FSA, Inc. expands business opportunities through certification, contracts

FSA, Inc. of Hillsborough County

FSA, Inc. was established in 2003, when the construction industry was booming. Francisco Semsch has always believed that organizing and planning are the real keys to business success. He clearly understood all the “ins and outs” of the architectural industry; however, he also recognized that he needed to differentiate his company from the competitors in order to achieve real success.

Semsch learned about the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County and took advantage of the no-cost consulting services being offered. He scheduled his first consulting appointment with certified business consultant, Janette Blanco. He was interested in learning about business trends and creating marketing strategies that would set his business apart from the competition. Together they created a plan of action. Marketing strategies were developed and incentive programs that the business may qualify for were reviewed.

As a result of the consultation services provided, FSA Inc. worked closely with the FSBDC at Hillsborough County and applied for and received various certifications, which include:

• 8(a)
• SBA Small Disadvantage Business Certification (SDB)
• Minority Business Enterprise (Hillsborough County)
• Federal Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE)

During one of his consultation sessions with Blanco, they prepared his Hillsborough County Job Creation Program Application. In May 2012, he qualified for the program and hired three additional employees, which included a project manager, a project coordinator and a controller. Semsch successfully completed the program in September 2012 and his company continues to grow. FSA, Inc., has grown from two employees to 12 within two years.

The pair continue to meet on a regular basis to review his financials, update his business plan and continuously research new marketing strategies.

Semsch says he is appreciative of how the FSBDC at Hillsborough County has provided the assistance needed to obtain success through difficult times. “It is always good to get business advice and help from someone who talks our own engineering language,” he said.

FSA, Inc. has assembled a design/build team of professionals with experience in Federal projects performing work for The Army Corp of Engineers, United State Coast Guard, OBO, Navy and the Veterans Administration.

FSA, Inc. had gross revenue sales of $639,000 in 2011 and sales revenues continued to grow in 2012, exceeding $1.2 million.

Currently, FSA, Inc. is working on contracts with the Coast Guard, U.S. Army, City of Tampa and actively participating in Hillsborough County bid opportunities as well as partnering with other construction companies.