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This client was featured in April 2004. 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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Robert Bond
Ohler Machinery Company
Janesville, IA

Robert Bond and his family were in search of change when they stumbled upon an opportunity to buy the Ohler Machinery Company in 2003. Their work history in manufacturing had taken them from machine operation and quality to management, but they hungered for more out of life. Combining his business interests and talents with those of his family, Robert, his brothers and parents felt they made a great entrepreneurial team and took the plunge.

The Bond family purchased Ohler Machinery Company on April 16, 2003 and were able to keep the doors open through the transition. Without existing customers and loyal employees, Robert says they may not have gotten through it.

Ohler Machinery Company offers many services from manufacturing pumps to contracting manufacturing. They produce for both the local market and for the military, who is the primary buyer of pumps. They recently broke into the private sector in Canada, along with other international accounts in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Israel.

Although the company name is Bond Industries, they do business as Ohler Machinery Company, and is said to have "the bullet-proof pump." Beyond names, however, the business is known for quality. Their product is durable, rugged, and dependable. Robert believes that this unique element will keep them successful. "Many businesses cut costs by cutting quality, but we don't," he says.

To businesses striving for success, Robert offers some advice: he believes that preparing yourself with a good business plan, finding the right banker, and having a good amount of experience in the field will ensure achievement. His own challenges included financing, operating costs, and understanding what makes a business profitable.

By taking advice from the UNI Regional Business Center, Waverly Economic Development, and Blackhawk Economic Development, the Bond family has overcome those challenges, and has increased sales beyond their level of hope and projection. When asked if he would do it over again, Robert answered with an energetic "absolutely!" They overcame many struggles and learned a great deal from their experiences.

The Bonds continue to utilize RBC services for help with growth, education, and advice. Bond Industries found the RBC to be most helpful in providing them with an achievable and realistic budget and goals. "The RBC guided the path to profit," as Robert Bond says.

Robert Bond
Ohler Machinery Company
Sales and Marketing Manager
robert@ohler-machinery.com
Phone: 319-987-2121
Fax: 319-987-2161
www.ohler-machinery.com

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