BLP celebrates small business development via #RLFWeek 2022

DW Coffee LLC is expanding from its Rochester location into Wind Lake with the purchase of real estate and equipment at 7910 S Loomis Rd. Owner Leslie Kinsey, who launched the business in 2021, will continue overseeing operations with support from her husband, Shawn. With help from lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank and RCEDC, funding was secured through the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), making the new location—with drive-thru service—possible.

Sound Decisions, a longtime automotive and electronics business in Racine County, is expanding its operations with the purchase of four adjacent commercial condominiums in Yorkville. Owner Chris Hilbert—who took over the business from his parents in 2013—will consolidate two companies, Sound Decisions and Echo Sales/MED, under one roof. With financing support from RCEDC and Josh Sopczak at Town Bank, Chris secured a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) with just 10% down, helping move this expansion forward. Today, the business operates as both a retailer and a regional distributor for top brands like Alpine, Viper, and Metra.

Oak Wine & Spirits is bringing a new tasting experience to downtown Waterford—offering self-serve wine and beer stations, premium spirits, and curated small bites in a relaxed, upscale setting. Owners John Palmer and Rebecca Vanwormer, both experienced local business owners, are combining their strengths to create a welcoming destination for both casual visitors and enthusiasts. With support from RCEDC and lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank, the pair secured Revolving Loan Fund financing with just 15% down, helping turn their vision into a reality.

Destroy Iron Fitness, owned by Cornelius Knottnerus (Neil) and Melissa Webster, is expanding its offerings with the help of a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), which covered 90% of the cost for new equipment. Since taking over in 2024, Neil has led the transformation of the gym into a 24/7 fitness center specializing in bodybuilding and strength training. With unused space ready to be filled and a commitment to creating a premier training environment, the new equipment will help round out their offerings and take the gym to the next level.

RCEDC helped secure a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for Modern Aesthetics Skincare to purchase a new MOXI laser, replacing outdated equipment and expanding the clinic’s advanced skincare offerings. Owned and operated by Cala Newholm, a licensed esthetician with over a decade of experience, the clinic opened in 2022 and offers personalized treatments to meet a variety of skin care needs.

I worked with BLP to secure an RLF loan and structured a deal with just 10% down. BLP and I worked seamlessly to make it happen.

The RCEDC team really worked hard to come up with the best solutions for both projects. They are great at keeping everyone on track and making sure that there are no surprises at the closing. The client was very happy with the results.

Lisa Rivers embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2022 to share her passion for preparing homemade food with others. Inspired by her childhood love of baking with an Easy Bake Oven, Lisa perfected her skills over the years by baking and cooking for family, friends, and co-workers. As her customer base grew, Lisa decided it was time to secure a fixed location for her business.

TS Food Packaging, formerly known as RoJo’s Popcorn and Troystar Packaging, began with a focus on private-label popcorn portion packs. Under the leadership of Robin J. Vos, who took over the company in 1996, TS Food Packaging expanded its product line beyond popcorn, now offering seasonings, oils, and even non-popcorn products.

Paul Sanchez's entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he founded Righteous Autos Inc., an auto repair and sales business that began in a one-car garage near Downtown Racine.

Sturtevant, WI – Bolstered by the acquisition of three loans from RCEDC and the receipt of a Sturtevant grant, M&J Krueger Trucking has been able to sustain growth and development at its current location.

In 2020, amidst the economic challenges resulting from the pandemic, the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) was charged with administering the CARES Act Recovery Assistance. The program was designed to provide a wide-range of financial assistance to communities, like Racine County, to help recover from the impacts of the pandemic.