Washburn Small Business Development Center's success stories

JC Mortgage and Title Company
2007 Emerging Business of the Year

Brenda Gentry founded JC Mortgage and Title Company as a newcomer to the United States and in a highly competitive market. Her company was initially... read more

Smith Audio Visual Inc.
2007 Existing Business of the Year

Attend a board room, banquet hall, or sports stadium designed with audio or visual equipment installed by Smith Audio Visual, and you quickly appreciate the quality... read more

Compton Hardware
2006 Existing Business of the Year

Enterprising entrepreneurs often turn potential disasters into opportunities. Mark and Lisa Compton faced that challenge when fire destroyed their hardware business in 2002. They had just... read more

Gilmore Crane Corporation
2006 Emerging Business of the Year

In 2003 Allen Gilmore found himself face to face with a life altering decision - continue working for his existing employer or start his own commercial... read more

CD Tradepost Inc.
2005 Existing Business of the Year

Dennis Strobel, the founder and President of CD Tradepost, recognized entrepreneurial opportunity in the premise that one person’s noise is music to another person’s ears... read more

Glenn Moore Meadows
2005 Emerging Business of the Year

As a teenager, Sherri Moore saw her grandparent’s health rapidly decline when they moved from the farm into a nearby city’s nursing home. This lasting... read more

Gatherings on the Prairie, L.L.C.
2005 Emerging Business of the Year

After working at Wal-Mart for nearly 20 years, Rob Dudley felt dissatisfied with his career. So, he left the company in search of something better... read more