Costa Mesa man wins national business title

Amy R. Spurgeon

COSTA MESA -- A colleague of this year’s U.S. Small Business Person of

the Year said it best.

“This is living proof that nice guys don’t finish last,” said John Nolan,

marketing director for Balboa Instruments, Inc. “I hate to make it that

simple. It’s just one of those stories.”

David J. Cline, president and CEO of Balboa Instruments in Costa Mesa,

was named the winner of the 37th annual entrepreneurial award by the U.S.

Small Business Administration at a luncheon held Wednesday in Washington,

D.C.

Cline was one of 53 small business people -- representing 50 states, the

District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam -- competing for the national

title.

Cline’s firm is a leader in the development and manufacturing of

electronic control systems for the portable spa industry.

The national entrepreneurial award highlights the administration’s Small

Business Week. The celebration honors the contributions of small business

owners across the U.S.

“I was totally excited and feel very enthused,” Cline said after the

event. “It was incredible.”

Winners were selected based on their record of stability; growth in

employment and sales; financial condition; innovation; response to

adversity; and community service.

Cline recently developed a program with local high schools to give

students an opportunity to receive hands-on training at Balboa

Instruments. Students are exposed to day-to-day operations and learn how

to solve hypothetical business problems.

“I have nothing to say but the best things about Dave,” said Tom Antal,

principal of Estancia High School. “He’s worked closely with us and has

enormous patience. He is a true champion of students and the educational

process.”

Cline has also received kudos from those in the business community.

“It’s well deserved,” said Ed Fawcett, president of the Costa Mesa

Chamber of Commerce, who nominated Cline for the award at the state

level. “The perseverance he’s shown in weathering the down times and

making the business successful are a credit to him. And his work with the

community is just icing on the cake.”