GET, LLC: GETting the Job Done

By: Fred Granillo

Business Consultant

(Guam SBDC)



Shawn and Tricia Gumataotao, owners of GET LLC, stand near their new aerial boom lift.



Tricia Gumataotao is a southern girl, originally from the village of Agat. Tricia is married to Shawn Gumataotao for 17 years and together has five children.  They are proud residents of Southern Guam and have been a part of the Talofofo community since 2001.  With a banking career that spanned nearly two decades including a stint with the U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Tricia has spent much of her time in the workforce dedicated to providing the best customer service, while developing skills in finance, accounting and compliance. Shawn spent over a decade in broadcast journalism where he gained valuable experience in research, communication and effective writing. He also spent two terms as an appointed official to serve the people of Guam working directly with the Governor on very important issues affecting the island. Collectively, their experiences have focused overall on service, which they believe has been lacking in today's Guam businesses.  This idea of quality service is something they are establishing into the fabric of their business so it becomes a part of their company culture.  Further, they personally seek to reinforce this concept of service into the minds of their kids who very regularly are seeking opportunities to participate in school and sports activities.

 The Gumataotao’s have always dreamt of owning a business.  Both Tricia and Shawn were at a crossroads a couple of years ago as Shawn left the government and Tricia’s term with the USDA ended. The time was ripe for them to finally seek their own business opportunity.  Taking the collective experiences as well as government and business connections developed over the years, they felt that they could provide unique solutions to businesses and at a level of service that is different.  As such, GET, LLC was born in 2012 and they have not looked back. For them, customer service is not just a catch phrase-it is their way of life.  Through their business, they intend on contributing positively to the Guam economy in a more active and socially responsive way.  Taking the combination of those business and government experiences and passing them to their consulting and construction materials and supplies business segments has been life changing for them. Plus, they are starting to see a profitable future for their business. 

 The Gumataotao’s started their business primarily to continue taking care of their family and paying the bills. As they transitioned from their regular jobs it was important for them to quickly identify sources of income. Hence, they created a formal business entity with two distinct purposes: to provide business-to-business consulting services and construction materials and supplies.  They have since added a third segment, equipment rental, which is now providing a steady source of income. They took aspects of their previous jobs-public relations, business development, notary public services, public policy creation, program administration-and put them together to provide a "one-stop" shop for those in Guam or interested in coming to Guam to do business here.  Then, they leveraged those business and government contacts to create a new business. The Gumataotao’s believe the U.S. Territory offers unique opportunities and advantages and further believe their business can help customers improve their bottom lines and allow for increased opportunities that may not have been realized in their first glance into working in Guam and the Western Pacific.

The Gumataotao’s noted their business counselor, Fred Granillo, has been instrumental in getting their business to where it is today.  Further, the business advice and professionalism they have received from the SBDC continues to inspire them to strive for more.  In particular, when it came to assistance in refining the business plan and financial projections that were required and highly contributory to securing a business loan with the Bank of Guam. They also found that the SBDC is an important asset to all of Guam's small businesses and encourage more to take advantage of their services they provide including business education, business plan development, finance advice, overall bookkeeping requirements and human resources information.

The start-up process was tedious for the Gumataotao’s.  From the completion of the limited liability company documents, completing the business license process at Guam Rev and Tax, completing the business plan, and securing a business loan through the Bank of Guam, the start-up process was a lesson in patience, perseverance and hard-work. But well worth all the effort and stress as the company is properly established and has a clear direction with the business plan.

The business was initially funded through personal savings. Although they knew the use of the personal funds was a risk, they were determined to make the business a success. Through hard work they were able to secure a number of different contracts and projects within a six month period. These contracts eventually assisted the business in obtaining an equipment loan with the Bank of Guam in support of their business activities.

The biggest challenge in starting up the business was just engaging their attorney in establishing the company.  They were admittedly nervous on what the future held for them in the very competitive marketplace.  But with each successive meeting and contract, things have gotten better.  The market research also was challenging.  Especially, the decision to take on a few strategic forays into the furniture, LED Lighting, structured cabling and aerial lift industry has yielded great opportunity for them. With a similar approach to the consulting business segment has also yielded strong interest in a number of different sectors from public policy, marketing and construction. 

 The completion of the company documents, including the business license and business plan, was instrumental in shaping how the business would either thrive or die.  Less than a year later, they have secured strategic partnerships and new business opportunities that they feel in the future will make them even stronger as an organization.  Also the addition of a strategic web presence, complete with website, galleries and blog, has given the business a much larger visibility in Guam and from around the world.

 The Gumataotao’s goals are in the short term-secure initial equipment sales with a large construction company.  Long term-expanded consulting work in the region and an investment in new equipment and permanent office location.

 The Gumataotao’s are pro-business and would advise anyone to just follow their dreams of business ownership. However, they would caution to properly plan and fund a business for optimal opportunity for success.  Guam has many talented people who have great ideas-a key to financial success.  They would also advise don't be limited to what others may say you can do and always remember to work beyond your comfort levels as the next best opportunity may be closer than you may think.  Remember to give the highest quality of customer service that you can as that will differentiate your business from those whose focus is sometimes far from this great ideal in business.