May 8, 2018
CONTACT: Julie Eatley, SBDC, 806-372-5151, coordinator@wtsbdc,com
Amarillo Inventor Named SBA's West Texas Small Business Person of the Year
CANYON, Texas—The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) West Texas District Office has named Amarillo inventor James Sanders as the 2018 West Texas Small Business Person of the Year. The WTAMU Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Administration and the Canyon Noon Lions Club will host the award presentation from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the Cole Community Center, 300 16th Street in Canyon.
A Navy Veteran, Sanders doesn’t let the fact that he is confined to a wheelchair stop him from living his life as independently as possible. He invented the Sprinkler Removal Tool and started S T I Tools, Inc. to allow all, even those with limited mobility, to repair sprinklers. The product is sold internationally for both residential and commercial use.
"James Sanders first visited the WT SBDC in October of 2012. Five and half years later, we are honored to recognize his accomplishments," Rick Palmer, SBDC senior business consultant, said. "He is an accomplished inventor, problem solver and business inspiration. If you ever met James, you would be inspired and amazed at his abilities and accomplishments.
"James Sanders is a combination of hard work, intelligence, insight and inspiration who channeled all of those qualities into a phenomenal tool that he patented, manufactures and sells all over the world. If you give him a challenge, he overcomes in a minute or two and then looks for the next opportunity."
For more information, contact Julie Eatley at 806-372- 5151 or coordinator@wtsbdc.com.
—WTAMU—