We’re proud to announce the April 2016 Entrepreneur of the Month: Ron Shahani, president of Acro Service Corporation. Acro is one of the nation’s largest certified minority business enterprises, providing high-quality personnel and services to organizations of all sizes and industries, including BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, Toyota, Ford, NASA, State of New Jersey and many others.
Since opening its doors in 1982, Acro identifies workforce management solutions in information technology (IT), engineering, technical, design, manufacturing, light industrial and other areas. With its global headquarters based in the Detroit, Michigan area, Acro operates 33 offices across the U.S. and six international offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and India.
Building a business was always at the forefront of Ron’s mind. The inspiration to become his own boss began when he was an undergraduate student in business school, observing families of friends who ran their own businesses.
“I was struck by the awesome fact that they, and not anyone else, created the work culture in their enterprises, and they were solely in control of their destinies,” said Ron. “I got to see firsthand the connection between working hard and smart to capitalize on opportunities, while minimizing inevitable risks and seeing the rewards of such hard work.”
Prior to starting Acro, Ron worked as a financial analyst at Ford Motor Company, and realized a promising business opportunity existed in staff augmentation for engineering and other technical-related occupations. During the early 1980s, the automotive industry experienced a severe recession; it was searching for ways to convert fixed costs into variable costs, to break even at a lower level of vehicle sales. Ron saw great potential in providing the industry with timely professional services; therefore, he quit his job and established Acro. The company started small, but it experienced quick growth because it targeted an underserved market.
Ron contributes the success of Acro to the many networking opportunities MBDA provides. He has also benefited from new business relationships identified through his partnership with MBDA, including with suppliers who are vital to his company’s growth.
“Many companies requiring our services often seek them by turning to organizations like MBDA. There, they are able to obtain professional assistance in identifying, contacting, and evaluating minority suppliers.”
Acro is a corporate plus member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, boasting a 33-year track record of ongoing profitability and growth.
Ron’s Advice to Entrepreneurs
Make sure they avail themselves of expert guidance and assistance. While business is all about creativity, and businesses often blaze new trails in some fashion or another, their growth can be much faster if they tap into the professional support available to them from organizations like MBDA. It’s hard to overstate how important it can be to take advantage of skilled assistance resources like those offered by MBDA.
About Entrepreneur of the Month
In January 2016, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) kicked off a new campaign called Entrepreneur of the Month, a showcase for business owners and executives who have leveraged MBDA’s programs and services in unique ways to foster growth. At MBDA, our core mission is infused with the energy and vision of minority business entrepreneurs. In highlighting those who exemplify passion, innovation, and determination, we hope to inspire business owners of today and tomorrow.
Do you know a stellar entrepreneur that exemplifies excellence, leadership, and determination? Nominate him/her today for our Entrepreneur of the Month! Please submit a nomination letter stating your reasons to Alicia Sowah at asowah@mbda.gov.
Posted at 7:39 AM
Entrepreneur of the Month
