Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Making a Life’s Dream Reality

You guys are so kind to me, reading my ramblings each month, usually about my dogs or something that’s going on in my world. But we really haven’t talked much about my day job. I’m a small-town guy from Marion, VA., and since 1994, have worked in downtown revitalization and economic development. In short, I work to help people “move ideas from the couch to the cash register,” helping folks sort through the maze to open or expand a small business.

It truly is my life’s calling. Oh, I loved my career in radio—some of you may remember my infamous commercial where I was dancing in a cowboy hat and boots way before Yellowstone came ’round. But whenever I can help someone realize a lifelong dream to pull the pieces together to cut a ribbon and open their own place, I’m happiest of all.

Recently, I ran a report on one of our programs, set up in partnership with another small-town guy, Craig Barbrow, who is originally front Saltville. He works with USDA Rural Development, and several years ago, offered to help us set up a small business loan pool. Now this was critical then—and critical now, too—because it’s tough to get financing for a startup small business. We took that initial investment and loaned it out $15,000 at a time at 2% interest over 5 years, and as that money was repaid, we lent it to others.

Over the years, we turned $300,000 investment to nearly $600,000 loaned out and that helped serve 47 businesses in our small town. It’s amazing the types of businesses we’ve worked with through this program—everything from a national, award winning, pet grooming business to a mobile small engine repair business, a cupcake lady to 10 new restaurants. Out of those 47 businesses, 21 have been women-owned. And for years, the two hardest businesses to get financing were food service and women owned. Thank goodness that has changed! In Marion, about 87% of our business startups since we started the whole program are women-owned. So next time you are thinking about following your passion, make it happen! Follow your passion always, and never take no for an answer.

If I can ever help, please reach out! Ken_heath@hotmail.com Let’s continue to do great things across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee!