Side hustle becomes big business for UGA SBDC client
In 1999, Jason Jones started renting out sound equipment for local concerts and theater productions as a side hustle to support his aspirations as a musician. Over 20 years later, the side job has become a multimillion-dollar business, S&L Integrated. S&L Integrated now operates on a national scale, with a multi-state staff of […]
GrowSmart and Succession Planning Produce Smooth Transition to Growing Legacy for Son
Calder Willingham had two choices upon graduating from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in 2006. “I had to choose whether to do the corporate thing or go to Macon and help dad run and grow the family business,” he said. “Being a naive 22-year-old, I thought working for him would give me […]
Independent Pharmacy Starts Strong with Planning and Lending Guidance
Pharmacists Briana Aycock and Sarah Swinson, both University of Georgia College of Pharmacy graduates, worked six years together to create a hometown pharmacy feel at the Walmart Pharmacy in Baxley. Eventually, they knew they would have to go independent to fully achieve this dream for their patients. They began planning in April 2020. While […]
The UPS Store in Smyrna, GA
Essential Business in Smyrna Turns to UGA For Assistance During Pandemic Joseph is the owner of The UPS Store located on Cobb Pkwy in Smyrna, Georgia. The UPS Store is a locally owned franchise offering a range of products and services designed specifically to help and support small business owners in the local community. In 2012 a bank recommended Joseph contact a local UGA […]
The Therapy Tree in Douglas
Sound Business Fundamentals and Pandemic Loan Assistance Help Douglas Business Thrive Teresa McElroy’s business, The Therapy Tree, is a lifeline for families throughout Southeast Georgia who need occupational, speech and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for their children, many of whom are autistic. She launched the business with one patient in her family’s trailer in 2008. A dozen years later, her staff of 35 therapists serves nearly 500 children at offices in Douglas, Fitzgerald, Hazlehurst, Baxley, and Vidalia. In […]
Team Clermont in Athens
UGA helped Team Clermont stay afloat after COVID-19 shut down live music venues and banned large gatherings Nelson Wells has been promoting musical releases and musicians in Athens and beyond since 1997. When the pandemic hit, it threatened to shut his business down as well. “People stopped spending money and activities in general just froze,” said Wells, whose company, Team Clermont, includes two full-time and two part-time employees […]
Leads Near Me in Lawrenceville
Strategic and Succession Planning Prepare Visionary Agency Owner to Lead Like a CEO The secret sauce in Ryan Burton’s digital marketing agency, Leads Near Me, is that he and his team lead with love. “We have a great team of very special people here working for clients we adore and love,” said Burton. “Our work is based on one principle: we care. We love our clients. Caring and doing the […]
Innovative Fitness Solutions in Kennesaw
GrowSmart® Training Aids Owner’s Strategic Focus Like relay runners passing a baton, fitness experts Chris and Melissa Conti moved nine times during the first 10 years of their marriage to work in the industry. Within two years of relocating to Atlanta, they found themselves facing another move. The company Chris had joined was going out of business. […]