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Brandon Gross is the owner of Line Craft LLC, an Ohio powerline construction business that specializes in restoring power grid outages caused by powerful storms and other natural disasters from Maine to Oklahoma. Mr. Gross began his business in February of 2022 after helping his friend start the same type of business, and quickly seeing his friend’s business go from a $300 investment to a multi-million-dollar company. He and his friend agreed there was enough work to go around for both of them to be incredibly busy and financially successful. Brandon now has 10 full-time employees and 50 to 70 on-standby employees who he deploys across the country during times of crisis.

SBDC advisor Karla Boldery assisted Brandon with creating a business plan for his SBA loan application at Huntington Bank. With Karla’s help, Brandon was able to obtain a $1.7 million dollar loan to purchase commercial property.  Brandon said he absolutely would not have been able to obtain the loan without Karla’s assistance and expertise. The commercial property purchased with the loan is now his business headquarters and it has ten rental properties attached that allow the business to generate side income.

We are thrilled to share the inspiring success story of Northern Yankee Moonshine, a journey that began in 2020 when Doug and Cheryl reached out to SBDC at ߣߣÊÓƵ University Regionals with a dream — to start a mini distillery that would craft exceptional moonshine.

The Vision Takes Shape: In the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, the dream of Northern Yankee Moonshine started taking shape. The challenges were apparent — finding the right location and securing funding. Together, we navigated these hurdles, turning obstacles into opportunities.

From Idea to Reality: After thorough planning and collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive business plan and projections, Cheryl and Doug successfully secured the essential funding required to acquire their envisioned location. In 2022, the doors of Northern Yankee Moonshine swung open wide at the charming 904 Hamburg St, Ripley, OH 45167. This significant moment not only signaled the inception of a business but also the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.

Crafting Excellence: Northern Yankee Moonshine is more than a distillery; it's a family-owned venture committed to producing high-quality moonshine that embodies the essence of the American South. From the original recipe moonshine to unique flavored varieties, Doug and Cheryl's dedication and craftsmanship have garnered them numerous awards, positioning them as industry leaders.

A Taste of Recognition: Doug Taylor, the founder, showcased his expertise on the reality show "Moonshiner’s Master Distiller" in February 2021, winning the coveted title of "Master Distiller" for his signature Honey Peach Brandy. This exceptional creation is set to be produced and distributed by Sugarlands soon.

Embracing Success: The Northern Yankee Moonshine family expresses gratitude for the unwavering support provided by SBDC at ߣߣÊÓƵ University Regionals. The journey from an idea to a thriving business would not have been possible without the time for planning, the guidance, and encouragement.

Get a Sip of Tradition: Northern Yankee Moonshine currently boasts 11 distinct products, with five available in Ohio Liquor stores. Their full range is proudly showcased at the distillery, inviting enthusiasts to savor the craftsmanship that defines each bottle.

937-392-4590
help@northernyankeemoonshine.com

547 Main Street Hamilton, Ohio 45011

The Studio is a paint-your-own-pottery place where people create unique Masterpieces & Memories. Located in the Main Street Business District & the heart of Hamilton, The Studio provides a relaxing creative space. From building the business plan & market research to choosing a location & securing capital, the SBDC provided the right resources to take this dream & turn it into a reality.

Initially, Dave Riggs at the SBDC was dedicating his knowledge & resources to help start a local cleaning company. Minimal assets, minimal employees, minimal needs. In small talk, my mom's idea of having a paint-your-own-pottery studio in town touched the table. Thanks to Dave's astounding insights & his confidence in us, the idea took off. Dave guided us through the pre-opening process all the way to our Grand Opening in September. Undeniably, the SBDC was monumental in bringing The Studio in Hamilton to life. With the help of the SBDC, The Studio has a solid foundation to provide an art & entertainment experience that benefits our community.

The Studio grows each day & our growth increases our ability to do more for our hometown of Hamilton. We look forward to fundraising for the Hamilton Fine Arts program in October, the Main Street Area Association in November, & The Caring Closet in December. We take pride in our part-time employees. Hamiltonians are creating more Masterpieces & Memories each week. Contrary to what the accountant says our greatest asset is not inventory nor the kiln; our greatest asset is Hamilton. Growing a small business is possible with the help of Dave Riggs & the Butler County SBDC.

The SBDC is comparable to Disney as a place where dreams come true.

2 S. Main Street Middletown, Ohio 45042
513-818-5174

When we first decided to start a business in Middletown we had no idea where to start. It was suggested that we visit the SBDC and see what services they could provide. I set up an appointment with David Riggs and we discussed what our plans where, what type of business we were interested in and how to structure it. He was very helpful in directing me with our Business Plans as well as supplying much needed information that I could use in my research. My partner and I attended a couple of free classes hosted by the SBDC in Hamilton and Middletown. As we were purchasing the property from the City of Middletown we had some added steps that needed to be negotiated. David was very helpful in assisting us during negotiations and helping us come to a conclusion so we could get the deal closed. I would suggest, and have, to anyone wanting to start a business no matter what the size to definitely utilize the SBDC as much as possible. They have a lot of resources that small business owners can find very helpful.