Bob Simpson is the SBA’s Small Business Person Of The Year – ‘read more’ for the official SBA statement.
Administrator Linda McMahon, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has announced this year’s Small Business Person of the Year winners from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. All of the winners have been invited to attend National Small Business Week ceremonies in Washington, D.C on April 29-30 where they will be honored with their individual award along with special recognition of the three runners-up and the naming of the 2018 National Small Business Person of the Year.
Iowa’s 2018 SBA Small Business Person of the Year is Bob Simpson, President of Big River Packaging Company in Clinton, Iowa.
After his hometown of Clinton lost 355 jobs from the International Paper plant closure in 2001, Simpson saw an opportunity for a niche market business utilizing the experienced professionals who remained in the region.
It started with bakery boxes. Artisan bakers worldwide needed better packaging to present and protect their cupcakes, macarons and other treats. Bob and his team at Big River Packaging had the recipe for success. His 33 years of production and management expertise in the folding carton industry led to his reputation as a problem solver and turnaround specialist.
Big River Packaging opened in 2005, eventually expanding into a vacant big box retail location, and now employs 39 people. The company’s creation and growth has been assisted by five SBA loans, each of which has been paid in full. Nearly all of Big River Packaging’s sales come through its e-commerce site, BRPBoxShop.com. Social media has provided BRP the platforms to establish relationships with the baking artists they serve. This two-way communication has been critical for developing new products, reaching new customers, and making the business of boxes personable and fun. Today, the business serves over 120,000 different customers, including a small volume of international sales.
“It is an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of the people I work with in Clinton, Iowa,” said Simpson. “We are a successful small business because of the way we relate to one another, coach each other, and look out for one another. The importance we place on personal relationships spills over into how we serve our customers. I am humbled to be named Iowa’s SBA Small Business Person of the Year but I am filled with pride to shine a light on the people of Big River Packaging.”
Simpson was nominated by Andy Sokolovich, Existing Industry Manager of the Clinton Regional Development Corporation and by Maureen Miller, President and CEO of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It is my honor and distinct pleasure to announce the 52 winners from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico,” McMahon said. “These small business owners define entrepreneurial spirit and best represent the 30 million small businesses that are the backbone and economic engine of our economy. I look forward to welcoming the winners to Washington next month when they are officially honored for their achievements.”
Each year since 1963, the president has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week is set as the first week in May, and this year the dates are April 29 – May 5.
