Senior Executive Leaves Corporate World to Purchase Building Supply Center Hardware Store and 10,700 Sq. Ft. Building in Pt. Reyes
Capital Access Group (www.capitalaccess.com), a San Francisco-based commercial real estate lender specializing in U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loans for growing businesses, recently helped Ken and Kelli Dunaj to secure $2 million in total project financing to take full ownership of Building Supply Center, an existing Ace Hardware store in Point Reyes, California. The Dunajs purchased the business from the previous owners in 2015. The SBA 504 loan from Capital Access enabled them to purchase the structure, a 10,700 sq. ft. building located at 11280 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station, California. The store is situated in beautiful Point Reyes, California and has been a pillar of the community for over 51 years.
Building Supply Center provides building and household supplies, lumber, and gift items to residents and vacationers in the area. Many homes in the Pt. Reyes area were built during the 1960s and 70s, and are increasingly undergoing remodeling projects. This trend is accelerating the store’s growth.
“We’re really just beginning to tap the market, offering lumber and building supplies and whatever else people need for their homes,” said Ken Dunaj, Owner and Manager of Building Supply Center. “There’s so much remodeling going on out here, and it will accelerate in the years to come.”
Unlike its larger competitors, the local hardware store prides itself on providing great customer service and building strong relationships in the community.
“It’s hard to compete with a Lowe’s or a Home Depot, so I try to win on service, convenience, connection to the community, and connection to people,” said Dunaj.
Dunaj spent ten years working as the Chief Operating Officer at Restoration Hardware before deciding to leave the corporate world to turn his dream of owning his own business into a reality.
“My wife, Kelli, and I dreamt of owning this hardware store, and I worked hard hoping that I could someday fulfill that dream. It finally happened,” said Dunaj.
Capital Access Group and the 504 program helped to make the dream a reality with a “calm and comfortable” financing experience, according to Dunaj.
“With traditional financing, you almost feel like you’re being judged,” said Dunaj. “The experience with Capital Access was completely different. They want you to get the financing. Claudia (Cohen) and the team helped bring our vision to life.”
And because SBA 504 loans allow borrowers to make low down payments with low, long-term monthly payments, Dunaj can focus on expanding the business.
“We’ve grown 25 percent at a 2-year rate, and we estimate a 25 to 30 percent growth over the next 2 to 3 years,” said Dunaj.
“We were excited to help the Dunaj family realize their dream through the SBA 504 loan process,” said Claudia Cohen, SVP, Capital Access Group. “Their purchase of the building ensures continued contribution to the local economy while also preserving Point Reyes Station’s local community charm.”