"Student of the game, still learning." 

Since second grade, skating has been Jared Rios's classroom. In his Sierra Vista shop, skateboard decks line the wall, some sketched with his daughter's art, while classic skate videos roll on TV. Because skating isn’t just tricks; it’s a lifestyle: discipline, community, mentorship, and learning to get up after a hundred falls.

Jared teaches at the park for free because the culture should be handed down, like family recipes. He stocks skater-owned, skater-operated brands, and he wants every kid to know who invented what, how a board works, and how to keep it rolling. Next dream: an indoor nonprofit skate facility and a family-run skate company.

Proud that Cochise College SBDC helped with the address change and proper licensure so the doors could open, and the culture can keep passing on.

Stop in, say hi to Jared, and support a real skate home base in Sierra Vista.

"Growing with confidence, one client (and pet) at a time." 

Since opening Bark & Bubbles Pet Spa, Tina Patrick has been dedicated to providing high-quality grooming services to pets in her community. What started as a passion for animal care has quickly grown into a business ready to expand—serving more clients and preparing to bring on employees.

As the business began to grow, Tina encountered a common but critical challenge: navigating the administrative side of hiring. In order to properly set up payroll and remain compliant, she needed to obtain a Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax number through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)—a process that can be confusing and time-consuming for small business owners.

With support from Cochise College SBDC, Tina received hands-on assistance during her advising session. Together, the SBDC counselor and Tina contacted AZTaxes directly and worked with a representative to obtain the required UI tax number in real time. What could have taken days, or even weeks, was resolved within a single session.

With this barrier removed, Tina is now able to move forward with setting up payroll in her accounting system and hiring employees to support her growing client base. Bark & Bubbles Pet Spa is now positioned for its next phase of growth, with the operational foundation in place to scale.

Next step: expanding her team and continuing to build a trusted pet care business in the community.

Proud that Cochise College SBDC helped remove barriers and support the growth of a local small business.

"From corporate to cyber founder." 

After years in corporate IT, Jose Sanchez wanted to build something of his own, helping small and large organizations assess cyber risk and tighten day-to-day security. Referred by Missy Nuñez at Edward Jones, Jose came to the Cochise College SBDC to launch the right way: real structure, clean compliance, and a clear path to growth. Together, we stood up Diamond Response IT Consulting, so Jose could focus on clients, delivering practical cybersecurity assessments, hardening plans, and ongoing support, with the confidence of being fully and properly in business.

"From idea to impact—one ride at a time." 

Since launching his vision, Mark Hathaway has turned what started as just an idea into a meaningful service for his community. Through The Write Way Forward LLC, Mark provides non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), helping individuals—especially seniors and behavioral health clients—get to essential appointments they otherwise could not attend due to transportation barriers.

In the early stages, Mark was navigating uncertainty in a highly regulated industry. Instead of waiting, he took a strategic first step by operating under a Gas Mileage Reimbursement (GMR) model. This allowed him to test the business, gain real-world experience, and confirm that not only was there demand—but that he truly loved the work.

With support from Cochise College SBDC, Mark worked one-on-one with the Center Director using a Business Model Canvas to define his value proposition, identify his target market, and clarify his minimum viable product. This process gave him the structure and confidence to move forward with intention.

Mark has since officially launched his LLC, secured consistent clients through partnerships with local agencies, and purchased his first vehicle dedicated to the business. What began as a test is now a growing operation with plans to expand his fleet and pursue full NEMT licensing.

Next step: scaling his impact and continuing to serve those who need it most.

Proud that Cochise College SBDC helped turn an idea into a functioning business serving the community.

• Cochise College SDBC increased sales in Cochise County $192,000.
• Cochise College SDBC created 47 jobs.
• Cochise College SDBC capital secured: $300,000 in grant funding.
• 180 clients advised.
• 39 new business starts.
• $480,822 in Cochise SBDC capital formation.