Battery Solutions Inc.
CLIENT: Margaret Gafford
BUSINESS: Battery Wholesale
LOCATION: Lubbock, TX
Margaret Gafford started Battery Solutions, Inc. in 2000 as a wholesale business that provided a wide selection of batteries but specialized in the sale of automotive and industrial batteries. In 2001, Ms. Gafford turned to the NWT PTAC for help in expanding her market by pursuing government contracting opportunities. The center helped her register as a vendor with the State of Texas and the Federal Government and provided her information on bid opportunities through our automated bid match service and our Local Bid Sheet. We also helped her become certified in the Historically Underutilized Business, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs for State contracts, and the HUBZone Program for Federal contracts. With our assistance, they won a State Term Contract to provide automotive batteries to all state agencies. Because of their excellent performance and outstanding customer service, they have retained the contract since 2004. Recently, PAC helped Ms. Gafford obtain a multiple-award schedule contract with General Services Administration which will enable her to more effectively sell batteries to Federal Agencies. Thanks to NWT PTAC's assistance, Battery Solutions succeeded in winning a number of large state and local government contracts. Between 2001 and 2011, the number of employees grew by 300% and annual sales increased by over 400%.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Ms. Gafford received the “Women in Business Champion Award for 2011” from the Lubbock District Office of the Small Business Administration. Ms. Gafford stated, “The success of her company is due in large measure to the expert assistance, positive attitude, and genuine interest demonstrated by the counselors of the Procurement Assistance Center.”