NW-ISBDC Adds Adviser to Team

Joe-Beckman-headshotJoe Beckman has joined the NW-ISBDC team as a business adviser. He brings 30 years of experience to the role, including leading Home Lumber Co. Inc and Beckman & Newcomer Consulting as well as owning and managing several land developments.

“Based on my many years of running businesses and being involved in the business world, I look to help entrepreneurs navigate the many bumps and turns in the road that they face as business owners,” Beckman said. “When I was a business owner, I remember being scared that I was missing something…to have had an outside set of eyes to see if I was doing well or offer an outside perspective would have been a source of comfort.

“I can be that additional set of eyes as an adviser and guide.”

NW-ISBDC business advisers work one-on-one with new and existing business owners to help them with a range of topics from marketing and business planning to financing and resource connections.

“Joe adds a great operations background and entrepreneurial experience to our team of advisers,” said Lorri Feldt, regional director of the NW-ISBDC. “He further strengthens our team through his skill set and we look forward to assisting the region's business community with these great resources.”

Beckman earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Indiana University and studied at Northwestern University for a master’s degree in product development.

He was Entrepreneur of the Year in Southwest Michigan in 2006, awarded Sagamore of the Wabash in 2008, named Indiana Business Person of the Year in 2001 and served as a White House consultant to the president in 2001.

Business owners seeking assistance as a NW-ISBDC client, should visit www.nwisbdc.org and complete a business assessment.

For more information, call (219) 644-3513.

Serving seven counties in the region, the NW-ISBDC offers no-cost assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.

For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.