NVL Laboratories, Inc.

Prior to starting NVL Laboratories, Inc. Munaf worked for a similar business for seven years. Then in 1995, he decided to take the leap and start his own company serving King and Snohomish Counties. He knew he would be able to utilize his prior experience to market the business. However, his biggest challenge was to learn how to manage all other aspects of his company, especially since NVL Laboratories, Inc. experienced rapid growth. They doubled every year during the first few years, growing to 25 employees and a few million dollars in revenues.

During the last few years Munaf automated all aspects of his testing procedure and record keeping and hired skilled staff to bring in fresh energy. He realized, though, that he still needed additional resources not available in-house to assist him with his business concerns. In 2006, while looking for assistance in business advising, he became aware of the U.S Small Business Administration and through them found the Edmonds Community College SBDC. Munaf contacted the SBDC and requested help with growth and organizational development issues.

The SBDC advisor worked with Munaf on benchmarking best practices to come up with a strategic action plan for growth. She also got Munaf in touch with valuable consultants, provided resources where needed, supplied financial analysis and bookkeeping guidance, and brought new vision for NVL Laboratories.

The Edmonds Community College SBDC also partnered with UW Bothell to bring a student team of consultants to work with NVL Labs. The students provided more in depth work on job descriptions and performance standards for some of the positions at NVL Laboratories. Now that those issues have been addressed, Munaf ’s goal is not only to double again in five years, but also to become the architect of his own business and serve more of an advisor than a day-to-day operator.