Business Acquisition Creates Booming Success in Tampa Bay

Certified Boom Repair & Anchor Machine and Fabrication of Hillsborough County

Since 1986, a Tampa-based crane repair business, Certified Boom Repair, and machine fabrication company, Anchor Machine and Fabrication, has been serving the heavy equipment industry with precision and integrity. Founded by a skilled technician who began his career repairing frames on big trucks in the automotive industry, the business evolved to specialize in crane repair—particularly the intricate work of restoring booms across various crane models. Over time, the company acquired a machine fabrication business, enhancing their ability to provide in-house solutions and expanding their capabilities under one umbrella.

The next owner sought to take the company to new heights. With plans to acquire both established businesses and maintain their legacy, Jeremy Fremin, turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for guidance. Business consultant Brad Owens provided strategic support in developing business plans and financial projections, essential tools that led to a successful loan acquisition through Cogent Bank.

“Kevin at Cogent [Bank] had a relationship with Brad in a previous life and was able to get me connected into the Small Business Development Center at USF with that relationship. Both the financial evaluation piece of it but also the business plan piece was really the key catalyst for that recommendation by the bank was as I was developing a business plan, I wanted to have somebody really help me understand what is the bank looking for, because I wanted them to loan me the money, but also I wanted a plan that actually helped guide the way I was gonna manage and grow the business, and not just something that was shelf wear that was just there to check a box on a checklist,” Fremin said.

The funding enabled the client to acquire the two complementary companies, ensuring continuity and growth. With the foundation solidified, the business is now positioned to expand its customer base and workforce while continuing to support critical industries.

“Because business is going, some might say booming, because of that we have a need for additional staff to catch up,” Fremin said. “We are frankly kind of slowly running out of resources to be able to deliver as quickly as customers need, which is a great problem to have. And so, we have a new welder starting soon. We already have a new machinist – both manual and CNC machinist. We are in the pipeline for both another welder and another manual and CNC machinist currently. So, with a 32-person company, you’re talking about hiring two to four people in the first couple of months. That’s decent growth to get right off the ground,” Fremin added.

Looking ahead, the company plans to lean on the Florida SBDC at USF for additional SEO

and marketing insight. I continue to engage with the Small Business Development Center. Brad has been great getting me introductions into other resources in the office. I already have somebody who’s evaluating our websites. We have a very nascent e-commerce portion of our website for parts and supplies and those sorts of things that are, frankly, underperforming and have a really good opportunity for growth for us in the business. So being able to tap into people who really understand that and can guide us and give us some recommendations is gonna be great,” Fremin explained.

When asked about giving any advice to small business owners seeking help, Fremin said, “Look, regardless of where you are in the country, reach out to your local small business development center. They’re great resources. They’re on your side and there are things that you can really tap into.”