“We were so focused on getting the business started up swiftly that we did not take the time to stop and think strategically about our business model. In asking the right questions, Karen helped us recognize the need to step back.”
Anna Griffin, a former corporate executive in manufacturing, merged personal and professional interests in her encore career when she found a longstanding bakery in need of a renaissance.
Mike Minnich uses market research, software and a business plan to succeed in what can be a seasonal, competitive business in the Hudson area.
A quest for better dog food for her adopted pet led Nikki Centeno to open a retail store in Kenosha and expand her offerings to include a pet wash and other fun items for our furry best friends.
“We’re creating a culture around sustainability that empowers customers to be able to divert their organic waste.”
Kathy Helgerson worked for years at a pharmacy, got laid off, took care of her mother for a year and had an “aha” moment thanks to a 93-year-old who needed to use Skype.
“I love making things efficient. I love having a vision and the journey of continually improving it,” entrepreneur and licensed arborist Adhem Theriault says.
Bryant Wilcox grew a home-based business into a store and gaming lounge that is expanding into a cafe, too.
Dale Kelm grows from administrator to owner of the Ashland facility, then grows the business into a small chain.
“The SBDC was crucial to our finding financing,” said Oshkosh brewery owner Dan Dringoli, who did his homework to ensure success in a booming trend.