Auto business "breezes" through expansion thanks to financing

Brooklyn-based Sea Breeze Auto Body Repairs provides auto body and repair services in Brooklyn. Started in 1989 by owner Domenic Benedetto, the company recently relocated in Brooklyn from 6,000 s/f to an 11,300 s/f building on 18th Ave. The new building is enabling the company to take on insurance companies and handle their auto repair programs- doubling Sea Breeze's capacity. Key to the expansion was affordable, low down payment financing- provided by Unity Bank and the Greater New York Development Co. (GNYDC). Unity lent 50% of the project cost (acquisition, renovations and soft costs). GNYDC lent 40% in a subordinate lien position behind Unity. The company injected just 10%, saving its working capital for other expansion needs. GNYDC's loan was done under the SBA 504 loan program, providing 20-year low fixed-rate funding. Carmine Fabio, Sr. VP GNYDC, said, "This is an example of an entrepreneurial businessman. Domenic Benedetto comes from a background in a collision shop and as a claims adjustor. He opened Sea Breeze and combined his expertise to create a successful small shop which has grown due to the insurance business. Daniel Crapanzano, operations manager of Sea Breeze co owns the real estate with Benedetto, and together Benedetto and Crapanzano are realizing the American dream. They are building equity in real estate for their families and enabling this small business to thrive and grow in the community." Roslyn Goldmacher is the president and CEO of the Long Island Development Corp. (LIDC) and the Greater New York Development Co. (GNYDC), Bethpage, N.Y.