Small Business Survival
Reporter: Lauren Hanson
Email Address: lauren.hanson@wbko.com
President Obama has said the recession will be over when Americans feel it in their hearts. It's no secret that it's been a tough couple of years for Americans, but how can you succeed in these tough times?
Starting a small business can be tough even in the best of times, but some are making it happen.
Hitcents is a local small company that's been in business for more than a decade.
"It's been amazing. We started out of our house. It was just my brother, myself, and my dad," said Chris Mills of Hitcents.
Chris and his twin brother Clinton started Hitcents when they were only in high school.
"I remember hiring our first employee and I remember hiring our 50th employee," said Chris.
The twins were the first tenants of WKU's Center for Research and Development.
"A lot of people can start a company and run a company for a couple of years, then it fizzles out. It proves we have a product for the marketplace," said Chris.
During the last decade, the twins have taken the advice of their mentors by keeping their mission simple.
"Focus on what you're good at. We've had the opportunity to grow and Clinton and I are good at technology and software and we've tried to stay focused on those points," said Chris.
Hitcents isn't the only success story.
Bluegrass Supply Chain Services began in a tiny office in WKU's Small Business Accelerator. Beginning in the accelerator gave the owner, John Higgins, a support system.
"A lot of help making contacts in the community and providing us with mentoring," said John.
In 2008 John moved his company into the community.
John says his key to success is remembering need vs. want.
Since he began his company almost five years ago, John has expanded it to three locations in Kentucky and one in Alabama.
"I'm not just responsible for myself and my family, but other families that depend on us as well," said John.
He also says if you're starting a mall business to be prepared to work a lot of long hours.
For more information on the Small Business Accelerator you can log onto:
http://www.cr-icc.com/
