Class helped Americus couple start a business
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, February 8, 2008
A series of business courses helped Rick Robidou start the business of his dreams.
“I truly appreciate the FHTC Start Your Own Business class and still use the class materials.” Robidou said. He is owner and operator of Flint Hills Laser Expressions.
Robidou is a graduate of the inaugural Start You Own Business class completed in Spring 2007. The 12-session course was conducted by Flint Hills Technical College, Emporia Main Street and the Small Business Development Center. Robidou said the course helped him and and his wife kick off in July a multi-faceted engraving business that is expanding far beyond their original business plan.
“We originally looked at simple pet stone etching, but have grown into multiple etching areas since our July kick-off. Today we etch glass, photos, awards, plexiglass and woodcarvings,” Robidou said.
Recently, Robidou’s daughter and wife helped him design custom wood carving ornaments that are also turning out to be very popular. “When we received our laser machine, they warned us it would never work with wood. Well after hours of tests and trial and error we were able to not only make it work but design truly beautiful and custom pieces,” he said.
Now only six months into their new business, the Robidou family is selling products locally and regionally through such destination businesses as Madelynn’s, Bluestem Farm and Ranch and direct to customers at their Americus office.
Robidou credits his success to hard work, seeing opportunity throughout his career and taking that leap of faith when Lenze, his last employer, closed and laid off almost all employees. The family had looked for several years at the engraving business but the Lenze layoff pushed them to make the decision.
“When we heard the radio ad for the class, I enrolled hoping to get the tools and knowledge to make a good business plan,” Robidou said.
He cited several times the importance of the expert contacts he made and the help he received from instructors Kim Redeker and Mary Helmer, as well as guest expert, Lisa Brumbaugh, director of the small-business center. He also shared his appreciation for the support he received with complimentary Emporia Chamber and Main Street memberships.
To learn more about the Flint Hills Laser Engraving company, visit Robidou’s Web site or stop by the shop, located in Americus at 876 Road 240.
The technical college will be offering the Start Your Own Business class again starting in March. To enroll call the college at 343-4600 ext. 1300 or send an e-mail to program coordinator Steve Harmon.
Classes begin March 4 and end April 17 The sessions will be scheduled twice a week for six weeks.