Charles S. started Black Diamond Services in May 2005. Black Diamond Services sells and maintains custom computer control systems that enable customers to operate household equipment through automated systems. For example, customers could operate their outdoor lighting or security cameras through computer systems. These automated systems also enable customers to access this equipment from outside their homes. Black Diamond Services specializes in customizing the features of these automated control systems to a customer’s needs and specifications.

Charles employs between 2-10 part-time employees, the number depending on the contracts available. He is married with three children. Charles began his business in response to customer requests for high quality and good customer service. This led him to believe that if he sold quality products, backed them up with superior customer service, and paid attention to customers’ needs, then customers would be willing to pay a premium price for a premium product and service. Charles believes that his business has been successful because of how well he has done in these areas. That 99.9% of his new customers were referred by existing customers is testament to that.

This loan helped Charles to purchase new computer control equipment so he could expand his offerings of automated control systems. It is also his third loan and the loans have helped him purchase new equipment and tools as well as increase sales. It is very important that Charles expands his business because he has seen an increased demand for his services from new customers. Without the loans, he would not have been able to expand quickly enough and would have lost those new customers.