RIPLEY -- A business founded with only $900 and a plan recently opened their new 7,000 square foot facility and will employ around 16 people by the end of the year.
Margie James had been working for over 20 years when she was inspired to open her own business. She took advantage of every resource available to her and began developing a plan. She learned through a program with Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District. Then, she went through the University of Mississippi's program at the Northeast Mississippi Community College campus in Corinth. She spoke with Bobby Martin of the Peoples Bank and garnered advice on developing a plan.
Before long, her plan began to make sense on paper and she decided to go for it. Carefully investing her $900, she began working out of her kitchen. In 2012, the business moved into a building in Ripley Industrial Park through the NEMPDD Business Incubator program. The rest, as they say, is history.
An industry she loves
James had been working for Dee's Oil Company since the late 1990s dealing with aviation fueling. When they sold that portion of their operation to a company in North Carolina, she went to work for them.
When the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 happened, she and her husband wanted to move back home. The company gave her a position in sales from this area. Although the job challenged her, she knew it wasn't exactly what she wanted to do. She knew she wanted to continue in the aviation industry, though.
"I love aviation and I care about it," she says.
Soon enough, the plans for Rebel Services were being made.
A full service business
Rebel Services repairs, services, installs and constructs every aspect of aviation fueling equipment. They build and service aviation tanks, elements of pay-at-the-pump self-service tanks, even the trucks that pull up to planes to refuel them.
"We work on everything aviation fuel touches," she laughs. "Except the pavement or concrete if it gets spilled."
A labor of love
James doesn't just enjoy her business.
"I absolutely love it," she says.
The business combines her love of aviation with her love for her family. Her husband, a mechanic and welder, works with her at the business. Both of their sons have worked at the business, too. Although her son Cody pursued a career in underwater welding, son Dalton still works at Rebel Services.
"He created one of the most cost efficient skids we had ever seen and it has saved us thousands," she said.
Working closely with her family is a source of happiness.
"Not too many people get to work closely with their family and enjoy it," she said.
Not just any building
A lot of thought and planning went into their new facility. It is located near the airport for ease of flying in customers. There are plans for the entire 30 acre lot. The 7,000 square foot building includes 2,000 square foot of office space and 5,000 square foot of production space.
The production space was the main reason for the move. The company uses overhead cranes in their work and the facility allows that to be done indoors. Workers no longer need to work outside in the elements to use the crane.
Many of the building's elements were provided by local vendors. Benson's Hardware, Grisham Lumber Company, Ripley Hardware, Eddie Thomas, Chris Jones and Sons, Walter Hill, Quality Glass, Creative Awnings, Nance Construction and a number of others had a part in the construction.
"I believe they all gave a little bit extra just to make it a great place," said James.
She says the company always tries to use local vendors and that she believes local vendors often take more pride in what they're doing.
They're not stopping here
There are big plans for expansion at Rebel Services. They plan to employ at least 25 people in the next two years. The new facilities planned for the lot will allow for the introduction of more services and more construction.
"Our motto is never quit till the job is done right and we stand true to our word because there are no parking spaces at 10,000 feet! Although you are more likely to be in a car wreck than a plane accident, there is danger. That's why Rebel Services uses only good quality parts and employs good quality services to ensure the safety of all," said James.
