LAKEPORT >> Andy Nester may have left business, but it didn’t leave him.
He tried to shake the practice out of his bones when he retired from the technology business in 2006. He tried to sit back and enjoy Lake County’s relaxed environment and partake in the finer parts of retired life.
“I got restless,” Nester said. “I wanted to see what I could get into here.”
After dusting off his 50 years of prior experience, he put it back to work. He began consulting local businesses on a pro bono basis in an attempt to promote local growth. It wasn’t long before Lake County Chamber of Commerce CEO Melissa Fulton gave him something to dig his teeth into.
Since July of 2015, Nester has had an established role as a consultant within Lake County’s Small Business Development Center, an office that works through the Chamber of Commerce and the regional Sacramento Business Center.
As a whole, business hubs and consultants exist anywhere there’s business, but Nester said Lake County doesn’t receive the business help it deserves. As a rural community that isn’t known for industry or intense commerce, many organizations overlook its potential.
“We’re trying to get people into business,” he said. “
His services aim to give local small businesses the resources, planning and structure needed to grow and flourish.
“He’s helped a lot,” said James Meek. He and his wife, Tiffany, own The Soap Shack Baby, a natural soap manufacturer located in downtown Lakeport.
The Meeks had little experience running a small business when they opened shop four years ago. James said they’ve pursued their vision and had success, but Nester’s perspective and business connections have opened new doors, especially within marketing and online presence.
“He thought of some things we wouldn’t even have even thought of thinking inside the box,” Meek said. A frequent customer pointed him in Nester’s direction. After some hesitation, Meek decided to get in contact in order to learn some new skills.
“He saved us from wasting money trying to learn as we went,” Meek said. “Being a small business, making a small mistake can hurt.”
Nester has several clients in Lake County, including the Nerd Cave, the Old World Tavern and the People Pleasing Pantry, to name a few. He said he’s worked with 42 people in the county, aiding 18 clients.
“He doesn’t make you do anything,” Meek said.
He said Nester helped develop a short- and long-term business plan, as well has help with pricing. So far, they’ve seen a noticeable increase in growth.
“He helps with the idea process,” Meek explained. “It’s just nice to have someone to talk to. If he doesn’t have the answers, he knows someone who does.”
Nester’s most recent project has been an attempt to get high-speed wireless broadband into the mountains of Lake County. He spent ten years working in the wireless technology business and said he understands its importance to today’s communities.
“Many people in the technology industry, like programmers, would love to live up here,” he said. “But there’s not enough broadband. Some of the businesses don’t have the connectivity to operate.”
He said he understands Lake County’s unique position as a getaway for those seeking a break from such connectivity, but said the economy needs to diversify. It’s been a struggle.
“It’s been a pet peeve of mine to get something done up here,” Nester said. “We’ve had some friction, but (the community) is understanding.”
The project needs funding, but he figures it’s about 6-9 months from being a very real possibility.
