Location/Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Additional Sites: Warehouse: Salem, IN
Business Accolades: NaVOBA Certification, Runner-Up in the 2021 "Making It With Lowe's" Competition
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VBE Spotlight on: Anchor Hog, Inc.
Apr 29, 2022
Anchor Hog, Inc.
Anchor Hog, Inc. was founded in 2018 by Frank Lauyans
Frank is a creative problem solver that loves tackling issues with practical solutions. After selling his company of 35 years, Lauyans & Company, Inc., Frank went on to solutions for his Florida condo. What came of it was an innovative product that propelled him into his second career.
Frank used his wits and creative drive to develop the AnchorHog®. His mission? To create devices in order to help his customers retain their valuable property.
Learn more by visiting their website: https://www.anchorhog.com/
or
contact Frank Lauyans
Email: frank.l@anchorhog.com
Phone: 502-645-7765
8AM-5PM
About the Business - Starting Strong
What services do you provide?
"We design and market security anchors to protect and secure people’s valuables, like kayaks, bikes, lawn furniture, tools, and lawn equipment from theft."
Who are your primary customers?
"Large retailers like Lowe’s and direct to consumers thru anchorhog.com and Amazon."
When and how did you start your business?
"The best product ideas are the simple ones that come from solving your own problems – and that exactly what I did.
After selling my company of 35 years (Lauyans & Company, Inc), I turned my attention to solving problems I faced around my condo in Florida. The result was an idea that turned into a new innovative product and my second career."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"I am 76 years old, and I am starting a new business after selling a business that I started 35 years ago. I love challenges and learning new things. My previous business was business-to-business, and my new company is business-to-consumer. I can utilize what I learned in my previous career as well as now push myself to learn about the dynamic of designing and marketing products to consumers."
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Finding the right people and talent to compliment my experience and talent."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Never give up on your passion. Expect failure along the road to success. Persistence pays off in the long run."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Never give up on the learning process. Always ask for advice from people with common sense and are intuitive."
A few fun facts about Frank!
In 10 years, you see yourself... "finding my next challenge."
People might be interested to know that... "I recognize the opportunities this country has to offer."
What is your dream car? "Jeep Wrangler Modified"
Service Information
Branch:
Army National Guard
Service Years:
6 Years
Highest Rank Attained:
Specialist Fourth Class E-4
Why did you join the military?
"I was a young and healthy man that felt a need to contribute to my country."
Military Occupation:
"I was a photographer in the 133rd Public Information Detachment
Notable Achievements/Experiences?
"I learned to help and depend on my fellow soldier when the chips were down."
On October 22, NaVOBA celebrated the Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Awards Ceremony during the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference in Atlanta. Hosted at Cuts Steakhouse, a sponsor of the event alongside Accenture, Shell, and Hilton, the event was complete with a full course meal, drinks, and networking. Mimi Lohm, NaVOBA's Chief Development Officer, kicked off the event and set the stage for the awardees. Keynote speakers included Brandi Rauch, General Manager of Supply Chain for Shell, Che' McFerrin, Associate Manager, Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Accenture, and Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA's President. Before the announcements of the winners, NaVOBA surprised Don McKneely, Chairman & CEO of Minority Business News, with the 2024 Veteran's Business Champion Award. The program then went on to highlight two companies who have demonstrated excellence within their industries with the 2024 Veteran's Business Enterprise (VBE)® We Love Awards. The first VBE We Love Award went to Demond Crump, CEO of REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins. Founded in 2019, REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins specializes in providing innovative sanitary napkins and panty liners infused with a Nobel Prize-winning material featuring a super absorbent system. The key to REIGN's success lies in prioritizing their mission over profits, ensuring that the focus on empowering women and young girls takes precedence. Demond served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1994, achieving the rank of E-5 and specializing as an Operations Specialist. He is Aegis system qualified and brings a wealth of strategic expertise from his military service to his entrepreneurial journey. You can read more about this VBE spotlight here . The second VBE We Love Award was presented to Paden Sickles, CEO of SickFit. Founded in 2021, SickFit specializes in wholesale and custom socks, as well as murals. SickFit caters to a diverse customer base that includes service members, athletes, corporate partners, active individuals, and government entities. The key to SickFit's success lies in its commitment to innovation and authenticity. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned company, SickFit represents a movement focused on resilience and empowerment, particularly for those in underrepresented communities. Paden served from 2014 to 2024 in the Army, achieving the rank of Captain and earned the Expert Soldier Badge and Air Assault Wings. You can learn more about this VBE spotlight here . NaVOBA then celebrated the 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise ® of the Year: Robert Swain, CEO of Swain Enterprises. Established in 2020, Swain Enterprises specializes in federal projects, including restoration and renovations for military bases, federal facilities, and hospitals in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC areas. Swain Enterprises is committed to providing the highest level of service to government, commercial, educational, and institutional clients. The key to the success of Swain Enterprises has been a focus on integrity, hard work, and strong relationships. From the outset, the company has committed to delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations. As a fully veteran-owned business, Swain Enterprises is dedicated to empowering veterans and creating opportunities for those moving from military to civilian careers. You can read more about NaVOBA's 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year here .
Jewel Sanitary Napkins LLC
Swain Enterprises LLC
Thank you for your interest in the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (SDVBE) programs. This initiative creates a nationally recognized gold standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and enables corporate America to proactively source and confidently utilize businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
OUR MISSION
NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s Veteran’s and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education.
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