Client Corner

This client was featured in January 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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Dean Stumme
Zips Repair
New Hampton, Iowa

Back in 1976, when Dean Stumme first walked into Marv & Zips Repair, he was looking for a job. Today he owns the place. "It was always my intent to get formal training as a mechanic, but the opportunity was presented here for on-the-job training," Dean said.

Marv & Zips Repair started out in 1972 as a full service gas/auto repair station in downtown New Hampton, but grew rapidly through specializing in the repair of diesel powered engines. The business mainly repairs diesel engines for farm tractors and trucks. The repair shop is also known within the tractor pull circuit for modifying turbo chargers allowing for better performance of diesel engines.

Approaching retirement, Marvin Njus and Dennis Zipsie the original owners, presented Dean with another opportunity, to purchase the business. "I knew everything on the mechanical side but really needed direction on the business side," he said. "The UNI RBC provided me with that sense of direction."

Enrolling in the UNI RBC's Rural Business Accelerator Program offered in partnership with New Hampton Economic Development, Dean was introduced to the entrepreneurship network available in New Hampton. "I was able to visit with an attorney, an insurance person, accountant and banker specifically about my business," Dean said.

Through these meetings and with the help of a UNI RBC Business Counselor, Dean was able to craft a plan that secured financing to purchase the business and ease the transition of ownership. "We were able to develop a plan that allowed me to concentrate on repairs while allowing Marv and Dennis a part-time presence to stay in the business through leasing and selling farm implements," he said.

Dean plans to stay in touch with the UNI RBC using the MyEntreNet online business accelerator. Eventually he hopes to have an online presence for his business and wants to automate his record keeping through a computer aided accounting program.

"My only regret is I wish I would have done this sooner," Dean said. "Everyday I come to work it's a great feeling knowing I'm going to work for myself."

You can find Zips Repair at 412 W. Milwaukee St. (Hwy 24), New Hampton. Hours are M-F 8am-5:30pm. Call 641-394-3060 for more information.