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Small Businesses Make Big Impression

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

LITHIA - The third time proved the charm for Black Diamond Associates co-owners Lisa Huetteman and Mary Owens.

Named finalists for Small Business of the Year in the home-based business category twice before, the partners finally walked away with the coveted trophy at this year's Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Honoring small businesses, which make up the majority of its 1,800 members, the chamber hosted its 26th annual small business awards ceremony Oct. 23 at the Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch with 15 finalists vying for awards in five categories.

"It felt a lot better to win than not to win," said Huetteman, managing partner of Black Diamond Associates, which provides business coaching to executives, entrepreneurs, business professionals and small business owners.

However, she said the biggest thrill of the evening wasn't accepting the Small Business of the Year award from event sponsor and The Bank of Tampa President Dick Eatman.

"The biggest thrill was when they showed the video interview featuring us, and everybody in the whole room, not just our table, started applauding and cheering," Huetteman said. "That was the warmest feeling. That meant the people in the room thought we were winners."

"We had so many people who believed in us, and that was worth more to us than any award," Owens said. "It was so amazing. I just wish I had the microphone so I could have let everyone know that I attribute our success to the fact that we place God first and, in doing that, we can do what's best for our clients."

Owens and Huetteman say they took a leap of faith when they gave up their demanding, high-profile corporate positions five years ago to start their own business. They wanted flexible hours so they could spend more time with their children.

The partners say that not only were they successful at finding balance in their lives, they helped clients find balance, as well. Three of last year's Small Business of the Year winners were Black Diamond clients.

Instead of filling their table at the banquet with business prospects, Huetteman and Owens surrounded themselves with family, including their five school-age children.

"And it's not because we couldn't get a babysitter," Huetteman joked. "They're the whole reason this business was created - for them. Our success is as much for them, and they needed to be there to share it with us."

Also taking home top prizes at the banquet were Rohini Rustogi, Laurie March and Lisa Auza of the Brandon Montessori School at River Hills for minority- or women-owned business; Ed Booth and Betty Huth of Huth & Booth - The Portrait Gallery for businesses with one to five employees; Jim Cherry and Kim Armellino of i9 Sports Corp. for businesses with six to 15 employees; and Jamie and Ron Seagren and Charley Gabbard of ServiceMaster 24-Hour for businesses with 16 or more employees.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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