Expanded service offerings, repeat customers drive companies' success

ATLANTA, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- IBT Enterprises and Design Build Concepts, the premier providers of design, build, construction and consulting services for the financial services and specialty retail industries, concluded 2009 with revenue growth, a broadened customer base and service offerings, and an advanced strategic facility planning offering, all in the face of a challenging economic environment.

In 2009, the banking and construction industries saw huge contractions, yet IBT Enterprises and Design Build Concepts were able to generate an impressive profit and gain market share. During the past year, IBT Enterprises secured significant repeat business and broadened its customer base in the specialty retail industry. Design Build Concepts built on a successful 2008 with a new service offering, and innovative and economical design/build solutions for its new and long-term customers.

"In the midst of one of the most challenging economic environments, IBT and Design Build Concepts grew by delivering forward-thinking facilities to clients and expanding our service offerings," said Mylle Mangum, chairman of IBT Holdings, the parent company of IBT Enterprises and Design Build Concepts. "The new specialty retail revenue stream allowed IBT Enterprises to increase its income and Design Build Concepts' innovative strategic planning program has netted new business."

The business decision to expand the companies into previously unexplored markets is part of the reason Mangum was named the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast region in 2009. The combined companies were also included on the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Pacesetters list, named the third Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Firm by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and included on Inc. magazine's Inc. 5000 for the third consecutive year.

IBT Enterprises

IBT Enterprises, which specializes in storefront and in-store design/build services and business consulting, completed 75 facilities in 2009 for customers including Exchange Bank of Alabama, First National Bank Texas, Flagstar Bank, Provident Bank of MD and Teachers Credit Union.

During 2009 IBT grew its non-financial customer base, increasing its market share in the specialty retail industry. IBT Enterprises also expanded its relationship with FOCUS Brands to build franchise locations for the company's most recognizable brands – Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's.

Design Build Concepts

Design Build Concepts specializes in financial facility consulting, design, construction, and remodel and renovation projects. The company expanded its consulting services to meet the changing financial landscape. To meet financial institutions' need to grow their market share while cutting expenses, DBC launched its Strategic Facility Planning service.

Partnering with Insight Financial Credit Union in 2009, Design Build Concepts conducted a strategic facility planning study that included a branch evaluation, market analysis, cost/benefit analysis, brand audit and prioritized recommendations. These recommendations balanced near-term financial stability and long-term market growth.

During 2009, Design Build Concepts also benefited from new and follow-on business from a variety of clients. The company completed 18 design/build projects, including a historical renovation at Bank of St. Francisville using reclaimed wood, exposed beams and window lintels. Additionally, Union Bank made a long-term investment in its community with a new main office and eCO Credit Union relocated its administrative office to a new, more economical location.

Mangum looks forward to 2010 with guarded optimism. "In 2009 we saw a historic fallout in the industries we serve," she said. "Since then we've seen some stabilization and believe it will translate into better opportunities for our customers and our industry."

About IBT Enterprises, LLC

IBT Enterprises is a leading source of forward-thinking design for the financial services and specialty retail industries. During its 25-year history, the company has consulted to more than 190 retail and 550 financial services clients on the development of thousands of workspaces. IBT Enterprises offers a comprehensive range of integrated services, including retail distribution strategy, market research, space planning, design and construction, performance training, and coaching. IBT Enterprises is a certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information about IBT Enterprises visit www.ibtenterprises.com.

About Design Build Concepts

Design Build Concepts provides comprehensive strategic facility consulting, branding, merchandising, design, construction management and training services exclusively to financial institutions. With a proven reputation, unparalleled industry expertise, and an unsurpassed commitment to quality, integrity and an open-book process, Design Build Concepts has earned 60 to 80 percent repeat business annually while successfully completing more than 700 financial facility programs since 1975. For more information on Design Build Concepts visit www.designbuildconcepts.com.

SOURCE IBT Enterprises

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