SBA NAMES ROB R. UKROPINA
CALIFORNIA’S 2007 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

SANTA ANA, CALIF – Rob R. Ukropina, Founder and CEO of Overnite Express in Irvine, CA, has been named California Small Business Person of the Year 2007 by the Santa Ana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The District serves Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. District Director J. Adalberto Quijada announced his selection saying “Rob Ukropina’s uncompromising commitment to serve both his internal and external customers coupled with his leadership and visionary qualities have led him to become a true American small business success story.” Robert Dodge, Senior Loan Officer with Southland Economic Development Corporation, nominated Ukropina “because he recognizes that a business is worth nothing without its employees and Mr. Ukropina strives to share the success of the company with its associates.”

In 1993 Overnight Express used an SBA loan of $200,000 for working capital. By 2003 demand for their services resulted in expansion into Nevada. At the same time Ukropina applied for and was approved for an SBA 504 loan to purchase a 62,000 square foot building in Irvine. This transition led to other expansion opportunities and the purchase of a state-of-the art automated sorting system. In 2006 services were extended to Arizona. “We simplify our customers’ lives by delivering to these states” said Ukropina, when asked about the secret to their success. “We are being pushed by our customers to expand and we want to meet those clients’ needs.” With excellent customer service, a motivated workforce, and state-of-the art technology in a conveyor system which separates and organizes packages, Overnite is now moving into the international arena starting with Mexico. Offering over 1,000 drop box locations, approximately 500 direct customer pick-ups and servicing over 6,000 clients, Overnite Express is a leader in quality overnight shipping throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. What sets it apart from its competition is an ability to service a niche market. Overnite Express identified the need for later (9:00 p.m.) drop-off times and an expanding client base is a reflection of that innovation.

Ukropina has dedicated 15 years to establishing Overnite Express but he’s also a dedicated family man. “Rob Ukropina is all about family” says Kristine Balandra, Marketing Coordinator, at Overnite Express. “He and his wife have three children and over the years he has enjoyed being an active Dad – soccer and track coach and active in Indian Guides and Indian Princesses.” Ukropina is also active in several professional organizations including: delegate for Congressman Christopher C. Cox; founding member and board member of the Pacific Club; Board of Governors the USC Alumni Association; President of the USC Marshall School of Business Alumni of Orange County; Board of Counselors, USC Athletic Department; member of the Round Table of Orange County; President of Father’s Day Council – American Diabetes Association; and various private boards including Whyrunout.com, C2Reprographics, Cedars Bank, Allyance Communications Network, BaggageDirect, and the Southern California Entrepreneur Academy. He is also a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at USC, UCLA, Chapman University, Pepperdine University, UCI, and Cal Poly Pomona.

Ukropina will be honored locally at SBA’s Small Business Award Luncheon on May 17, 2007 at the Ontario Convention Center as part of a nationwide salute to small business. For more information or to make reservations, contact event coordinator Patty Holohan at (909) 793-2908 or PSHoloha@aol.com.