09/03/2026
Growing Businesses. Creating Jobs. Building Lane County.
When we talk about creating jobs in Lane County, we often focus on the end result: a new position, a new employee, another paycheck supporting a local household. But behind every job created by a small business is an entrepreneur who first had to build a business strong enough to support it.
Lillibridge Metal Craft, LLC in Springfield is a great example of what that journey looks like.
Owner Andrew Lillibridge started his custom metal fabrication business as a side venture from a small shop at home. With 20 years of experience in welding and fabrication, demand quickly grew. In 2018, Andrew took the leap and left his full-time job to focus on Lillibridge Metal Craft full-time.
As the business grew, Andrew turned to the Lane SBDC for support. He participated in our Business Plan Accelerator in 2019 and has continued working with SBDC advisors as his role has evolved from skilled fabricator to business owner; and eventually, employer.
That last transition is a significant one.
Hiring employees means restructuring a business, navigating payroll and workers' compensation, training people, managing turnover, and making sure the business can financially sustain the people who now depend on it. But Andrew says it also changes what the business is capable of accomplishing.
“The thing I love about having employees is being able to accomplish something greater than you are able to by yourself.”
For Andrew, building a team means more hands to tackle complex projects, more ideas around the table, complementary talents, and the camaraderie that develops when people work together toward something bigger.
His next goal goes even further: creating positions that aren't simply additional hours, but good jobs that can provide meaningful support for local households.
“A challenge for me right now is being able to offer someone not just some hours, but an actual job that could be significant support for their household. A job that someone would seek out and be excited to have.”
Andrew is candid that getting there isn't always easy. Like many small business owners, he can see the kind of company and team he wants to build without always knowing exactly how to reach the next stage. Looking back, however, makes the progress much easier to see.
That is where the Lane SBDC comes in.
Job creation doesn't begin with a job posting. It begins by helping local businesses become strong enough to hire, sustainable enough to keep those employees, and equipped to continue growing.
When Lane County's small businesses grow from one person, to two, to five and beyond, they aren't just growing businesses. They're creating local jobs, supporting local households, and building economic opportunity right here at home.
And we're proud to help them get there.
