CHURDAN — America’s SBDC Iowa has announced Minnehan Metal Works, LLC, of Churdan, as the winner of the organization’s statewide February Small Business of the Month Award.

In 1993, Minnehan Metal Works, LLC began as a welding and farm repair shop in a garage in Churdan.

Anthony and Tami Minnehan design and build products that have solved problems in the agriculture and commercial industries.

Their projects have included custom grain pits, trailers, graders, shooting ranges and heavy-duty lawn furniture.

The Minnehans have made this a family business. All of their children and two of Anthony’s siblings are involved.

In 2014, the company created a product called MudOx, which helps clients safely pull combines out of a wet field.

They wanted to market the product on a larger scale but were not sure how to proceed.

Through the advice of their financial advisor, they contacted the North Central Iowa SBDC.

In working with Darcy Swon, business counselor for the North Central Iowa SBDC, the company received recommendations to market their company, improve their website and were connected with a videographer.

They worked on improving their presence on social media and strategies on building customer relationships.

Swon also referred them to the Iowa State University Startup Factory, which assisted with customer discovery and sales practices that have greatly helped their company.

“We found the SBDC to be helpful and eager to work with us,” Tami Minnehan said. “We were given recommendations on programs we could apply for, marketing advice, and contact information. Whenever we asked for help, Darcy was there. We would highly recommend this service to any business.”