Dan Hopkins transformed his lifelong passion for taxidermy into Hopkins Taxidermy, a dedicated home-based studio serving Oneida County’s hunting community. With expert guidance, he developed the skills and business foundation to turn his craft into a sustainable venture. Now creating quality mounts for local outdoorsmen, this determined artisan is preserving memories through meticulous work – while adapting his growing business to suit his unique abilities and vision.
Assistance Provided
Business Advisor:
Zach Steffen
With Zach Steffen’s guidance at the Mohawk Valley SBDC, Dan Hopkins turned his taxidermy passion into a thriving home-based business. Zach’s expertise in business planning and funding strategies helped Dan secure ACCESS-VR support and launch Hopkins Taxidermy, which has quickly gained recognition for quality work. Together, they’ve built more than a business—a sustainable venture that adapts to Dan’s abilities while serving Oneida County’s hunting community.
Hopkins Taxidermy
Dan Hopkins originally approached the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center in early 2022, seeking assistance in starting his taxidermy business. Hosted by Mohawk Valley Community College, the Mohawk Valley SBDC provides free advisement, education, and research to local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Hopkins has a disability that prevents him from working long hours, so he decided to turn his passion for taxidermy into a home-based business that would suit his abilities and interests. Over the course of nearly two years Hopkins refined his craft, receiving formal taxidermy training and mentorship. Throughout that time, he worked with his SBDC advisors to prepare a funding application through ACCESS-VR’s self-employment program, building a business plan and financial projections, completing the required forms, and demonstrating how the requested funds would be used.
After a long period of persistence and hard work, Hopkins received funding approval from ACCESS-VR. The focus of his work with the SBDC then shifted to preparing the business for launch. Hopkins and Mohawk Valley SBDC regional director Zach Steffen spent many hours around his laptop, with Steffen providing guidance on the various processes necessary for business formation and marketing a new business.
In the few short months since forming the business, Hopkins Taxidermy has already started to earn a reputation for quality work, resulting in positive word of mouth and many customers. Hopkins is looking forward to sustainably growing the business, allowing him to pursue his passion while providing an in-demand service and contributing to the economy of rural southern Oneida County.
** Our success stories focus on the work the SBDC has done with our small business clients and does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement by the NYSBDC of the company and/or their products and services.
“Zach and his team at the Mohawk Valley SBDC have been instrumental in the formation of my business. Their guidance, expertise, and patience helped me to navigate the process of applying for funding and starting the business. I would highly recommend the SBDC to any entrepreneurs in need of assistance.”
Claire Spengler
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