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Selection criteria for Small Business Persons of the Year are: Staying power: a substantiated
history as an established business. Growth in number of employees:
a benchmark to judge the impact of the business on the job market. Increase in sales and/or unit
volume: an indication of continued growth. Current and past financial
reports: substantiating the improved financial position of the
business; a profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for the
last three complete years. Innovative product or service:
illustration of the creativity and imagination of the nominee. Response to adversity: examples
of problems faced in the nominee's business and the methods used
to solve them. Contributions by nominee to
aid community- oriented projects: through the use of his/her
personal time and other resources. In 1986, Belinda started GC Micro with two employees. The firm, which began as a value-added reseller of software products, was financed by Belinda’s $20,000 profit from the sale of her home and some money from a retirement account. By the end of GC Micro’s first year, the small business reported revenue of $209,000. Through sheer determination and a passion of service to the customer, Belinda overcame the perception that a minority woman didn’t belong in the technology field or marketing to defense-related contractors. Today, GC Micro is one of the nation’s leading suppliers of computer hardware and software products to the defense and aerospace industries. The company employs 28 and enjoyed sales last year of $34 million. Belinda is deeply committed to customer satisfaction. Each business relationship begins with a meeting to discuss the needs of the customer. “Quality is the job of every single person in our company,” says Belinda. “From top management to the most junior employee, we realize that sales and profits are a result of providing a quality product and service.” Belinda also believes customer satisfaction is related to how well her own employees enjoy their jobs. Stressing “team” in the teamwork concept as a way for the whole firm to be successful, GC Micro includes a workout gym. Employees can also take advantage of motivational training, personal growth training and professional sales training. Belinda has also been a strong advocate for minority business in America. In 1994, she won a major lawsuit that required federal agencies to release reports that document the level of small disadvantaged businesses subcontracting by prime contractors. In working with the National Association of Small Disadvantaged Businesses, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Business CEO Roundtable and the media, she continues to bring the needs of the minority business community to the attention of the White House and Congress. Belinda once summed up her “secret formula” for success as follows: “Take all the money you have in the world and add to that whatever you can borrow from friends and family members. Develop a good five-year business plan and stick to it. Invest 10 years of 14 to 16 hour days, six to seven days a week, giving your customers the highest levels of service and attention. Treat everyone on your staff like business partners. And always keep a close eye on your accounts receivable, your accounts payable and your financial statements.” |
Ms. Belinda Guadarrama|
1-800-GCMICRO ©1997-2008 GC Micro Corporation |
