“Never stop learning.”
This was how Jake Sobieck explained his experience in running – and growing – his Bemidji-based small business, Blue Ox Moving Company.
In 2019, Jake started Blue Ox Moving Company with a single truck and trailer. A few months later, when the pandemic struck and the housing market boomed, Jake had no choice but to learn, and learn quickly.
Heading into 2020, Jake applied to Northwest Minnesota Foundation for a loan through its Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan fund, for equipment and working capital. This loan positioned Blue Ox Moving Company with equipment and cash flow to expand operations. The timing was accidentally good, as business picked up quickly that year.
Jake’s growth mindset and commitment to honesty and customer service served him well during the 2020 housing boom, and he established a good reputation in the region, which he works diligently to keep.
Blue Ox Moving Company currently employs five full-time employees and several part-timers, with plans to hire several more seasonal positions heading into the busy summer season.
Jake strives to build and nurture great working relationships with his employees, passing on his core values and taking the time to be a mentor. He also recognizes how to best leverage people’s strengths; for example, pulling in people with top-notch organizational skills to balance his creative visions for the business.
Jake’s growth mindset and commitment to honesty and customer service served him well during the 2020 housing boom, and he established a good reputation in the region, which he works diligently to keep.
Blue Ox Moving Company currently employs five full-time employees and several part-timers, with plans to hire several more seasonal positions heading into the busy summer season.
Jake strives to build and nurture great working relationships with his employees, passing on his core values and taking the time to be a mentor. He also recognizes how to best leverage people’s strengths; for example, pulling in people with top-notch organizational skills to balance his creative visions for the business.
Blue Ox Moving Company is showing no signs of slowing down.
In 2022, NMF was happy to extend a Customer Appreciation Loan to Jake for equipment and supplies. Later that same year, Blue Ox Moving Company was named the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year.
You can learn more about Blue Ox Moving Company, the services they provide, and their commitment to their customers here: www.moveblueox.com
If you are a small business owner or an entrepreneur with an idea, more info about Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s small business loan program is here: www.nwmf.org/programs/entrepreneur-development Let’s talk! Our staff is eager to hear from you!
