Celebrate Mardi Gras with Port City Floats
Port City Floats LLC emerged as Mobile’s first public Mardi Gras float barn, offering float rental, storage, and building services to support the area’s long-standing Mardi Gras culture. Identifying a growing demand among Mystic Societies and local community groups for accessible, year-round float storage and rentals, Port City Floats established a dedicated facility for these needs. The company provides secure storage, rental options, and even builds new floats for groups seeking to expand their parades.
Port City Floats LLC is co-owned by Dalton Mabien, Kenneth Mabien and Letitia Mabien.
Challenges
When Port City Floats approached the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in September 2020, we encountered several challenges typical for new businesses, particularly one with a unique focus: Location, Location and Location in conjunction with funding needs.
- Business Planning: Navigating the intricacies of startup planning, financial forecasting, licensing, and compliance was daunting. With SBDC Advisor Mel Washington’s guidance Letitia Mabien was encouraged to join the Mobile Minority Business Development (MBD) program offered by the Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama. This program was developed for minority entrepreneurs (at the pre-venture stage) with conceptual business ideas. Mel felt the program, of which the SBDC was an active participant, would help her further develop their idea and validate their business proposition. Also, to expose Letitia to the importance of business planning and preparing a pitch.
Capital Funding: Securing the right property was critical for our operations. Initially, Port City Floats acquired a 7.59-acre site with plans for a 50,000 sq. ft. facility offering multiple access points. Mel’s support in connecting us with an environmental and civil engineering firm (Dorsey & Dorsey Engineering and Gant Group & Associates LLC proved invaluable. However, unforeseen challenges with the local utility companies led us to reconsider this location. We then identified a lot in downtown Mobile on Royal Street near the parade routes, which offered prime real estate for parades and floats. Unfortunately, due to soil contamination issues and the need for additional testing and remediation identified in the Phase 3 inspection, we were unable to proceed there. However, we persisted and finally on April 22, 2024, we purchased a 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 1700 Midway Ave, featuring four bay doors, a conference room, and ample space for expansion on a 2.5-acre lot within Mobile’s city limits. Securing this property was made possible through a $1,137,834 SBA 7(a) loan, facilitated by Mel’s guidance and support, and our banker at Hancock Whitney. This location not only provides proximity to downtown parade routes but also supports additional preloading events, venue space, and future growth.
Capital Funding: Securing the right property was critical for our operations. Initially, Port City Floats acquired a 7.59-acre site with plans for a 50,000 sq. ft. facility offering multiple access points. Mel’s support in connecting us with an environmental and civil engineering firm (Dorsey & Dorsey Engineering and Gant Group & Associates LLC proved invaluable. However, unforeseen challenges with the local utility companies led us to reconsider this location. We then identified a lot in downtown Mobile on Royal Street near the parade routes, which offered prime real estate for parades and floats. Unfortunately, due to soil contamination issues and the need for additional testing and remediation identified in the Phase 3 inspection, we were unable to proceed there. However, we persisted and finally on April 22, 2024, we purchased a 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 1700 Midway Ave, featuring four bay doors, a conference room, and ample space for expansion on a 2.5-acre lot within Mobile’s city limits. Securing this property was made possible through a $1,137,834 SBA 7(a) loan, facilitated by Mel’s guidance and support, and our banker at Hancock Whitney. This location not only provides proximity to downtown parade routes but also supports additional preloading events, venue space, and future growth.
Solutions Provided by SBDC
SBDC Advisor Mel Washington played a crucial role in our overcoming these challenges, offering targeted solutions:
- Financial Guidance and Loan Assistance: Mel collaborated closely with Port City Floats to develop a thorough Business Plan and Financial Projections. These were instrumental in securing the loan with Hancock Whitney Bank and covering essential upfront costs for launch.
- Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies: Our SBDC advisor helped Port City Floats design a strategic marketing plan centered on social media, community partnerships, and awareness campaigns to connect potential customers and local businesses.
Outcome
With the SBDC’s support, Port City Floats launched successfully and has been experiencing steady growth. Clients consistently praise the quality of services provided, and strategic marketing is building a loyal customer base, allowing the company to engage deeply with the community and expand its offerings.
Impact
Port City Floats is a testament to the power of vision, especially when combined with expert guidance from the SBDC. Successfully navigating the complexities of launching a unique business, Port City Floats has become a vital community resource supporting Mobile’s rich Mardi Gras heritage and providing jobs. The success of Port City Floats illustrates how the SBDC can help small businesses overcome obstacles and transform challenges into thriving enterprises.