B&B Filters: APEX Accelerator Helps Second-generation Family Business Prepare to Expand into Governmental Marketplace

B&B Filters, a small business with a 31-year history spanning two generations based in Johnson City, TN, provides industrial filtration, indoor air quality equipment, and V-Belts to a variety of industries as well as public facilities and commercial businesses.

Ryan Berkley, president of the company, stays connected with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at East Tennessee State University as he works to continue to grow the business. Mark Bays, director of the center, suggested B&B was ready to expand its business offerings into the government marketplace and pointed him in the direction of the Tennessee APEX Accelerator. 

Ryan participated in an APEX Accelerator training to provide him with an overview of government contracting. The training led him to dive deeper and become an APEX client. East Tennessee APEX Accelerator Counselor Jutta Bangs helped him complete his SAM.gov registration, develop marketing strategies to identify target customers, and complete small business certification applications. She continues to help Ryan find potential target markets using BidMatch and guides him as he goes through the process of completing vendor registrations with various agencies.

B&B Filters was recently notified that they are one of fourteen companies awarded a contract to provide the University of Tennessee with MRO supplies in facilities across the State of Tennessee. The company is among a list of industry giants, which is a major accomplishment.

According to Ryan, “Jutta and the TN APEX team have played a crucial role in educating me on how to navigate the intricacies of government contracting, enabling me to submit bids now under active consideration. Their guidance has been indispensable for my business’s success in this field.”

Jutta Bangs said, “We are honored to support this business that has such a rich history in the filtration industry, supporting customers nationwide. Ryan is extremely easy to work with and he is enthusiastic and committed to implementing the strategies and tactics that APEX is suggesting. We can’t wait to see where these new market opportunities will take the company.”

Mark Bays stated, “The TSBDC partnership with APEX provides our clients with the best possible resources and support to help them achieve their goals. Mr. Berkley is a prime example of how our collaboration can create opportunities for success. We look forward to continuing our partnership with APEX and helping more entrepreneurs like Mr. Berkley realize their dreams.” 

Visit https://bnbfilters.com/ to find out more about B&B Filters.

Tennessee APEX Accelerator, formerly Tennessee PTAC, assists businesses in competing successfully in federal, state and local government contracting. The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services has provided these services since 1986. This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Tennessee APEX Accelerator services are delivered at no charge. For more information, email apex@tennessee.edu.