This category captures mixed use-incubators who may host both technology and nontechnology companies. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced May 6 at NBIA's 22nd International Conference on Business Incubation in San Antonio.
A client of the Dan River Business Development Center of Danville, Va., One-Stop Cellular is one of the largest privately held retailers of wireless phones and pagers on the East Coast, with locations in Virginia and North Carolina.
One-Stop Cellular was formed in 1995 by Charles Fulp and Scott Brooks, who both still serve as senior management. The firm entered the Dan River Business Development Center to receive incubation services for its headquarters and distribution center in 2004. One-Stop Cellular established a unique approach to the provision of multiple wireless carriers for customer convenience. The company specializes in sales to the cellular phone and pager retail market. It is significant to this market because it offers a convenient way for a customer's needs and demographics to be factored into the buying model. It also provides for a more diverse array of offerings, enabling the company to remain on the leading edge of wireless innovation.
The vision was based on customer service and satisfaction - an ingredient often overlooked by other retail stores. It prepared the young company to catapult to the top of east coast wireless deliverers. The aggressive approach launched from a rural area of Virginia, proved successful in major metropolitan areas as well. One-Stop's executives have continued their commitment to the rural community from which they started - their climate for entrepreneurial creativity has resulted in the start-up or acquisition of five additional companies. They now serve as mentors and coaches for other nascent entrepreneurs in the region.
Business incubation programs like the Dan River Business Development Center (DRBDC) catalyze the process of starting and growing companies by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. NBIA estimates that in 2005 alone, North American incubators assisted more than 27,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for more than 100,000 workers and generated annual revenue of more than $17 billion. Approximately 5,000 business incubators operate worldwide.
The relationship with the DRBDC has proven beneficial for One-Stop Cellular. The incubator accommodated the needs of the firm's distribution facility and provided contacts with local economic developers to obtain incentives for the company as it added jobs in the community. The center hosts the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce's Hall of Fame for entrepreneurial award winners - One-Stop Cellular owners, Brooks and Fulp are recognized on this wall of champions as Enduring Entrepreneur Award Winners. Many older and equally innovative pioneers are joined by this young and energetic team, who prove that innovation and entrepreneurial vigor are the keys to economic revitalization in our region!
One-Stop Cellular currently has a team of over 200 employees. Their well managed growth is balanced with low debt to equity ratio, and high return on investment. Their success is due to a customer service model and significant investment in the professional development and training of their team. Their customer model for wireless delivery is unique in a market generally driven by commodity product sales.
The National Business Incubation Association is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. Each year, the NBIA Incubation Awards honor the business incubation programs, graduates and client companies that exemplify the best of the industry.
Contact: Scott Brooks Linda Knopp
Founder and CEO Communications Manager
One-Stop Cellular National Business Incubation Association
(434) 793-7353 (740) 593-4331
News and Events 
