The Wild Ride has been Worth It
The decision to purchase an existing business can be daunting, as there are many moving parts to complete the sale. Angie and Craig Cerny were definitely feeling the pressures when they scheduled an initial meeting in February 2024, with the Alaska SBDC Fairbanks Center Director, Ms. Jade Greene.
During their initial contact with the Alaska SBDC, the clients attended workshops to familiarize themselves with starting a business and the basics of bookkeeping. These workshops helped the Cerneys frame their business questions and leverage their work expertise with additional industry-related knowledge.
The workshops also allowed them the space to decide whether they wanted to purchase the existing business or create their own company.
Angie says, “We had the opportunity to purchase the business that my husband was working in, but we were unsure of what steps to take, and we were confused about the loan process. Ms. Greene at the SBDC was very welcoming and explained our financial and loan options for this purchase. In the end, we decided that we wanted to create our own business, but as we pivoted away from our initial business purchase, Ms. Greene was there every step of the way.” The Cernys further elaborated, “In the end, we created our own vision for a new business, but Ms. Greene was instrumental in this process to the point that we ultimately decided on owner financing.”
“With the many changes, Ms. Greene took the time to explain the financial and business management responsibilities of this decision, and walked us through each step in the process.
The assistance of Ms. Greene and the Alaska SBDC was invaluable in explaining the LLC and licensing requirements, creating financials and business plans, evaluating location needs, and suggesting other professionals when needed; it would have been impossible without her.”
Angie further stated, “It was hard, but everything eventually came together, and finally, we are here. We are pleased to be celebrating the grand opening of our business, Alaska Goldworks LLC, which specializes in unique gold nugget jewelry, custom designs, and expert repair services.”
Following the grand opening on June 6, 2025, the Cernys are looking forward to this amazing new chapter and continuing to work with Ms. Greene, as “we know that she will always be there to assist us as we need her.”
Alaska Goldworks LLC is located at 502 9th Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, and can be reached at (907) 455-GOLD.
Visit them at alaskagoldworks.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
