National Escalator Cleaning

La Mesa

Nancy Santangelo and her husband started National Escalator Cleaning, LLC in 2010. Santangelo’s infant company hit enormous obstacles in its first few years, including stifling competition, persistent solicitors, and the loss of the business’ co-owner which left Santangelo without a partner and a husband.

Santangelo approached the Small Business Development Center early in 2012 because her business was being flooded with competitors trying to buy her out. Professional business consultant Michelle Burkart was able to guide Santangelo in how to focus and improve her business’ focus.

“Michelle is wonderful,” said Santangelo. “Before I was swamped, but Michelle is helping me with a business plan and marketing.”
Santangelo’s website is under construction and her clientele focus has been sharpened, thanks to several sessions with SBDC consultants.

Since the death of Santagelo’s husband, Stephen Semaan came on board as a company partner and he and Santangelo now have the equipment they need to continue growing National Escalator Cleaning, LLC. But the courage to be an entrepreneur -- Santangelo had that all along.

“She overcame a loss of her husband and business partner,” said Burkart “She obtained the investment needed to buy better equipment, and restructured her company to expand and to grow with the help of the SBDC. She is a success story.”

Santangelo said she plans to continue using the resources provided by the SBDC to overcome the challenges her business faces and hopes to make her company a national one.
“I want to make my business successful,” she said. “I want to take it to the next level.”