SUCCESS STORIES - customer success stories

Four Bands Accomplishments | Customer Success Stories

SUCCESS STORY HIGHLIGHTS-

RJ Lawrence - Lawrence Lawn Service: At seventeen years old, RJ has 10 years of business experience under his belt. When he was only 7 years old, he began mowing lawns to earn money. And in 10 years, his business, Lawrence Lawn Service, continues going strong. Read the full story (pdf)

Jesika Garrett - Detail Express: To many high school students, the thought of owning a
business isn’t reality. But for one Dupree High School senior, it’s a part of an everyday routine. Read the full story (pdf)

Willi Dolphus - Rosie's Closet: Willi approached Four Bands Community Fund with her idea of starting a new business. She then enrolled in the CREATE (Cheyenne River Entrepreneurial Assistance Training and Education) class. Read the full story (pdf)

Deedrah Seth: In the summer of 2007, Four Bands Community Fund embarked on an exciting journey to pilot a project to benefit youth on the Reservation. Deedrah Seth, a student at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte high school jumped on board to take a chance, and find out for herself what the program was all about. Read the full story (pdf)

Sherlynn Herrera: Sherlynn enrolled in and completed the Mazaska K’sapa Nitawa (Your Money Wisdom) Individual Development Account program. She gained valuable information about personal finance and later, she purchased a car with the money she saved in the program. Read the full story (pdf)

Jesselyn Cloud: Jesselyn’s internship required that she set aside a portion of her earnings in an Individual Development Account. Upon completion of the internship program, Jesselyn’s money savings was matched by Four Bands Community Fund. Read the full story (pdf)

Alli Moran: Alli became an entrepreneur at a young age. In grade school, she would bead necklaces for her friends and sell them for twenty-five cents. These days, through her participation in Four Bands’ programs, Alli is gaining valuable knowledge to become a successful businesswoman. Read the full story (pdf)

Jonathan Little Wounded and Melanie LeClaire: As part of the Credit Builder program, Jonathan and Melanie each completed a personal finance workbook, Credit When Credit is Due, around their busy work and family schedules. Read the full story (pdf)

Eva's Hair and Nails: Since October 2005, Eva Gilbert has owned and operated Eva’s Hair and Nails, a beauty shop in Eagle Butte. Eva attributes an increase in sales and her customer base to the educational, technical and financial support she has received from Four Bands Community Fund. Read the full story (pdf)

Kristy Circle Eagle: Realizing the demand for handmade star quilts, Kristy approached Four Bands Community Fund with an idea to start her own business. She completed Four Bands’ Cheyenne River Entrepreneurial Assistance Training and Education (CREATE) class and then applied for a microloan. Read the full story (pdf)

Alvina Iron Hawk: At Four Bands Community Fund, Alvina signed up for the CREATE class (Cheyenne River Entrepreneurial Assistance Training & Education Program). She completed a business plan, and later attended the Entrepreneurship Fair, where she found workshops on marketing and other business skills. Four Bands also provided Alvina with a microloan of $3,500, which she used to purchase a quilting machine and supplies. Read the full story (pdf)

JTR Trips: When Kevin Keckler, the previous owner of Northern Sports, decided to sell, there was stiff competition by potential buyers. The possibility existed that Eagle Butte would lose the business, should a new owner decide to relocate. However, due largely to the successful collaboration of SBA, SBDC, American State Bank in Pierre and Four Bands Community Fund, Inc., serving the Cheyenne River Reservation, ownership of this essential business is retained in Eagle Butte. Read the full story (pdf)

Nichole White Eyes, Owner, Graphic Gallery D&D Plumbing and Heating owned by Gerald Davidson

"I started my business in November 2004 after completing the C.R.E.A.T.E. Training Program offered by the Four Bands Community Fund. I have always had an interest in the graphic industry and had previously done a lot of designing and printing in the past as a hobby, but decided there was definitely a need for it in the Eagle Butte area. With help and persuading from family members, friends and Four Bands, I decided to take the risk and purchase the equipment and software needed to start up a small print shop in my home. I'm enjoying the challenge of creating and printing my own designs and it would not have been possible without the help of Four Bands and its great employees."

Nichole White Eyes, Owner
Graphic Gallery


Gerald Davidson, owner of D&D Plumbing and Heating in Eagle Butte, provides another success story. Gerald received technical assistance and a small business loan from Four Bands, then leveraged Four Bands' loan to obtain a small business loan and a loan guarantee from the US Small Business Administration. He used this support to expand his business by building a new retail space, a business office, and an area for sheet metal fabrication. The expansion also allowed Gerald to hire more employees. Gerald Davidson says, “Without the small business loan from Four Bands Community Fund, the new building would not have been possible for D&D Plumbing and Heating. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Four Bands!”