The Golden Isles Helps Manufacturers Start & Grow
By: Vanessa Wagner, Director of Business Development & Strategic Programs
The owner of sml surf co., Geoffrey Gable, is a local board shaper and manufacturer located in Brunswick, GA. For the past 20 years, Geoffrey’s creative outlet was crafting culinary masterpieces at four and five-star resorts. Five years ago Geoffrey caught the surf bug and began shaping and repairing boards in his free time. Since then, he has founded sml surf Co. to support, and grow, the surf community in the Golden Isles.
sml surf co. moved from Geoffrey’s home-based business to a small studio in Historic Brunswick nearly two years ago. In that time, the demand for his products and other services have increased. As a startup, he faced the challenge of access to capital to support a larger space, and the equipment, to help him meet production goals and efficiency needed to keep up with the demand.
The Golden Isles Development Authority worked with the Downtown Development Authority to help Geoffrey navigate the real estate market and availability. After Geoffrey secured a larger shop that also increases his visibility, he applied for a Share the Future-Innovating award. Geoffrey moved into a new location in September of 2020 that allows him to produce more boards and related services.
“ I want to make boards for people to enjoy more waves. I had times where I didn’t surf and focused too much on work and didn’t realize how much the saltwater, once you are in it, cures your soul. ”
Additionally, the Development Authority approved a Share the Future award of $6,233.94 in November to help him purchase the equipment needed to produce more products, faster.
During the November meeting, Geoffrey shared his goals of doubling production in the coming year. He also shared that the new equipment will allow him to make replacement parts and surf accessories that his customers would otherwise need to purchase from outside of the area.
The Golden Isles community has a history of supporting boutique manufacturing and continues to find new ways to help entrepreneurs start and grow.
Some of the tools and resources utilized by our manufacturing startups include:
- 1 Million Cups-Entrepreneurs can crowdsource ideas for their business at the monthly 1 Million Cups Brunswick.
- Small Business Development Center- Both startups and growing firms can benefit from the business workshops and one-on-coaching provided at the Brunswick office.
- SCORE Mentors– Do you have a technical question about business insurance, marketing, or legal? Connect with retired professionals who volunteer at SCORE, helping entrepreneurs on the coast.
- Peer-to-Peer Networking– A new monthly meetup, Golden Isles Maker Meetup, welcomes other makers to connect and talk shop in a safe space.
The team at the Golden Isles Development is available to connect you to these resources and more. Contact Sherri Pruitt, Business Retention Expansion Coordinator, to start the conversation.
