Hawkins learned early that determination and hard work are the keys to success in business and in life. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hawkins attended the University of Mississippi on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship. After graduating in 1974, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and began a 4-year term on active duty, which involved flying attack helicopters. After completing his active duty obligation, Bryan returned to Mississippi to start a family and career with wife Brenda. There Hawkins began his professional career, completed his Masters degree, and spent the next 23 years honing his skills and mastering engineering, business management, and sales experience through several manufacturing firms. Hawkins began formulating ideas to start his own company to serve unfulfilled competitive needs in the metals fabricating industries of North Mississippi. In 1994, with a lot of confidence and faith, Bryan began developing the business plan and set out to attain capital. The Peoples Bank & Trust Company and Three Rivers Planning and Development District provided financing through the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 guaranty loan program. The 504 program provides long-term fixed-asset financing through nonprofit certified development companies (CDC's). The SBA can guarantee debentures covering as much as 40 percent of the 504 project, up to $1 million. "The SBA is honored to have been part of Hawkeye's startup and expansion," said Mississippi SBA District Director Janita R. Stewart. "Hawkins was selected from among many nominees for his superior business achievements and the important role Hawkeye Industries plays in job creation and economic development in his community." Since opening its doors in October 1995, Hawkeye Industries has experienced tremendous growth in each year of operation. There have been two additional building expansions and several purchases of new high tech equipment. In 1998, Hawkeye doubled its investment in capacity and employment by constructing a 7,200-sq. ft. building addition and purchasing additional production equipment. In 1999 and 2001 respectively, Hawkeye Industries was named the 19th and 23rd fastest growing private company in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal. Having begun with 2 employees and 2 machines, Hawkeye industries employees 17 highly skilled production technicians, 7 management and support staff, and has expanded to 11 machines operating 24 hours a day.

Employing leading edge technology equipment and systems, Hawkeye's highly motivated and trained cadre of professionals gather customer ideas, concepts, and specifications and transform these "marketable ideas" into "profitable reality". Today, the Hawkins continue to work tirelessly to maintain the firms' growth and stature within the metal fabricating industry. Hawkins, was selected as the Mississippi Small Business Person of the Year for 2003 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and will be honored, along with other award and state advocate winners, at a special luncheon awards ceremony at the Ramada Inn Convention Center in Tupelo, Mississippi on June 25. Hawkins will be among 53 top small business persons -- from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands, and Guam -- who will attend the National Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo, held September 15-20, 2003, in Washington, D.C. to vie for the opportunity to be named the 2003 National Small Business Person of the Year.

For more information on the SBA 504 loan program call the Mississippi District Office at (601) 965-4378 or the Gulfport Branch Office at (228) 863-4449.