Lincoln Environmental Services

James Grover constructed the infrastructure of the business, policies, contacts, goals, work plans and permits during the first couple of months of business startup. He also organized the part-time employee pool which met all guidelines established by OSHA for hazardous materials employees.

The primary function of their business was to target over the road (OTR) accidents or incidents involving hazardous materials and petroleum spills. The first year the business captured gross income of $107,000 which was enough to keep the business going. Each succeeding year brought more growth and increased revenues. A strategic partnership between Brett’s Towing and Lincoln Environmental Services further expanded the success of Gary and James. Because of this alliance they were able to construct a winning bid in 1998 to provide the U.S. Air Force for an emergency response team related to the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program at Hill Air Force Base (HAFB). That initial contract was signed in June of 1999 and lasted for five years. The contract was then extended for one year during which another winning bid was written giving James and Gary another five year revenue stream.

The project was not with out its challenges though. For instance, one of the challenges Lincoln Environmental Services had to overcome in order to receive this contract was a revamped accounting system which followed “cost accounting” principles. James and the company CPA understood the basic meaning and intent of this prerequisite yet they were unable to successfully implement this requirement on their own. One of the auditors with the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) suggested using the Small Business Administration for guidance regarding “cost accounting”. This suggestion proved to be just what they needed.

Terry said “Beverly King, who works at the Small Business Development Center at Weber State University, was the counselor assigned to solve Lincoln’s “cost accounting” problem. To say that her contribution was staggering is understating what she contributed to the company. Beverly’s prior experience as an accountant with another large government contractor lent itself to our situation perfectly. She understood where the government wanted to go with the “cost accounting” requirement. She, in conjunction with the CPA’s office, altered our accounting system to provide all the information required in a timely and efficient manner. In addition, Beverly has continually provided excellent counsel regarding recurring questions Lincoln Environmental has received from DFAS.”

Revenues from the HAFB contract alone are currently over $500,000 annually. James and Gary know that without the help of their local SBDC their success would have been slower and more difficult.