Small Business Stories

In addition to making a great beer, Paige and Kimberly had a powerful mission in mind: to give back to our troops and veterans. 50 Back Brewing Company donates 50 percent of its proceeds to charities supporting our armed forces and their families. Their beer gives consumers a chance to say “Thank You” to our heroes, and the knowledge that it helps improve the lives of our troops and veterans.

This business venture grew out of a lifelong passion for running and fitness. Big River Running Company is a specialty running store that goes the distance to make running more enjoyable for both recreational and competitive athletes in the St. Louis, Mo., area. Besides the best in gear, they offer running support services including personal coaching and race management.

After 15 years as a police officer, Shawn and his three partners started Blueline Security Services, a private security firm that provides armed and unarmed security guards and executive protection personnel to corporate clients. They also offer professional training to those in the field as well as personal security training for employees of large companies in the Washington, D.C., area.

An organic landscape advocate, Donald has more than 20 years of horticultural management and development experience. Gardens Are, Inc., provides organic landscaping and snow and ice management services, all with Donald’s commitment to sustainable land-care practices. He enjoys developing close relationships with his clients while taking care of our planet.

Kari prides herself on being a coffee aficionado, so converting her passion into a business venture was an easy decision. As co-owner of Kodiak Coffee, she enjoys connecting with her customers, brewing delicious handcrafted drinks and offering a creative menu. Competing with giant coffee chains isn’t easy, but Kari is ready for the challenge.

Known as the “Sausage Queen,” Katherine has been working at Paisano Sausage Company for more than 30 years. This family business takes pride in making the finest Italian sausages the old-fashioned way. Kathy’s focus has shifted to creating new recipes and products while still maintaining the day-to-day operations. Successfully running the family company in today’s tough economy means everything to her.

Robin has always been passionate about action photography, and started professionally as a naval photographer. After the Navy, she began studying law. Three days before the bar exam, a serious car accident forced a change to her career plans and she refocused on developing her own award-winning photography business. Robin loves that her business allows her to be active in her community.

Lisa is one of four partners of Trigon Associates, a full-service consulting engineering firm specializing in planning, design, construction, program and project management. Lisa finds business development fun yet challenging. With Project REV, she wants to gain a marketing perspective that she can use to build her business.

Bob Packard and Kent Thomas started Two Fat Guys Gourmet Sauces with a secret recipe they came up with right in their backyard. Julie is married to Kent, and she joined the business to help entice BBQ lovers everywhere to try their special sauce. They produce unique, all-natural BBQ sauces that are free of gluten and high-fructose corn syrup.

Jamie built up his steel fabrication chops by working at a small welding shop all through high school. After earning an engineering degree, he joined West Metal Works, Inc., a leader in precision metal fabrication. Today, as general manager, he believes that West Metal Works could benefit enormously from professional marketing direction.