The Small & Minority Business support program has played a pivotal role in the success story of RDS Distributing Inc, a distribution company that delivers bread, chips and other food items to grocery and convenience stores in Acadiana.
The Beginning
Over a year ago, we began collaborating with the owners, Roderick Simon and his brother, Reginald Serie. At that time, they were in the process of purchasing an established distribution route operating in Lafayette and the surrounding areas. The business owners secured a loan for the purchase. The route, valued at approximately $45,000 in March 2023, was their entry point into the business. Through diligent work and strategic planning, they not only maintained the route but significantly expanded it.
Rapid Growth in 12 Months
In just a year, RDS Distributing added over 30 additional stores to their delivery route. This expansion has more than doubled the route’s value and increased its annual revenue to well over six figures. A testament to their hard work and our program’s support, in April of this year, they reached a significant milestone by hiring another driver to manage the expanded route.
Small & Minority Business Support
The Small & Minority Business Support program assisted the business by doing the following:
- Guiding the owners through the state incorporation process for the business
- Helping to obtain other important formation documents, such as corporate bylaws and EIN verification letter Assisting with the execution of a business grant that the business received last year
- Guiding them through the initial steps of setting up their accounting system
One Acadiana’s Small and Minority Business Services, facilitated by Jack & Associates, are free of charge. Get started at OneAcadiana.org/SmallBiz.
