Going for a million

[Huligar]

By Jondi Gumz
Sentinel Staff Writer

Live Oak resident Gina Lyons persuaded her husband, a contractor, to start their marble and granite contracting and supply company.
Lyons Marble and Granite Inc. tallied $29,000 in revenue the first year, $197,000 the second, and $550,000 the third. The biggest project so far: A 32-unit motel near the beach in Santa Cruz.
Now, Lyons wants to create a one-stop design center for remodeling projects.
Her pitch was good enough to earn a vote of confidence this month from the Make Mine a $Million Business Program, supported by such big names as Cisco and QVC. Out of more than 500 applicants, only 20 women entrepreneurs were chosen.
As a winner in the competition, sponsored by Count Me In, an online microlender, and OPEN from American Express, the division devoted to small business owners, Lyons will receive a year of mentoring from a team of business advisers, up to $45,000 in financing, exposure to marketing opportunities and access to a network of successful business women locally and nationally.
Another 20 entrepreneurs will be chosen this fall. Applications, due Oct. 5, are online at www.count-me-in.org
Sentinel business reporter Jondi Gumz interviewed Lyons about her success and her dreams for the future.
Q. What inspired you to start your business?
A. My parents owned their own business, a department store, in the Philippines. I propositioned my husband to do the business when he worked for another company. I saw business was booming. Property is very high now and people stay put. So there's a lot of remodeling going on. I thought I could do a better job. My husband and I are partners. We work hand in hand.
Q. How did you hear about the competition?
A. A client told me about it. Out of 507 applicants, they chose 33 whose propositions made sense. We had to compete at St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco in front of 650 people and they chose 20. People were clapping and telling me, "Awesome idea." I was greeted with a hug by Suze Orman. It was so exciting to see a lot of powerful women.
Q. What's your business plan?
A. Turn this shop into a design center. We don't have one in Santa Cruz. People have to go over the hill now. We'll hire an interior designer, provide space for interior design consultants and install design software so clients can visualize their project before they choose their materials.
Q. What's your business philosophy?
A. Treat people right. Without my clients, I wouldn't have any business. I treat my employees right. I tap their talent. Time is money, money is time.
Q. Tell me about a project you were happy with.
A. A client redid their house overlooking the ocean. We got materials from a supplier over the hill, and swirls came out of the stone.
You don't want to install a $10,000 kitchen and say I'm sorry. We laid it out on the counter to show them the pinwheels, then we contracted with someone to polish it for them, so it would be how it's supposed to be. They are so happy with it. They even gave us a tip.
Gina Lyons
Age: 44.
Title: President, Lyons Marble and Granite Inc., custom fabrication and installation services.
Located: 138 Fern St., Santa Cruz.
Started in: 2002.
Revenue: Over $500,000.
Employees: 7.
Family: Husband Jerry Lyons; daughter, 19, son, 17.