Client Corner

This client was featured in July 2003. The information in this profile was accurate at the time of writing. Please contact us if you believe something should be changed.

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Dan Corbin
Dan Corbin, Inc.
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Can you say Photogrammetrist?

Dan Corbin can. And with 14 years of experience as a certified photogrammetrist, he felt ready to tackle the challenges of establishing his own business. With the help of the UNI Regional Business Center, it only took Corbin three months to get his business going. He named his business Dan Corbin Inc., and has an office in the basement of his Cedar Falls home.

Dan Corbin knew he could use his experience and unique knowledge in photogrammetry for his own business venture. For months, he had gone over ideas in his head for a business plan.

When it was time to write the plan, he came to the UNI Regional Business Center. He and his wife enrolled in the Smart Start workshop to learn the basics of starting the business.Corbin then made appointments with Avriel Davis, a program manager and counselor.

"I relied heavily on the RBC to put together my business plan. I included a table of contents and was able to impress the bankers!"

With Davis' help, he also found the best financial options. "Avriel focused on what was available and what the best option was instead of going after everything. That saved lots of time and gave me the best return."

Dan Corbin Inc. offers consulting services to county engineers, municipalities, states and private enterprises. Corbin provides independent mapping consulting for geographic information systems and global positioning systems.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are data linked to maps through special software. They allow quick and accurate utilization of geographical information for research and planning uses. A global positioning system, or GPS, is survey equipment that uses NAVSTAR, the satellite constellation developed by the U.S. military. The GPS is fast becoming in integral tool for the geographic information systems in their surveying, engineering, and collection of data.

Dan Corbin Inc. provides training for the proper procedures involved with GPS systems. Corbin performs an initial consultation with his customers and estimates costs and the work needed. He assists in the quality-based selection of mapping vendors and providers. As an independent consultant, Corbin is able to offer a non-biased standpoint for his customers' decisions. His business is unique in that he pays close attention to detail and builds quality relationships with county officials. The business slogan for Dan Corbin Inc. is "Striving For Excellence."

Dan Corbin said the greatest reward of his business is "the satisfaction from the clients; knowing they are happy with my services and being able to help them." He is glad he utilized the services at the UNI Regional Business Center. "Without the RBC, my business wouldn't be going. It takes more than just a good idea." When asked what every entrepreneur needs to be successful, Corbin said, "You need to have something unique to offer, be willing to take risks, and have a strong work ethic and desire to succeed."