Graphic: Building the Economy, Impacting Lives
Home > Client Hall of Fame Uncategorized > Tri-State Lawn Care/Tri-State Construction

Java Joint CoffeehouseTri-State Lawn Care/Tri-State Construction

Flatwoods, KY

Owners:  Mike Wheeler

SBDC: Morhead State University - Ashland

Growing up, Mike Wheeler worked for his uncle and grandfather mowing lawns in Tennessee.  As a teenager, he continued mowing lawns in his neighborhood to earn extra money.  His summer job quickly turned into a full-time business when he added landscaping and construction projects to his services.  Now, 15 years later, Tri-State Lawn Care/Tri-State Construction employs between 25 - 30 full-time employees.  Wheeler estimates that 60% of his business comes from corporate customers and the remaining 40% are residential customers.  His company offers a broad range of landscaping and construction services including subdivision developments and community  projects.

Mike Wheeler visited Kim Jenkins at the Ashland SBDC when he started his business.  She helped him prepare financial projections, a business plan and other documentation so that he could secure a loan.  Through the years, Jenkins has stayed in touch and Wheeler knows she is only a phone call away.

"Without the SBDC’s help, I would not have had the documents necessary to secure financing at a bank.  Kim helped me prepare financial projections and a business plan,"  Wheeler said. "She also did a great job communicating with the bank and has stayed in touch over the years."

Wheeler says his biggest challenge is finding reliable employees that are qualified for the job.  The SBDC has assisted Wheeler with this challenge by connecting him with professors at Morehead State University who may have students interested in the opportunity to work for Wheeler.