Winners
Congratulations to our weekly winners in the Kim Komando Small Business iPad Giveaway, sponsored by Carbonite. Twelve very lucky small-business owners have now been chosen to each win a free iPad 2, and one year of computer backup coverage from Carbonite!
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Grand Prize Winner
Steve White | i2iK9
Congratulations to Steve White of i2i K9 Canine Training the Grand Prize Winner of a FREE MacBook Pro laptop computer and a special, one-hour business consultation by telephone with me, Kim Komando!
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Week 1
Bill Dinslage | Nature Hills Nursery
From the story submitted by Bill Dinslage: "Nature Hills Nursery was started in a basement in Omaha, Nebraska. Our first expansion was in the shell of a building with dirt floors! We sold trees through our website, NatureHills.com. Soon, we added flowers and plants. We met the problems head-on and solved them day by day. To grow more, we need better exposure, the right tools and some excellent business advice."
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Week 2
Joan Fraser | Bath Sweet Shoppe
From the story submitted by Joan Fraser: "Seven years ago, my husband and I took a leap of faith and a $10,000 home equity loan. We opened Bath Sweet Shoppe. We feature fine chocolates, unique confections and every old-fashioned-candy favorite. We have a unique product, a good reputation and a shop big enough to handle increased business. We work 7 days a week and love our candy business and our customers, but we are a little frustrated and tired. We need a boost and some expert advice to put us on the best path."
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Week 3
Florence Rini | Nevina
From the story submitted by Florence Rini: "I'm a retired belly dancer. I danced professionally for more than 25 years. I started Belly Dancing For Fun and Fitness. It offers everything you need to begin belly dancing on a modest budget (belly dance instruction on DVD, authentic music, plus veils and finger cymbals). The dances offer low-impact movements for all ages and body types. The movements of the dance will enhance your strength and endurance. If you wish, you can also enjoy the income belly dancing can provide. I just need help to get the word out!"
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Week 4
Roxane Underwood | Third Coast Gifts and Gourmet
From the story submitted by winner Roxane Underwood: "My sister Kristine started out making candied jalapenos and thought, 'These are so good, I can sell them.' I became her partner, working weekends and shows. After many years of borrowing a commercial kitchen, we rented space and created our own kitchen. People look for us now at shows and events. But we need help in advertising and marketing our product. We've poured blood, sweat, and tears into this business." Learn more about Third Coast Gifts and Gourmet by clicking through to their website.
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Week 5
Joan McCarty | Camp Aloha Bed and Breakfast
From the story submitted by winner Joan McCarty: "We purchased a macadamia nut farm located on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1999. We soon realized that it costs about as much to pick the nuts as they are worth at the processing plant. The farm has tropical park-like grounds, so we decided to share the south half of our home with visitors to Hawaii. We applied for a county B&B special permit, and we now have Camp Aloha Bed and Breakfast. We need help to better run the website portion of our business."
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Week 6
Ron Schmitz | Sunny's Campground
From the story submitted by winner Ron Schmitz: "In 1965, my Dad created Sunny's Campground in Wauseon, OH, from his idea that people should have a safe place to go with their family and enjoy the outdoors. He and my Mom had 7 kids and have since retired. Now my three brothers, my sister, my son and I run the campground. We have built it to 800 campsites. Thousands of people have brought their children to enjoy the outdoors and festivities we have for them. We now have grandchildren of our original customers who camp here. This was my Dad's dream, and we continue to keep his dream alive."
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Week 7
Cherie Johnson | Sisters Beads
From the story submitted by winner Cherie Johnson: "My sister Celeste and I wanted to make glass bead jewelry for ourselves, family and friends. We learned that if we took classes in lampwork bead making, we could make not only our own jewelry but also our own glass beads. We practiced long hours, and finally were encouraged to put some up for sale at a local art gallery. We expanded to other galleries and then found eBay! What began as a wonderful hobby has turned into a business that has provided us with a very respectable full-time income. We love Kim's Club and because our online experience is critical to our business, you have definitely participated in our success. Thanks so much!"
Learn more about Sisters Beads by clicking through to their website. -
Week 8
Bev Eagy | ANZAC Tea Parlour
From the story submitted by winner Bev Eagy: "I moved from Oregon to Australia and lived there for 20 years. I then returned to Oregon and started The ANZAC Tea Parlour, an Australian-themed tea room/restaurant, in my home. (ANZAC is an acronym for Australia-New Zealand Army Corps.) I started my business by making ANZAC biscuits (cookies) and it evolved into the Tea Parlour. My husband recently retired from his 35-year career teaching biology, and he now helps in the Tea Parlour, along with our lone employee. Like most small businesses, the economy has made things difficult. But we have a positive attitude and believe great service is a critical part of a successful business. We are trying to increase business through strategic use of the Internet, Facebook, etc., and The Kim Komando Show has greatly helped us in keeping up with the latest in technology. Thank you."
Learn more about ANZAC Tea Parlour & Restaurant -
Week 9
Steve White | i2iK9
From the story submitted by winner Steve White: "I was a K9 cop for roughly half of my 35-year law enforcement career. As a result, I've developed a passion for helping handlers develop a true partnership with their dogs. Leveraging technology has accelerated the process in ways I could not have imagined in 1975, when I got started. Using digital video handlers can now analyze and then optimize training methods. By developing scent-work behavior databases unique to their own dogs, Search and Rescue handlers can cut in half the time it takes to learn to "read" their dogs. These scientifically sound method save lives, catches crooks, and keeps our communities safer. Simply put, I want to change the face of K9 training around the world."
Learn more about i2iK9 -
Week 10
Lee Mathis | Decadence Cheesecakes
From the story submitted by winner Lee Mathis: "After some health challenges, I lost the heart for my old industry, sales. When I landed in Western Colorado, I knew had to do something to change my life. I asked myself, what had I always loved to do? And it came to me: cooking. I enrolled at the Colorado Mesa University Culinary Program. About the 2nd or 3rd week, students brought in things they made at home. I brought a Vermont Maple Cheesecake, which I had been making since my college days in Vermont. The chef instructor asked where he could buy one. I told him, 'Give me 90 days!' I went to the local business incubator and started Decadence Cheesecakes 90 days later. Subsequently, we launched what is now our now No. 1 product line, our 'Cheesecakes in a Jar®'. We have been struggling in this economy, but have made it through and kept our heads above water. Things are picking up, and we are looking toward the future."
Learn more about Decadence Cheesecakes -
Week 11
Nancy Soltero | Soltero Productions
From the story submitted by winner Nancy Soltero: "My husband and I started an event video business while he was still a police detective. Since he retired, the business has really thrived. It's a home-based business and we often meet clients in their homes or at coffee shops. Once clients see our creative wedding videos, they are sold. Laptops are too big and cell phones are too small. My plan is to take an iPad with me to instantly show HD samples of the work we've done at the bride's venue. Clients will be impressed. Plus, once they hire us, I believe I can also charge credit cards, complete a contract and instantly email a copy to the client. That's a huge time saver. I can even use it to play photos/videos directly into a projector at a wedding reception or corporate event. We're in a very mobile and high-tech business and need help accomplishing portability, calendar management, email, on-site contract completion, bookkeeping and especially more exposure."
Learn more about Soltero Productions. -
Week 12
Jesse Huth | Huth Avian
From the story submitted by winner Jesse Huth: "I've dreamed of my chicken business since I was 6 years old. Your contest just egged me on to become the Kim Komando of the Chicken World. The niche for "all things chicken" is ready to be filled. With more people wanting to be self-sustaining than ever before, backyard chickens are becoming one of the country's fastest growing avocations. I've been raising chickens for nearly 15 years - even though I am only 20 - and I will soon complete my B.S. in Poultry Science. I want to provide the guidance, information and support that is needed."
Learn more about Huth Avian by clicking through to the website.
