Bryan Jefferson Named 2013 Small Business Person of the Year

The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Bryan Jefferson as the 2013 Small Business Person of the Year.

Bryan is the President of The SOHO Shop, a veteran-owned automation company that designs, installs, and programs state – of – the – art smart lighting, climate control, audio/ video, and security systems for commercial or residential applications.  Through the intelligent use of smart technology, the SOHO Shop makes the everyday lives of their customers safer and simpler.

In 2007, The SOHO Shop started as a hobby for Bryan.  However, Bryan saw where home automation technology was headed and decided that it needed to be available to more people.  While the business grew slowly at first, the SOHO Shop’s innovation generated orders that started flying in.  This sudden influx of business presented a new problem for Bryan; the demand required large amounts of cash to finance ordering product up front.  Bryan put all of his personal finances onboard by investing EVERYTHING into The SOHO Shop. 

Not only have sales increased each year, but each year he has managed to increase the number of employees, starting in 2010 with just 2 employees and finishing 2012 with 8.  Bryan has also expanded the SOHO Shop, partnering with other companies and opening new offices in North Carolina, Iowa, and Texas.  In fact, the Iowa expansion now represents half of their revenue, with over $1 million in revenue last year.  New branches are planned in Lake of the Ozarks, Kansas City and Minneapolis.

After high school, Bryan joined the Marines where he worked in the dispersing field, was a combat instructor and taught land navigation.  Bryan earned three Navy Achievement Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals.  He served as Presidential Guard for former President George H. W. Bush, was Honor Guard for incoming Ambassadors and wrote the Marine Core financial tracking system.  Today, as a Veteran, he continues the mission forward by supporting local Veteran agencies and donating portions of projects to various foundations. 

One particular project stands out: a handicapped man in St. Louis who had lost the ability to walk needed help with his home.  Bryan and The SOHO Shop worked tirelessly to outfit the man’s house with the latest technology, giving him the ability to control virtually every aspect of his home from his wheelchair.

Please join us in congratulating Bryan Jefferson on his achievements.

* Photo credit to Dave Seidel Photography