Entrepreneur Archive:
The Home Center

The Home Center—Clinton, MO
Assisted by:
Don Davis, Small Business Development Center at Central Missouri State University

Leland and Renee Cunningham saw a need in their home community of Clinton, and with the help of the SBDC at Central Missouri State University and their counselor, Don Davis, they have not only filled the need but have done so with great success.

The Home Center is a retail lumber and hardware and home improvement center. When the Cunninghams first approached Don Davis of the CMSU SBDC in 1999, their feasibility studies and projections were promising. They worked with Don to develop a business plan, which was received favorably by a local lender.

They were on their way.

Leland built the contractor portion of the business on his previous relationships with construction firms in the area. At the same time, Renee focused on the retail side of the operation, widening their customer base to include Warrensburg, Harrisonville, Garden City, Warsaw and Urich. Referrals from the SBDC have resulted in business in Lee's Summitt and Concordia as well.

The Cunninghams attribute their success to offering only quality products with a heavy emphasis on customer service. Profits have exceeded projections by 15 percent; sales have exceeded projections by nearly 19 percent. They have created 12 new jobs in rural Henry County and added a vital retail and service company in their receptive community.

Facility expansions and the addition of a lawn and garden center are their future plans.

The Home Center
625 NW Rt. 7
Clinton, MO 64735
Phone: 660/885-2989
Fax: 660/885-2706

---

Featured Entrepreneurs and Client Showcase Archive

Manufacturer Billy Goat Industries of Lee's Summit - manufacturer of outdoor power equipment Eyes of the World of Rolla - manufacturer of high-quality intraocular lenses for humans and animals ISW Group, Inc., of St. Louis - manufacturer of a skin-care product for African Americans suffering with dermatological problems The Newberry Group of St. Louis - developer of computer security systems Patric Chocolate of Columbia - gourmet chocolate maker Pogue Label and Screen of St. Louis - a specialist in printing labels on plastic containers Renewable Alternatives of Columbia - specializing in the engineering of phase change materials to ensure consistent temperatures Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis - chemical manufacturer TechGuard Security of Chesterfield - provider of information network security products X-Com, Inc. of Warrensburg, - produces digital communications hardware and software for the Navy and other commercial applications and products Professional, Scientific and Technical Service Aegis Business Solutions LLC of Kansas City - offers solutions to business problems in information technology Brick City Custom Works of Mexico - custom motorcycle repair and service shop Gaskin, Hill, Norcross of Springfield - developer of a text messaging system Global Solutions Group of Fenton - network solutions, IT telephone and systems management firm H2O Technical Services, Inc., of Springfield, a provider of integrated water treatment services and applications Hammer Collections of Springfield - employs computer software and information technology to resolve and prevent payment delinquencies Language Solutions, Inc. of St. Louis - specializing in translation technology and multi-lingual communications services to assist other businesses reach a global market Logistical Resource Solutions of St. Louis - storage and inventory control Lytmos Group LLC of Lee's Summit - provides peer review and grants management support to organizations that sponsor high technology R&D Mobile Media Technologies, LLC of Kansas Ciy - wireless communications Nanova, Inc. of Columbia - researching biomaterials, materials, composites and medical devices to develop more reliable medical devices NEMS/MEMS Works LLC of Columbia - engineering researchers developing early-stage prototypes of nanotechnology delivery devices to target drug applications in patients with life-threatening conditions OsteoGeneX of Kansas City - drug research and biotech commercialization Paternity Testing Corporation of Columbia - forensic investigations, DNA profiling and parental identification P/Strada, LLC, of Kansas City - a consultant in bio-terrorism and homeland security Sign Designs of Joplin - designs and manufactures custom signs for large corporations and small businesses Technology and Networking of Cape Girardeau - computer technology and telecommunications sales and services The Vacation Channel of Branson - independent TV station providing tourism info Westinn Kennels of St. Charles - canine boarding and training facility Wren Associates, Ltd. of Jefferson City - provider of retail fraud detection systems

Accommodation & Food Services Bucks and Spurs Guest Ranch of Ava - working guest ranch Hot Box Cookies of Columbia - cookie bakery Nature's Window of Gladstone - catering Retail Trade Digital Technology and Surveillance of Nixa - security systems for schools and businesses The Herb Shop of Branson West - nutritional and supplement store Hensley Technologies, Inc. of Kansas City - supplying government agencies with high-tech electronic equipment Lee J. of St. Louis - fine men and women's clothing Educational Services Kim's Kids of St. Louis - day care/learning centers OCCU-TEC, Inc., of Kansas City - firm specializing in safety and environmental training Health & Social Services BENE-FIT Health and Fitness of Kansas City - fitness and health center Forum Home Health of St. Louis - in-home health care services Grace Weekend Clinic of Chillicothe - health clinic Luminomics of St. Louis - firm developing regenerative treatments for neurological diseases Optimal Lifestyles - of St. Louis - health/fitness consulting company My Zoo Animal Hospital of Columbia - veterinarian Construction Anderson Backhoe of Riverside - plumbing and site utility contractor BRK Electric of St. Louis - an electrical contractor DGR Associates of Belton - supplier of facility and housing maintenance Shaffer's Substation of Ellsinore - electrical substation construction business Starred clients were a part of the 2008 Client Showcase [more] Starred clients were a part of the 2006 Client Showcase [more] Starred clients were a part of the 2005 Client Showcase [more]

Visit the current Featured Entrepreneur