A fuzzy investment: Santa Ynez Valley duo deals in llamas and alpacas
Small BusinessAt Alpacas at West Ranch, hundreds of long-necked, fuzzy creatures frolic about and doze under shady trees on a sweltering summer day in the Santa Ynez Valley. Alpacas are often described as just another agribusiness bubble, like emus, llamas, Shetland ponies and tulips before them. But at this Los Olivos ranch, the charm and the Read More →
Flying small: Private jet company grows even in recession
UncategorizedSanta Barbara may have lost its San Jose flight connection, but a start-up charter jet company is getting off the ground and looking to new heights. Santa Barbara-based Silver Air, founded by president and owner Jason Middleton in early 2008, focuses on transporting business and private travelers around in light, fuel-efficient jets. “Most charter companies Read More →
Muscle car supplier could have region
ColumnsIn what may be the largest lease deal in the Tri-Counties to date this year, Dynacorn International leased 98,952 square feet of industrial space at 4030 Via Pescador in Camarillo. The seven-year lease is valued at more than $3.8 million, according to NAI Capital’s Ventura County office, which represented the lessee. Dynacorn, a wholesaler of Read More →
Editorial: Don't squeeze the customers
OpinionOn the list of problems that might plague a commercial business district, a fight over parking might be one of the best. After all, if the idea of charging or imposing new restrictions gets any traction, it’s because the area is attracting too many customers for all of them to park conveniently. But even if Read More →
Harbor Freight battle is a father-son feud for the ages
ColumnsDuring the past 15 years, a tool and hardware distributor in Camarillo called Central Purchasing exploded into one of the largest private companies in the Tri-Counties as it exploited new sales channels online, in broadcast media and at 300 retail stores. But as the company, known today as Harbor Freight Tools, saw its revenue soar Read More →
