Charlie Mello

American Custom Coach Inc.

Mr. Mello Autobiography

Date of Birth - August 03, 1961

Place of Birth - Sao Paulo - Brazil

Emigrated to US - 1988

Colleges:

• Academia Polytechnic de Sao Paulo - Mechanic Engineering
• Cal State Fullerton - International Marketing

Family: Married, two children (boys - 14 and 17)

Career:

After seven years working in the Bus / RVs manufacturing industry, Mr. Mello realized the potential market for such vehicles, in the international arena. With the objective of exporting US goods (buses/RVs), and $3,000.00 (three thousand dollars) investment, Mr. Mello started his
company in 1996.

Without manufacturing capabilities, Mr. Mello began the sales/marketing approach with several local manufacturers. In a very short period of time, three large bus manufacturers granted international representation rights.

Seeking assistance through all available government and private sources, Mr. Mello found tremendous support with the US Department of Commerce and the World Trade Center. His first sold contract in 1996 resulted from a lead supplied by a trade specialist GERALD VAUGHN - US Department of Commerce. The contract was for a special application bus for a client in Venezuela, total value of $ 62,000.00. The same client continued purchasing several other types of motorized units.

As marketing efforts and sales inquires increased, requests for customized modifications and other special designs became more frequent. The bus and RV manufacturers were not ready for custom modifications, which would interfere with their current volume production. The current obstacle motivated Mr.Mello to start his own manufacturing.

In 1997, Mr. Mello employed the first receptionist and mechanic. The office was relocated to a larger location in order to accommodate future sales and minor production schedule. That same year another contract was signed with a new client in Venezuela, resulting of $130,000.00 additional sales.

The implementation of our first web site, international trade magazine advertisement and local trade shows, new contracts were signed. 1998 an order for special application bus ($67,000) came from Abu Dhabi, another contract from Kuwait ($ 78,000) for an ambulance, and a new
customer from Japan ordered $43,000 vehicle from us.

Challenges and problems soon became evident. Cost of shipping, import duties and local manufacturing regulations inflated our prices. Rising competition in other Countries also contributed to the need for a new strategy. Mr. Mello's philosophy has always been: "Provide the best quality product and service, and the customer will find you."

The first step was to develop a system that would qualify his customers. Customers meeting his criteria would receive undivided attention and dedication, in order to guarantee best results. Mr. Mello also created a wide range of product diversification. He felt the need to offer his customers answers and solutions, and not a "stock" product. His main approach is to listen the client's needs and requirements, so he can offer the solution.

The following years our export fluctuated due to various factors, but always increasing at a rate of approximately of 10%. Our domestic sales have also expanded at a rate of approximately 35% every year.

Currently, Mr. Mello is working with two strong prospects:

a)EQUILAB CIENTIFICA C.A. - Venezuela

This project is for a total of six (06) mobile laboratory units $ 600,000.00 The government of Venezuela to monitor air quality in the Country will use the project. The Eximbank will fund it.

Mr. Mello just received the verbal confirmation that the contract will be awarded to ACC Inc. and they are in the process of receiving funds confirmation.

b)ALI & SONS CO. - Kuwait

This project is for a total of twenty four (24) mobile laboratory unit for crude oil analyzes - total value approx $ 960,000.00

The contract is now under consideration and it is privately funded. Mr. Mello estimates that international gross sales for 2004 reaching over 1 million dollars. The significant sales increase is due to new approach, of establishing international dealers, rather than sell directly to end uses.
This will allow other business to grow and motivate our sales.

Today, Mr. Mello has a production facility that increased from 3,000 square feet in 1997, to 10,000 square feet. Employs 12 people, with annual gross sales at $970,000. To this date, our exports have reached the following countries: Venezuela, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Japan, China, Korea, Russia and Ghana. Our export sales represent approximately 40% of our annual gross sales.

American Custom Coach Inc.
Charlie & Jales Mello

1521 S. Vineyard Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761

Phone: (909) 947-4747 * Fax: (909) 947-4785