2016 WomenVenture Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Expanding Business Award
For over 20 years, Vogel Mechanical has been owned and operated by Bonnie Vogel. Bonnie started her business in June 1995 with the inkling that “we could be as good, if not better, than the competition.” At the time, Bonnie had a young family with two children and really enjoyed the flexibility in raising them that she gained by running her own company. Begun in the family’s garage, the business grew steadily. Although it struggled during the economic downturn in the late 00’s, Vogel Mechanical came back better than ever. What started as a small sheet metal company has now grown into a firm that designs, fabricates, services, and supports all mechanical system needs.
After so many years in business, Bonnie was really interested in taking her business to the next level. “We were in the process of a move and had just bought a new building,” says Bonnie. “I was at a point where I really needed to find help and time to work on growing and developing our business.” This transition point was the perfect time for Bonnie to enroll in WomenVenture’s Scale Up! Twin Cities program, an 8-month class that provides women-owned mid-size companies with the resources they need to grow their business exponentially.
Bonnie wasn’t new to programs that offer help to small business owners; she had taken a number of classes over the years. But she knew right away that WomenVenture was different, that they had a strong level of commitment and dedication to their clients. “From the start of the interview process [for the Scale Up! program], I could tell the instructors meant business,” says Bonnie. “They were fierce, but in a complimentary way!” Having completed the course, Bonnie has nothing but praise for the program. “ScaleUp! Twin Cities is really well done. No matter what type of business you have—and there is quite a range—everyone benefits regardless.”
Armed with fresh ideas, Vogel Mechanical continues to innovate, staying abreast of the latest industry standards, while continuing to serve the needs of their local customers. Going forward, Bonnie says she will definitely recommend WomenVenture to other women entrepreneurs. She believes our program is a great starting point when you are looking to advance your business. “You have to be reactive and know how to handle new things as they come up,” says Bonnie. “Because of Scale Up!, I have so many more tools in my toolbox now!”
Bonnie’s commitment to improve and further grow her business is just one of the many reasons that she is WomenVenture’s 2016 Nothng Ventured, Nothing Gained Expanding Business Award winner.
