Proving his metal | A conversation with Gregg Toothaker, founder of GAT Multi-fab in Wilton
GAT Multi-fab
118 Magrath Road, Wilton
Founded: January 2010
Employees: 0
Startup costs: $10,000
Projected revenue, year one: $40,000
Projected revenue, year two: $90,000
Contact: 779-6601
gatmultifab@yahoo.com
What is GAT Multi-fab?
I am a multi-craftsman, a fabricator and welder in a variety of metals. I do steel fabrication welding, such as building trailers for the former Nichols [Custom Welding]; repairs on farm equipment and other heavy equipment; repair and build truck bodies; three-point hitch attachments … a wide variety of things. I also do sheet metal welding, fabrication and many custom things with sheet metal. I do a fair amount of craft items, some out of sheet metal, but I also work as a fabricator in aluminum and stainless and other metals. I’ve often said, “If you can think it, I can build it.”
Why did you start the company?
I had been wanting to have my own company for about 10 years. After I got done at Nichols building trailers after the government contract went south, I ended up at the pellet mill in Strong and got blown up. (An August 2009 explosion heavily damaged the former Forster Manufacturing Co. mill, which had been converted into a pellet mill; Toothaker was slightly injured, he says). That gave me a whole different outlook. Before, I was afraid of starting my own business because of the startup costs — what if I can’t afford it, what if I don’t get the volume of business I need? After that explosion, I realized I couldn’t lose more than my life, and since that nearly happened, what did I have to lose starting my own business?
I knew I had skills to offer and I was tired of everybody else using them to their advantage. I wanted to use them to my advantage.
How do you market GAT Multi-fab?
Right now I have very limited marketing. I don’t do computers. Luckily, I started my business in a town where I grew up, where everybody knew my father and in turn, me. I’ve done a lot of side work with farmers and custom work for people throughout the community. So basically my marketing has been word of mouth and I handed out 500-600 business cards. I’d like to expand my marketing, but right now I don’t have the money to do it.
How do you finance the business?
I got a $10,000 small business loan from the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments through the town of Wilton. I didn’t have to get a separate bank loan. I own most of my equipment and I’m renting space from a former boss, the Western Maine Group. Without them, I probably wouldn’t be able to do it. At times, I do work for them, when they need something done.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
My big challenge I guess is advertising, getting business through the door. I can build anything but don’t ask me to advertise it and figure out how to ask people to buy it. So getting a handle on the business part of running the company — that’s what’s been hard for me.
The recession has had an impact, as well. Business has been a little slower than I anticipated. I’ve had a lot of people call me up or ask if I can come look at something and see what they want done. I have, and then a few have said, “Well when I get the money, we’ll talk about it.” It’s kind of frustrating. Luckily I’m an extremely patient person.
What’s been successful about your business strategy?
I have complete confidence in my ability to handle the work. I’ve often designed projects on a phone call. I’m talking with a customer, sitting on the other end of the line, drawing it out and saying, “I can do that.”
What are your goals for GAT Multi-fab?
My number one goal is to be able to bring somebody in and teach them the skills. My type is a rare breed, and I’d like to find a young person with the drive and willingness to learn.
The other part is earning enough to make a living and pay my bills. I wasn’t looking to be rich, just to make a living and get my products out there. Success for me isn’t about making $1 million; I get complete satisfaction out of someone buying a $50 ash bucket and saying how much they like it.
Interview by Carol Coultas
New Ventures profiles young businesses 6-18 months old. Send your suggestions and contact information to editorial@mainebiz.biz.
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