From the Bottom to the Top
Michael Alan Sees, an experienced wrestler with a 20 year old dream, wanted to create an environment for his children and the community’s to be competitive and have fun. “It has been my dream to offer quality coaching at reasonable prices to keep the kids off the streets and physically fit”. He used his wrestling knowledge and history to aid in the process of achieving this goal. Michael had started a wrestling club in his basement in 1987, where at first it was unknown but it grew to be a respected name in the wrestling community.
The club became a place for teaching kids aging from 2 years to college, wrestling, cheerleading and tumbling. Schools and parents were calling Michael about his wrestling programs; the increase in demand was so high that Michael saw a future business. He could now incorporate his vision for young people with his passion for wrestling in one solid idea. He would develop a sporting complex for wrestling and cheerleading where all athletes would be able to train. The name of the business would be called Sees-M.A.T.S. which meant “Mentoring Athletes Towards Success”. He wanted the business name to be known for its true goal.
Michael contacted the SBDC to help him organize and prepare to start his new business in another location. He attended a First Step Workshop to get the basics. The next move was to develop a business plan and have it reviewed for financing. The SBDC provided guidance and suggestions to improve the business plan. They also assisted in developing financial projections to demonstrate cash flow and profits. The consulting meetings and work produced results worthy of securing a loan from a local bank. Michael was now able to prepare to start his business See’s M.A.T.S.
See’s M.A.T.S. became successful at its start because of organization, preparation, and help from the SBDC. Michael had laid out his plan and executed it perfectly. The name and the business delivered the same message to everyone, “Mentoring Athletes Towards Success”. He has about 73 cheerleaders and 31 wrestlers already signed up for the grand opening. He might also expand into other activities such as karate and aerobics at the 12,000 square foot gym located on route 11 near Danville. There is a lot of interest in his business and he hopes to attract athletes from a 40 mile radius. It has been very successful because of all the work that has been put into it. Michael Alan Sees took his idea from the bottom and made into a business at the top.
