Pin Feathers, a duck decoy business, grew out of owner Skip Couvillion’s lifelong long love of hunting. Tired of the cumbersome process of using tiny tools in the early morning darkness to place spinning wings on his decoys, Couvillion invented wings that could pop on and off magnetically without having to search for a set screw or carry equipment into the field. He began by marketing them through a catalog company, and is now selling 300 to 600 a year, expanding to outlets like the Bossier City Bass Pro Shop. He credits the LSU-Shreveport Small Business Development Center, supported by LED, with the company’s growth.

Skip and his wife Chris also founded Louisiana Duck Decoys to market his hand-carved duck decoys. Chris Couvillion said she had heard small business development centers could help her and her husband. “They were extremely helpful. In fact, I have recommended them to others,” she said. “They started right away, helping us with spread sheets, plans and loan applications,” Chris Couvillion said. The company continues to thrive, now enjoying the success of national recognition.

“I began by thinking I’d sell 10 or 12 a year,” Couvillion said. His predictions proved wrong after Phil Robertson, a now-famous professional Louisiana duck hunter known as “the Duck Commander,” stumbled upon his product. (Robertson’s company sells custom-made calls, instructional videos, and even its own line of seasonings.) With the Duck Commander’s endorsement and an order of 100 of Couvillion’s one-of-a-kind creations, the hand-carved decoy business has moved onto the fast track. The collaboration has continued with the Couvillions becoming sponsors of Robertson’s videos. “We are about to be exposed big-time in the hunting world,” Skip Couvillion said.

Peggy Connor with the LSU-S Small Business Development Center became the liaison between the Couvillions and federal small business development services, including financing. This allowed the Couvillions to keep their focus on running the business, rather than tracking their request for financing. “All we had to do was fill out the paperwork,” said Chris Couvillion.

“They have bent over backwards for us to help us any way they can. They have been super,” said Skip Couvillion.

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