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From Local to National: CEO helps an Oakland Business Reach a National Marketplace

Nanette Hunter, chief executive officer of D-Unique Tools in Oakland, works hard to build a legacy that will support her family now and into the future.

Nanette is a firm believer that taking advice and turning it into action are key ingredients to success. Accordingly, she was one of the first small businesses to participate in the first cycle of the Clinton Economic Opportunity Initiative’s (CEO) Oakland Entrepreneur Mentoring Program (EMP), which works to promote economic growth in urban communities. Through the EMP, emerging entrepreneurs are paired with successful local business leaders who can help them develop their business acumen, make crucial decisions, and identify new opportunities.

When Nanette joined the mentoring program in 2008, her company had just launched her signature tool, the Universal Square, nationwide with The Home Depot. To help build on the new momentum of her business and continue expanding her marketing efforts, Nanette was mentored by Miguel Galaraza of Yerba Buena Engineering and Construction, which works in construction and carpentry.

"I met with Miguel several times to discuss my marketing program for the end users as well as how to sell to the government," she says. "His help has been invaluable as I grow my business."

Miguel helped Nanette develop a marketing plan for D-Unique’s that included creating and distributing a short instructional video about one of their products, the Universal Square, to play continuously on TV monitors near cash registers by the lumber aisle.

"With this marketing program, our company numbers increased tremendously," Nanette says. "We worked closely with the Home Depot buyer, who advised us to join their Supplier Diversity Program. It has identified and highlighted D-Unique as a company that has potential for outstanding growth."

Nanette is now participating in the second cycle of the EMP; her new mentors are B. Deré Newman and Linda Fore of Mr. LongArm, a manufacturing company that produces telescoping poles and hardware products. Linda is helping Nanette formulate strategies for sales growth, product diversification and expansion of her client base. B. Deré is advising Nanette on how best to expand her product line.

Nanette is creating a family legacy in addition to profits. D-Unique Tools was founded by her father, who is now the chairman, and her brother is the vice president of marketing. "As a family, we have learned the importance of working together. We have accessed our individual strengths, skills, and experience, and we are working as a team to accomplish our company’s goals," she says. "Life presents many opportunities, and it is important that one continuously prepare, persevere, and have faith to walk through open doors."

Those doors can be difficult to open, especially for emerging business owners. But entrepreneurs like Nanette — with a little help from local mentors — are growing, taking risks, and building communities where other individuals and businesses can succeed.