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Amy Pieh Supplies the Tools Workers Need

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Business owner carries on family tradition.

Missing the collapse of the San Francisco Bay Bridge by seconds during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake is just a shadow of the blessings, hardships and successes of Pieh Tool Company President Amy Pieh’s remarkable life.

“I was on the top of the Bay Bridge and I didn’t feel anything, but the second I got off, the bridge was swinging,” she said.

Brought up in a maze of tools in Burlington, Wisconsin, Pieh’s parents, Bill and Bonnie, owned an internationally known tool company, Centaur Forge, that served blacksmiths and farriers all around the world since 1960. “When my dad died in 2000, it was such a loss to the industry.  People came from all over; it was amazing.” Amy lost her mother 18 months later.

Caring about others was the No. 1 priority for her parents, says Pieh, and through the business, they made a lot of friends. “Their goal was to provide a vast selection of products for the best value,” she said.

Joining the U.S. Air Force after high school, Pieh landed in the San Francisco Bay area. “I couldn’t fly due to a depth perception issue, so I became a metallurgical inspector.  In this assignment, I did non-destructive inspection, where I inspected every part of aircrafts, all the way down to the oil. After separating from the military, I continued as an inspector in aerospace and gravitated to inspection at power plants, nuclear and fossil fuel.”

For a short period, Pieh returned to Wisconsin to help her mother with the business. “I realized there was more to my returning home than just helping out. I was preparing to carry on a 40-year family [business] tradition.” Blacksmithing itself is a 61-year Pieh family tradition.

A visit to Sedona clarified her future. “I was coming into the Village of Oak Creek and just around the first bend by Bell Rock, a vision of my mom and her wonderful smiling eyes came about and I could hear her voice saying, ‘Do it right here.’ So I got an [real estate] agent and found a building in Camp Verde.”

Seeking help from the Small Business Administration mentoring program, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Pieh was able to move forward. “They were a great help developing my business plan and gave me direction to continue my parent’s legacy.”

On May 17, 2003, she says people came from near and far to attend her grand opening, a big event that she hosted five months into her pregnancy.

Down the line, hardship ensued and Pieh almost lost the business, but as a single mother, managed to pull through. “The towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood embraced me and helped me and my son, William.”

Along with her main office in Camp Verde, Pieh has another retail location in Cave Creek and a third tool mail order business in Anthem.

“I met Amy in Wisconsin through my daughter, Sara, who was also in the Air Force,” said Pieh Tool Company Graphic Designer and close friend, Ann Jackson, who works at the Camp Verde shop.  “Amy is one of the most incredible women I’ve ever known and to do what she has done is incredible.  She continues to amaze me!”

A walk inside Pieh Tool Company in Camp Verde is a well-stocked and immaculate menagerie of blacksmithing and farrier tools, a full wall of horseshoes, anvils, swage blocks, abrasive tools kits, stands, forges, hammers, art supplies for blacksmiths, patinas and everything from aprons and books to beginner blacksmith kits.

There’s even a line of tools under the Pieh Legacy Collection, including a series of blacksmithing tongs named Billy to honor her late father.  “I have my own line of hammers, too, and hoof knives called Billy and Bonnie, also named after my parents.”

“I love working for Amy,” said new employee, Pieh Tool Company Accounting Manager Jackie Bonney. “She is a brilliant woman and as a woman and single mother, she has done everything on her own. Sometimes I have to laugh because it’s such a whirlwind around here, but I have so much admiration for Amy and I can’t believe she’s done so much, especially going through COVID. People don’t realize the impact of not being able to get products and the cost of freight that changes hourly. It’s very difficult but she’s kept people working through all of that.”

Blacksmithing and knifemaking classes are popular at Pieh Tool and are held monthly, nine months out of the year. Master Bladesmith Raymond Rybar, one of 150 Master Smiths registered worldwide by the American Blacksmith Society, is an instructor, along with Prescott-based Oso Blanco Ironworks owner Dylan Cook.

“Amy has done a great job creating a resource for blacksmiths in tool distribution and educational opportunities,” said Cook, who has taught beginning blacksmithing classes for six years at the Camp Verde location.

Currently, customer accounts have totaled more than 50,000. Annually, they produce a 180-page blacksmith and farrier supply catalog.

“I believe my mom and dad would be very proud that I was able to establish Pieh Tool Company and carry on the traditions that they practiced for most of their lives.  I could not have done any of this without their inspiration, motivation and incredible example. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

To contact Pieh Tool Company visit their website at pieltoolco.com or call 888-743-4866.

Restaurants Feeling Relief

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Area establishments credit SBA funds and loyal customers for easing the economic impact of the pandemic.

Business is improving at restaurants in Prescott, Flagstaff and Sedona as we emerge from the pandemic, which has hit restaurants especially hard.

In early May, Arizona Congressman Tom O’Halleran announced that the Small Business Administration’s $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund had begun accepting applications. Many restaurants in Central and Northern Arizona have either already received or applied for these funds.

Priority for the first 21 days was given to restaurants owned by women, veterans or groups that are socially or economically disadvantaged. Rep. O’Halleran issued a statement acknowledging that independent restaurants are important to their communities, but many are at risk of closing their doors because of the pandemic.

Restaurant owners can find information and apply to the Restaurant Revitalization program at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

Lisa Dahl, CEO and chef at Dahl Restaurant Group, said it has been a challenging time for her five Sedona restaurants. “Because our core group is strong, we put our heads together to strategize each and every move. The large picture is complex and involves everything from forecasting, supply chain issues and seeking a qualified workforce,” she said.

The Dahl Restaurant Group operates Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Pisa Lisa, Butterfly Burger and Cucina Rustica Tuscan Grill. Dahl said she’s never experienced anything like this, where one day they would be open and the next day they would be closed.

“After 25 years in the restaurant business, I have to say it is very different. The new normal is being hyper-focused on the health of our employees and guests,” she said. “The past workflow of preparing to welcome guests has changed. The emotions for everyone run deep. And we see guests crack and employees need a day off more than usual. Everyone has changed as a result of COVID. Normal is redefining itself before our eyes.”

The Dahl Restaurant Group was able to obtain funds from the SBA for restaurant revitalization. During the pandemic, Dahl said, they had to spend more money on signage, sanitation stations and supplies like masks and gloves. “In a few instances, we’ve added additional guest relations [services] so we can communicate effectively and help set guest expectations,” she said.

Her goals throughout the pandemic included keeping employees safe, well advised and realistic about expectations through changing circumstances. “Our guests during each stage were complimentary. And most appreciated our preventative measures which we took to safeguard their health and ours,” she said.

The new normal that is likely to continue may include smaller numbers of guests. “I’ve always been vigilant about quality control, consistency and cleanliness. Our staff has focused on these standards and I am very proud of them. We always had a strong culinary presence, but it has been a challenge with a reduced workforce. We will continue to improve through this process. Part of our early strategy was to build back stronger and be more efficient with better training,” she said.

Kelly Hanseth, owner of Lumberyard Tap Room and Grille, said it was a struggle during the pandemic because the establishment had to pivot every six months. “We’re almost getting back to normal. Social distancing and expanding our patio has really helped,” she said. “But we’re not at 100%. We have no bar seating and our country dancing is not back up to speed yet.”

Lumberyard Tap Room and Grille did not apply for the most recent round of SBA funds, as Hanseth says they are not needed at this time. Although, she says the Lumberyard had to spend more during the pandemic because of the need for plexiglass partitions, masks and gloves. Small pivots have large impacts. For example, she says it costs more to buy ketchup packets rather than ketchup bottles.

In the last year, the Lumberyard saw a lot of new customers as the regulars kept coming. The restaurant offered take-out through much of the pandemic. With the restaurant back to full service, customers were lining up again outside on a recent Saturday, waiting to get in. “We’re really happy with how patient our customers have been,” she said. “We still wear masks, gloves and practice social distancing.”

Goods from the Garden at the Gateway Mall in Prescott offers catering services, take out, dine-in service and a Sunday brunch. Co-owner Debbie Maranville said they lost most of their catering events during the pandemic. “We’re not normal yet, but we’re regrowing,” she said.

Goods from the Garden has received SBA grants to help the business through the pandemic, which, like other restaurants, required more spending for supplies and additional labor to serve fewer customers because of social distancing rules.

“Amazing” is how she describes her customers during the pandemic. “Customers were very supportive. They would get weekly meals from us. Some used social media to get the word out.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners and Renters

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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Arizona Small Businesses.

Small nonfarm businesses in all 15 Arizona counties and neighboring counties in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.
These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Jan. 1, 2021. 
Primary Arizona counties:  Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma;

Neighboring California counties:  Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino;

Neighboring Colorado county:  Montezuma;

Neighboring Nevada counties:  Clark and Lincoln;

Neighboring New Mexico counties:  Catron, Cibola, Grant, Hidalgo, McKinley and San Juan;

Neighboring Utah counties:  Kane, San Juan and Washington.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Garfield said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 3 percent for businesses and 2 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Garfield said.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on March 5, 2021.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.
The deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 5, 2021.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

SBA Re-Opens PPP to Community Financial Institutions

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The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal today at 9 am ET. SBA is continuing its dedicated commitment to underserved small businesses and to addressing potential access to capital barriers by initially granting PPP access exclusively to community financial institutions (CFIs) that typically serve these concerns. 

When the PPP loan portal re-opened today, it initially accepted First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and Microloan Intermediaries. These lenders made up approximately 10% of all PPP participating lenders in 2020. A First Draw PPP loan is for those borrowers who have yet to receive a PPP loan before the program closed in August 2020.  

On Jan. 13, 2021, participating CFIs may begin submitting application information to SBA for Second Draw PPP loans. A Second Draw PPP loan is for certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan, generally have 300 employees or less, and has suffered a 25% reduction in gross receipts. At least $15 billion is set aside for additional PPP lending by CFIs. 

A few days later, additional lenders will be able to submit First and Second draw PPP loan applications.SBA will continue to provide updates on systems operations during the week of Jan. 11, 2021. Additionally, SBA plans to dedicate specific times to process and assist the smallest PPP lenders with loan applications from eligible small businesses. 

The opening of the SBA loan system is designed to efficiently and effectively implement the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and to ensure increased access to the PPP for minority-, underserved-, veteran- and women-owned small business concerns. SBA also is calling upon its lending partners to redouble their efforts to assist eligible borrowers in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.­

5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business 

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In the middle of a pandemic that has taken so much from us, acts of celebration and sharing hold an even deeper significance.  Although our holidays celebrations will look different this year, our values remain unchanged.  This is a season of caring, a season of giving.  We each look for ways to ease suffering and connect with our loved ones, even if over a computer screen.  As we care for our neighbors by donating meals and gifts and prepare the same for our families, I urge you to make those purchases from local small businesses.   

Arizona’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of our communities.  The impact of the pandemic has been particularly difficult on our small businesses.  And still, small business owners continue to demonstrate their resilience and commitment to meet the moment before them.  As the world changed almost overnight, small business owners pivoted just as quickly to offer new modes of purchase, go virtual and look after the well-being of their employees, customers and communities.  Now more than ever, small businesses need our support as they navigate, retool and further pivot to endure through the pandemic and beyond.   

Celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a way for us to support independently-owned businesses. When we shop small on Saturday, November 28, we ensure that our purchases make a difference.  Here are five ways to thank a small business this holiday season: 

  1. Go virtual.  Small retailers have made shopping both safe and convenient through delivery and curb-side pickup.  Visit the websites of your favorite small businesses to complete your contact-free purchases. 
  2. Buy gift cards. These are offered by local restaurants, cafes and breweries for take-out or to save for later use.  Just like retailers, food and beverage businesses offer safe and easy online ordering and curbside pick-up. 
  3. Support the arts.  Visit the websites of your favorite local music and theatre organizations to purchase tickets to virtual concerts and performances. 
  4. Get social (media). Share and engage with social media content from your favorite small business in order to boost their online marketing efforts.  And be sure to leave a positive online review. 
  5. Go local. Visit the website of your local chambers of commerce to find a directory of small businesses.  While there, look how to join their socially distanced and virtual activities in celebration of Small Business Saturday and the holiday season. 

 

For more information on how to be a part of Small Business Saturday, visit www.sba.gov/saturday.  Small Businesses can find more tips on how to boost holiday sales and take advantage of local business counseling, training and financing resources by visiting www.sba.gov.   

 

This holiday season, take care, stay safe and support small business. 

 

By Robert J. Blaney, SBA Arizona District Director 

 

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

 

Deadline Approaching in Arizona for  SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought

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Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in eight Arizona counties and neighboring counties in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah of the Nov. 7, 2020, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Jan. 1, 2020. 
Primary Arizona counties: Apache, Coconino and Navajo;

Neighboring Arizona counties:  Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Mohave and Yavapai;

Neighboring Colorado county:  Montezuma;

Neighboring New Mexico counties:  Catron, Cibola, McKinley and San Juan;

Neighboring Utah counties:  Kane and San Juan.
According to Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Garfield.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.875 percent for businesses and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on March 7, 2020.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.