Executive StaffKay Reynolds President/Partner kreynolds@toolsforbusiness.info Kay has 42 years of economic development experience, most recently as head of the California Academy for Economic Development and Vice President of the California Association for Local Economic Development. Read More Carolyn Usinger President/Partner cusinger@toolsforbusiness.info Carolyn has over 20 years experience in helping small businesses start and comply with government requirements. She developed a series of Business Start-Up Kits that were published through... Read More Saba Hailu Contractor Saba has over 10 years of project management experience with an emphasis on technology market research. She has used her sociology degree and marketing expertise to assist private sector companies... Read More | |
Tools for Business Success - A HistoryTwo Visions - A Unique New Way to Help Small BusinessesIn 2007, two women, from very different backgrounds, had a similar vision of a new way of delivering resources to small businesses. Carolyn Usinger, a California entrepreneur, had spent several decades creating Business Startup Kits and a Business Bookstore. She had worked with the California Chamber of Commerce and the state’s Community College Small Business Development Centers in delivering these resources. Visions Become a RealityBut, having a vision means nothing, if you don’t know how to make it a reality. In early 2007, the timing was perfect when Carolyn Usinger connected with Kay at the Academy. Carolyn had a similar vision and, most importantly, the technical skill to make it happen. Carolyn agreed to develop the Tools for Business Success, building on what she had already done, and then help The Academy and CALED deliver the new service. This new approach to gathering and delivering business resources is unique, efficient, and builds the relationships between small businesses, potential entrepreneurs, and local organizations. California and BeyondIn mid-2007, Carolyn and Kay formed Tools for Business Success, LLC. Kay left the Academy and CALED, to focus on the national market and Carolyn divided her time between supporting the Tools concept in California and expanding into the other states. All the while, the scope of business resources grew significantly. In December 2009, The Tools hired Saba Hailu, a marketing professional with more than ten years experience in project management with a focus on technology market research. By 2010, the Academy turned its clients over to the LLC, with the understanding that CALED members would continue to receive substantial discounts. In response to its continued national growth, the company augmented its staff with several part-time contractors to provide technical and operational support. |