tech Andrei Gatbonton discuss turbine wheels in the engine shop.
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
Industry
THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I3
Local family business has global reach in the performance boat industry By Laurel Davis
T
eague Custom Marine is one of the few family-owned businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley with worldwide name recognition in its industry. This is quite an accomplishment for a company born out of one man’s recreational love for offshore and endurance inboard boat racing. But it’s no accident. Teague Custom Marine has established itself as the premiere full-service solutions provider for all things performance boat related for both local and international enthusiasts, because it’s run by a whole family of enthusiasts themselves. They have a “Passion for Performance and Perfection,” as the company’s website says. So, they understand every facet of the sport. Cherilyn Noack, vice president of marketing for the company and daughter of founder, owner and president, Bob Teague, explains, “We are retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and servicers of custom, high-performance marine engine parts and accessories” that also runs a professional race team. Their services include custom engines, engine rebuilds, custom rigging, fabrication and technical support. As a full-service company, they handle product research, parts service and repairs – “from oil changes to complete engine overhauls,” says Cherilyn – parts sales, and worldwide mail order and shipping. “We also will install
any product we sell,” Cherilyn notes. “Not many mail order warehouses can do that.” In fact, the mail order and shipping arm of Teague Custom Marine is a key part of the business’ global success. The company is housed in a 30,000-squarefoot mega-store and shop that allows for a full warehouse and shipping operation. This is in addition to Teague’s service and repair bays, and retail and administrative space. As the website states, “We probably have what you need. If we don’t, we’ll get it. If we can’t get it, we’ll make it. If we can’t make it, we’ll help you find the right solution for your problem.” Teague Custom Marine will work with any budget to help people find solutions. The boats they service come from customers nationwide. “We have a large and very loyal client base,” Cherilyn says. “We’ve seen the evolution of their boats over the years because of the relationship of trust we’ve built.” Cherilyn points out that Teague offers a better custom engine product because they are certified every year by the California Air Resources Board, or C.A.R.B. “We are one of only two high-performance marine engine builders to have the C.A.R.B. certification,” she says. Bob founded Teague Custom Marine in 1972 in Burbank. He and his wife, Andrea, eventually moved the company to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1994, where they’ve been located ever
Katharine Lotze/The Signal
The whole staff of Teague Custom Marine with one of their racing catamarans at their Valencia retail location and workshop. since. According to their website, he started it as a means to fund his hobby of high-performance boat racing. Bob is a several-time World and National Champion offshore powerboat racer and holder of powerboat speed and endurance records, and represents Valencia, as his hometown. Teague Custom Marine currently has 20 employees. Truly a local family business, in addition to his wife and daughter, Bob’s broth-
er Norm is an engine builder, son John is a rigger and mechanic, and so is Cherilyn’s husband, Josh Noack. All employees are residents of the Santa Clarita Valley who love the community, Cherilyn says. Teague Custom Marine is a major sponsor of the Desert Storm Poker Run at Lake Havasu, Arizona, which supports charities such as Soldier Angels and Wounded Warriors. The event also supports
the New Horizons Center, allowing Teague and volunteer participants to give free boat rides to people with special needs. Locally, they sponsor the Lake Castaic Lifeguards team’s participation in the “Baker to Vegas” run relay event. They are also the title sponsor in support of the Lake Castaic Junior Lifeguards Program, giving money for the purchase of uniforms, supplies, plaques and awards,
technology and other needs specifically for activities in this youth program. Teague Custom Marine is located at 28115 Avenue Stanford in Valencia, facing Interstate 5. Their hours are Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bob or Cherilyn can be reached at 661-295-7000, or email her at cherilyn@ teaguecustommarine.com. For more information, visit their website at TeagueCustomMarine.com.
I4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
24834 Avenue Rockefeller, Valencia, C raffi@herosinc.com
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
CA 91355
Industry
WE’RE HIRING A&P Technicians
APPLY AT:
jobs@herosinc.com
Our New Home
THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I5
I6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL
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SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
AMS Fulfillment changing the lives of its employees By Diana Marszalek
A
t 14, Raul Domrique faced a range of pressures, some of which were tough enough that they could have derailed him. The eldest of five kids, Domrique didn’t have a dad at home, meaning he had to navigate those rough teen years without a father figure. While his mom did everything she could to take care of the family, money, not surprisingly, was tight. Domrique felt compelled to help his mom however he could. “It’s important that I set a good example for my siblings,“ the Castaic resident says. But rather than succumb to the challenges, Domrique took a much different tack: He got a job working for AMS Fulfillment, the Valencia-based warehouse and fulfillment services provider. Now 20, Domrique – who today is an AMS account manager, has oversight of the company’s charitable giving, and will be heading to Fisher University in Boston this fall – says the experience literally set his life on course. The job with AMS provided Domrique the means to help his family (he bought a car to help drive around his siblings), and the encouragement to succeed at work and school. “I have received praises from my colleagues for overcoming adversities that could have prohibited me from fulfilling my dreams,” he says. “The difficulties that have been placed before me have only made me stronger.” Domrique is one of a number of both youths and adults who, over the last seven or so years, have been hired by AMS through its partnerships with local agencies that help individuals, including those with limited opportunities, find jobs. Domrique found the job with help from the Santa Clarita chapter of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League (specifically Deputy Brian Rooney) and was among the first wave of hires. In the time since, the program has since expanded to the point where, today, roughly 30% of AMS’s daily workforce of roughly 300 has been re-
cruited through partnerships with agencies including the YAL; Pleasantview Industries, whose clients are individuals with developmental disabilities; the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, which helps former inmates find work; and Bridge to Home, the homeless shelter, says AMS CEO Ken Wiseman. Wiseman says the inception of the program dates to roughly the 2008 recession, when, as president of the local Sheriff’s Foundation chapter, he saw the toll tough financial times were taking on families, putting kids more at risk than before. At that point, the organization set a jobs-training program in motion, teaching kids everything from interview and job skills to how to dress for work. The kids hired by AMS, primarily for warehouse jobs, were given the flexibility to work around their school schedule, with some staying on after graduating high school and moving on to places like College of the Canyons. “We picked up on how important these jobs were for families,” Wiseman says. “These kids weren’t getting jobs to buy a car or a skateboard. These jobs were going to help put groceries in the refrigerator.” The effort proved so successful for both the kids and AMS (Wiseman says “they were great workers”) that Wiseman, along with AMS President Jay Catlin, expanded their partnerships to agencies that work with hard-to-place adults, such as Pleasantview and Twin Towers. AMS also gives those agencies the arena to provide job training to clients who aren’t quite ready for the workplace. Pleasantview, for instance, uses the company’s warehouse facility as a training ground for small groups of individuals. The results are stellar, Wiseman said. One Pleasantview client got his first job at age 56 “and he’s doing great,” he says. Jennifer Zimmerman, Pleasantview’s employment coordinator, says that by hiring clients, AMS is giving people with disabilities the chance to be independent and contribute to the community. AMS has recognized that people with disabilities
Dan Watson/The Signal
Jay Catlin, president/managing partner, left, and Ken Wiseman, CEO managing partner in the lobby of AMS Fulfillment in Valencia. are an untapped, valuable resource in Santa Clarita, Zimmerman says. Zimmerman says that, in providing people with disabilities work, Wiseman and Catlin “have empowered them.” “AMS has enriched their lives and allowed them to be productive and contributing citizens in our Santa Clarita Valley,” she says. Yet Catlin says there is certainly an upside for AMS as well. Partnering with agencies provides AMS access to employees who are committed to working as a means of getting back on their feet, and who have been vetted by the agencies they work with. Wiseman says, as a result, AMS has built a workforce of individuals who aren’t turned off by the idea of a warehouse job, but instead are committed to excelling at it. “It’s a big win for us,” he says. “They might be doing assembly work or building boxes all day long, and when they leave work they feel extremely positive and fulfilled and they are happy to be part of the team.” “Their attitude is fan-
tastic and that resonates at AMS,” he says. “People really appreciate having these jobs.” Domrique says, for him, working at AMS has “been an absolute blessing,” one
that will stick with him in the fall when he starts Fisher to pursue a degree in healthcare management. “The naysayers look at my life and don’t understand what it means to ful-
fill your dreams,” Domrique says. “My day-to-day life is not what your average 20-year-old envisions. But I would not trade it for the world.”
Dan Watson/The Signal
Jay Catlin, president/managing partner, left, and Ken Wiseman, CEO managing partner with community awards in the lobby of AMS Fulfillment in Valencia.
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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I7
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
Industry
Financial Considerations for Adults Mulling a Return to School (MC) – As the economy has struggled, many adults have found themselves heading back to school. Mass layoffs contributed to high unemployment rates and left many adults without work wondering if going back to school is a good way to weather the storm and, once that storm is over, stand out among a crowded pool of job seekers. In 2009, 100 community colleges were surveyed by the American Association of Community Colleges, which, based on the survey, reported that community college enrollment had increased from 2 percent to 27 percent in just a year’s time. Displaced workers played a significant role in that spike in enrollment, as men and women who lost their jobs increasingly decided to find a new career path that might offer more security. Though the economy has slowly started to recover, many adults are still considering a return to school. Of course, school can be expensive, and it helps to explore your financial options when mulling a return to school.
Where will the money come from?
Determining the cost of graduate school is not easy, as tuition varies greatly depending on a student’s course of study. Public graduate schools are typically more affordable than private schools, but tuition will be expensive regardless of the university. Even
adults who don’t want to pursue a graduate degree but a new field of study entirely should expect tuition to be substantially higher than it was when they were students years ago. That said, adults must decide from where the money for their continued education is going to come. Paying out of your own pocket will require some sacrifices in other areas of your life and could also deplete your personal savings. Financial aid, grants and private loans are other options, and each of these should be thoroughly explored before making a final decision.
to school will qualify for financial aid (though all adults who can’t afford to pay out of pocket should still apply), while others will not qualify for enough financial aid to cover the costs of their education. In such instances, you can go directly to the bank and apply for a private loan. Adults with strong credit histories should not have too much trouble securing private loans. However, loans from private lenders almost always come with higher interest rates than government loans.
Will your employer help pay?
Tapping into retirement savings to pay for your education is a potentially costly maneuver. In addition to substantially reducing your nest egg, withdrawing money from a retirement account might incur penalties and taxes. What’s more, if your retirement account has tax-deferred growth, then you’ll be missing out on potentially significant earnings once you remove money from the account. It’s typically a bad idea to tap into your retirement savings until you’re actually retiring, so resist the temptation to do so when establishing your plan to pay for continuing your education. Thanks to the recession, many adults have returned to school to counter a layoff or advance a stagnated career. Before making such a decision, explore if it is financially prudent.
For those men and women who are still employed and want to continue their careers, it’s quite possible your employer will help pay your tuition. Employer-funded tuition programs might earn your employer a tax deduction, so don’t just assume your employer won’t help cover some of the bill for your education. Some employers who help pay their employee’s tuition will ask an employee to commit to the company for a certain number of years after they have earned their degree, while others will only provide assistance to employees who are not training for another career.
Can I go directly to the bank?
Not all adults returning
Should I tap into my retirement savings?
Order Fulfillment Professionals! 750,000 Sq Ft - Santa Clarita/ Valencia CA + Strategic partner locations throughout the U.S. and Canada
Industries Served Include: • Footwear • Apparel • Handbags Accessories • Health/Beauty/Cosmetics Consumer Products • Electronics • Toy/Game/ Entertainment • Printed Graphics and more!
AMS offers solutions for both Business-toBusiness (B-2-B) and Business-to-Consumer (B-2-C) clients, including:
Metro Creative
Adults considering a return to school must explore their financial options before making such a substantial commitment.
Money-saving tips for working professionals (MC) – Working professionals know that going to work every day can be costly. From commuting costs to the expenses necessary to maintain a professional wardrobe, going to work can be hard on the pocketbook. The following are a few ways workers can save some cash. • Embrace direct deposit. If your company offers direct deposit, take advantage of that offering. Having your paycheck directly deposited into your savings or checking account can eliminate some unnecessary spending, and your bank may even waive monthly fees if you have a certain amount of money directly deposited into your
account each month. • Get creative with kid care. According to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, concerns about child care cause more problems in the workplace than any other family-related issue. Child care can be quite expensive. If your employer does not offer on-site child care, find out if a parent or another family member can care for your child at no cost. • Bring your lunch. Bringing your lunch to work each day can save you a considerable amount of money. Limit lunches out to one day per week. • Enroll in pre-tax savings plans. Explore the various programs that enable
you to set aside pre-tax dollars for expenses like child care, medical expenses or commuting costs. A certain portion of your paycheck is withdrawn before it is taxed, saving you money when it comes time to file your income tax. • Share your commute. Carpooling is an easy and economical way to get to work. Split the expenses with your coworkers who live nearby. A company carpool can save you money on fuel and add years to the life of each participant’s automobile. • Shop smart. Take advantage of sales or shop consignment stores when supplementing your work wardrobe.
• Warehousing • Order Administration • Kitting / Assembly • Pick / Pack / Ship • EDI / GS1 (UCC) & Retail Routing Management
• Full Service “Back Office” Administration • Inventory Management • Logistics • Returns Processing Services • And Much More!
Our Mission
At AMS, our Mission is to provide a seamless transition of information and products from our clients to their customers in a manner that recognizes growth and financial performance are not goals unto themselves, but merely outcomes achievable through uncompromising attention to our clients, our organization, our community and ourselves.
AMS Fulfillment 29010 Commerce Center Drive, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: 661 / 775-0611 • Fax: 661 / 775-0613
info@amsfulfillment.com
www.amsfulfillment.com Ask us about the benefits of our Foreign Trade Zone!
Call Toll-Free 800 / 931-4267
I8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL
SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY
Industry
Camelot Movers celebrates 30 years in Santa Clarita By Jennifer Maxine
T
he history of Camelot Moving and Storage closely matches the history of the City of Santa Clarita. Camelot Moving and Storage began in the garage of its founding family, the Kornfelds, little more than a year before the city incorporated. Situated in such a time and place and taking on the literal business of moving people into and within the fledgling city,
the Kornfelds have enjoyed a unique perspective on the growth of its community in which they chose to raise their family. Like Santa Clarita, Camelot Moving and Storage is rooted in family. After Billy had spent years on the road, away from his family for a month or so at a time driving for a van line, the couple began taking steps to start their own business. Some years later, in April 1986, they proudly began their family busi-
ness. Billy was still driving for the van line while the new company found its feet. Wearing many hats – bookkeeper, salesperson, and dispatcher, Carolyn operated the company out of their home office. It was not long before Billy severed his contract with the van line and stayed home with his family, growing the family business alongside his wife. The growth of the family’s business has followed the growth and demands of their community. Camelot’s growing family of clients began to include those moving across state lines. Camelot rose to the occasion and expanded into interstate moving, providing an uncommon interstate service that did not involve a network of subcontractors. In other words, the belongings of Camelot’s clients were only in Camelot’s hands from origin to destination. This was truly a unique niche in the moving industry filled with van lines and subcontractors. “The only way to guarantee our high standard of service and care was to handle our clients’ belongings for the entire journey. So that is how we set up our interstate moving services,” describes Billy. By this time, the company, which had begun with only one moving van, owned and operated a fleet
of three trucks. Not many years later, Camelot expanded its services again to meet the needs of families with houses hard hit by the Northridge earthquake of 1994. Suddenly there was high demand for storage while families temporarily relocated and fixed their homes. Camelot grew to match the demands of its community. As a result, Camelot Movers became Camelot Moving and Storage, and currently operates out of a 20,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art warehouse in Valencia. The company’s fleet has expanded to 12 trucks. Not just serving as a witness to the city’s history, Camelot has quite literally put its stamp on the city’s historical landmarks. The company logo, a knight in armor with lance in hand,
Courtesy photos
marks the tabletops at Saugus Café, one of Santa Clarita’s first businesses and one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County. The same knight could be seen on the side of a car speeding around the famous Saugus Speedway, one of the city’s original and most popular entertainment venues. The Kornfelds have seen the city’s commerce and infrastructure grow exponentially throughout their company’s history, and are proud to have helped facilitate the area’s growth. Their family of clients includes the Chamber of
Commerce, local school districts, and the City of Santa Clarita itself, not to mention local businesses of all types—industrial, commercial, and retail. Born from a desire for a better family, Camelot has roots similar to that of Santa Clarita. For 30 years, the Kornfelds have seen their company grow alongside their city with pride. The city continues to grow, and Camelot remains ready to meet the changing needs of the expanding community. The Kornfelds are eager to see what the next 30 years hold.
Thanks
FOR BEING WITH US THROUGH OUR FIRST 30 YEARS.
HANG ON! WE'RE JUST STARTING OUT ON OUR NEXT 30!
CamelotMovers.com
(661) 255-3112 28040 Industry Drive Valencia 91355
MC258193
PUC T150296