How does a 21-year-old take over an $850,000 business that has been a community staple since 1974?
For Alexis Campbell, the young manager of Withrow Sharpening and Sales, the answer came through the guidance and support of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC).
“I wouldn’t have a business without the Small Business Development Center and [Business Coach] Doug,” he shared.
Located in Huntington, Withrow Sharpening and Sales is the premier destination for top-quality woodworking equipment, materials and industrial sharpening services. The company even provides a local delivery service.
“We have the best products – they’re really great. But our service is really what puts us in that next category. We meet the businesses where they’re at,” Campbell said.
Campbell had been around the business most of his life and knew the ins and outs very well. However running a business involves far more responsibilities than simply working for one. When he decided to take the big leap of taking over the business, he turned to the WV SBDC and Business Coach Doug Harper for assistance.
Harper tackled the largest obstacle first: Campbell didn’t have a credit score because he had never applied for credit. Initially, it seemed like an uphill battle, but as Harper spent more time talking with Campbell, he became convinced Campbell was the right person for the job.
“What sold everybody was that Alexis has unique qualities. You can tell he’s hardworking, he understands the industry, and he’s just a really, really bright young man,” Harper said.
The business coach walked Campbell through the necessary steps and helped him prepare the required paperwork to secure a loan.
When Campbell walked into the bank, paperwork in hand, he felt confident and ready.
“When you open your folder up and you hand it to them, that’s a powerful statement—and that’s something that the Small Business Development Center and Doug Harper helped me do,” he said.
WV SBDC is an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. It helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources and coaches.
For more information about WV SBDC services and coaches, visit wvsbdc.com.
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