[Sunday Reading Eagle]
Greg Shemanski, a Berks County native, worked for big corporations for 20 years before going it alone. He has operated Custom Processing Service Inc., Exeter Township, for a little more than two years.
His specialized business, employing 10 people, processes materials used as additives to such products as plastics and flame retardants. It targets chemical manufacturers who sell to others in areas such as paint, ink and coatings.
Shemanski turned to Ben Franklin Technology Partners for help putting together his business plan and connecting him to consultants and others. For example, the partners helped secure a grant for a professor at Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley Campus, Spring Township, who analyzes the company's production equipment.
The support has been key in helping Shemanski make a go of a venture requiring millions of dollars worth of equipment, be said. Like Cichelli, Shemanski was pursuing a successful career in the corporate world, but Shemanski was frustrated because the company he was working for wasn't expanding the way he would have liked.
"I've always wanted to have my own business because I'm in control," Shemanski said. He says he probably puts in more hours than he did before starting his own business, but he also doesn't have to travel as much. In reflecting on his decision to strike out on his own, Shemanski said, "I wouldn't trade it for the world." (from the Sunday Reading Eagle, 2/17/2002)